Universal Studios Hollywood is one of my favorite attractions in Southern California. But, like many theme parks, tickets can be pricey. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay full price—I know the best ways to get Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets from authorized sellers.
I’m a travel advisor who helps families plan Southern California vacations, and a certified Universal Studios Hollywood specialist. This guide shows you how to save, whether that’s through our authorized ticket store, a sightseeing pass like Go City, your Costco membership, a military discount, or an annual pass you already have.
Readers have bought more than 76,000 tickets through us since 2015. Below you’ll find 15 options, starting with the best value for most visitors.
Our Pick for the Cheapest Universal Studios Tickets
Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets and Upgrades, Explained
Skip ahead Already know which ticket you want? Jump to the prices.
Universal’s menu confuses people because three different things sit on it: admission, upgrades you add to admission, and separately ticketed events.
Admission This gets you into the park for the day, including rides, shows, and the World-Famous Studio Tour.
- 1-Day General Admission. One visit on the date you choose, priced by that date.
- Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free. Sold by Universal, not by us. It adds a return visit by December 16, 2026, outside the blockout dates.
- 2-Day General Admission. Two visits within 90 days, no blockout dates. The one to buy when your return visit falls after December 16 or on a blocked-out date.
Upgrades These attach to an admission ticket and are not admission on their own. Universal’s add-ons work with any same-date ticket, including ours.
- Universal Express. Shorter line at participating rides and shows, once per ride, per day. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is not included.
- Express Unlimited. Same, without the once-per-ride limit, and Hollywood Drift is still excluded. Universal sells it bundled with its own admission.
- Express Select. Three attractions only: Jurassic World, the Studio Tour, WaterWorld.
- VIP Experience. Guide, unlimited express, backlot trolley tour, meal, valet parking.
- Guided Theme Park Tour. A cheaper hosted day: unlimited express, walking tour, meal, valet.
- Backlot Photo Experience. A guided van tour to five to seven backlot locations for photos, about 90 minutes.
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Early Access. One hour in the land before the park opens.
- Power-Up Band. Not a ticket. An in-park band that tracks your Mario Kart scores.
- Dining Pass. Two entrees plus four snacks or drinks for one price.
Separately ticketed Halloween Horror Nights is not included with day admission. It has its own ticket, on select nights through November 1, 2026, and Universal does not recommend it for children under 13.
Cheapest Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets for Every Situation
Which ticket is right for you?
Never pay full price at the gate. Pick your situation:
★ Best value
Going for one day
Our discounted 1-Day ticket, under Universal’s online price.
From
$93.92
Going for two days
Universal’s Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free through December 16, or our 2-Day ticket with no blockout dates.
Skipping the lines
What Universal Express costs on a fall Saturday and a November weekday, and when it pays off.
From
$177.51
Visiting other parks on this trip
Go City, CityPASS, or a build-your-own combo, including San Diego parks.
Military family
Advance tickets through MWR/ITT offices or online with ID.me. Not sold at the gate.
Staying overnight
Vacation packages bundle discounted admission with dozens of hotels near the park.
Prices are starting “from” rates and move with your visit date, so check your dates before you buy. Seen a $49 or $59 ticket advertised? Here are the lowest real prices.
1. The #1 Best Deal: Cheapest Authorized Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
Best Deal For: Visitors who want the lowest legitimate price and simple, straight-to-the-gate entry.
Tickets are sold through aRes Travel, an authorized Universal Studios Hollywood seller based in San Diego that I’ve worked with for years. On a fall Saturday and a November weekday, the 1-Day, 2-Day, and Express tickets below each cost less than Universal’s own online price, and checkout added no fees.
Universal’s add-ons, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Early Access, can be bought directly from Universal for the same date and work alongside these tickets.
★ Best value · one day
1-Day General Admission
One visit on the date you choose. The price moves with the date, and on busy days a child ticket costs nearly as much as an adult’s.
Adult (ages 10+)from $102.36Child (ages 3–9)from $93.92vs $109.95 direct
2-Day General Admission
No blockout dates. Use the second visit within 90 days of the first.
Adult (ages 10+)from $143.18Child (ages 3–9)from $112.88Kids from $56.44/day
Universal Express + 1-Day Admission
Skip the regular lines with express access at participating rides, attractions, and seated shows, once per ride, per day. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is not included.
Ages 3+from $177.51vs $189.95 direct
VIP Experience + 1-Day Admission
Expert guide, unlimited express, backlot trolley tour, gourmet meal, and valet parking.
Ages 5+from $340.38vs $359.95 direct
Seasonal · Select nights through November 1, 2026
Halloween Horror Nights
Sold separately from regular admission, ages 13 and up. The 2 p.m. ticket adds late-afternoon park admission and early event access.
Evening GA (13+)from $74.152PM Day + Night (13+)from $112.67
Staying two days? Universal’s own Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free ticket, which we don’t sell, costs the same as its 1-day ticket on the dates we compared and adds a return visit. It beats a 2-Day ticket from us or from Universal if your return visit is on or before December 16, 2026 and not on a blockout date. Buy it on Universal’s ticket site.
Return-visit blockout dates still ahead: September 12, 19, and 26; October 3, 10, 17, and 24; November 27 and 28. For a later or blocked-out return visit, the 2-Day ticket above has no blockout dates.
2. Go City Los Angeles Sightseeing Pass
Best Deal For: Travelers visiting multiple Southern California theme parks
A Go City Los Angeles pass covers admission to more than 30 attractions, tours, and theme parks in Los Angeles and Southern California, including Universal Studios Hollywood.
Use it when you plan 2–3+ major attractions on the same trip. The park is only included on the All-Inclusive Plus pass, which also covers Knott’s Berry Farm, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, LEGOLAND California, and the San Diego Zoo.
How it works: buy online → add to the Go City app → reserve if required → show at participating attractions.
Note: Universal requires a same-day reservation, made in the Go City app on the morning of your visit. You can’t book it in advance. I use Go City when I travel.
(Pass has limited value for families in San Diego during Kids Free October.)
See also: 9 Benefits of the Go City Los Angeles Pass
3. Los Angeles CityPASS
Best Deal For: Travelers wanting sightseeing specifically in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles CityPASS can be a good value if you plan to visit Universal Studios Hollywood and several other paid attractions on the same trip. Its savings claim is measured against regular box office prices, so actual savings depend on your dates and choices.
You choose one or both headline attractions at purchase: Universal Studios Hollywood (a 1-Day ticket that currently includes a free second visit within 7 days of the first) and/or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
Then add one-time admission to three of: GRAMMY Museum, Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, SoFi Stadium Tours, or Starline Tours. You can choose these later, and your tickets are valid for 9 consecutive days.
Reservations are required for Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and Starline Tours. Instructions for doing this are included with your pass.
4. Create Your Own Combo Tickets
Best Deal For: Travelers wanting more control over multi-attraction trips
If you are not opting for the Go City Los Angeles pass, the best way to save on multiple parks is to add them individually to your cart on our ticket site. All of them are discounted.
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Disneyland (not included in Go City Los Angeles). Promo code works on non-promo Disneyland multi-day tickets.
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (use promo code to save $8 on 1-Day tickets)
- San Diego Zoo (use promo code to save $8 on 1-Day tickets)
- LEGOLAND California
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Six Flags Magic Mountain hasn’t been participating in sightseeing passes or combo tickets lately, so you’ll need to purchase tickets to this theme park separately. Knott’s Berry Farm participates in Go City sightseeing passes.
5. Universal Studios Hollywood Vacation Packages
Best Deal For: Travelers wanting Universal Studios Hollywood vacation packages
Our ticket site lets you combine discounted admission with hotel bookings. Bundle cheap tickets with a vacation package at dozens of nearby hotels, ranging from budget to luxury. These packages can also bundle other Southern California parks like Disneyland, not just Universal. Choosing nearby hotels has many benefits, including (hopefully) skipping notorious L.A. traffic.
Tip: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and other famous attractions are within a short distance of Universal City. As a travel advisor, I can also view pricing and build packages through Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations, giving me insight into the best deals. You can read more in my breakdown of hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood.
6. Luxury Hotels with VIP Programs + Discounted Tickets
Best Deal For: Travelers wanting discount Universal Hollywood tickets who like to stay in really nice hotels
It’s not an official vacation package. It pairs our discounted tickets with a Los Angeles luxury hotel booked through our advisory, where the stay comes with VIP benefits.
A Short List of Los Angeles Luxury Hotels Where We Have Benefits
Some 4+ and 5-star hotels where we can offer daily breakfast for two, resort credits, room upgrades and more through various VIP programs include:
- Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
- Beverly Wilshire
- InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
- The London West Hollywood
- 1 Hotel West Hollywood
- Loews Hollywood
- Andaz West Hollywood
- and many others
7. Discounted California Resident Tickets and Passes
Best Deal For: Locals who plan to visit twice or more in a year
California residents sometimes receive limited-time 1-day offers and a resident Neighbor Pass (details in #15).
These offers come and go throughout the year, but they usually appear during off-peak seasons.
8. Military Discounts
Best Deal For: Travelers who are active or retired U.S. military personnel
Year-round discount options are available to all active-duty U.S. military personnel, veterans, and retirees. These military tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood must be purchased in advance, either online or on base at participating MWR/ITT offices. They are unavailable at the gate.
Alternatively, military members can access discounts online through Universal’s website by verifying their affiliation with ID.me. The online offers are currently:
- $4 off per person on 1-Day General Admission and Universal Express tickets
- $20 off per pass on the California Neighbor Pass or Silver Annual Pass
- Special pricing on Halloween Horror Nights and Fan Fest Nights tickets
On-base offices sell discounted 1-Day tickets and a 12-Month Military Pass. Because the online military discount is small, our authorized tickets at #1 can cost less on the same date, so compare both before you buy.
9. Costco Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets & Season Pass
Best Deal For: Costco members who will visit twice or more
Costco doesn’t sell single-day tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood. They sell a season pass with over 180 days of access and blockout dates on return visits. It normally costs $179.99, and right now it’s $169.99 after a $10 manufacturer’s discount that runs through October 4, 2026.
Unlike the Neighbor Pass (valid 9 months), the Costco pass is valid for 11 months from your first visit. You’ll need to register your first visit date in advance, and that first visit must be on or before May 20, 2027. Registration can close up to 7 days ahead, so if you’re visiting within the next week, confirm registration is still open for your date before buying.
At either price, the pass pays for itself in under two visits compared to single-day tickets. But if you’re only going once, a discounted 1-day ticket from our Cheapest Tickets pick (#1) will save you more.
Note: For the most up-to-date information on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets from Costco, see Costco’s Universal Studios Hollywood listing.
Sam’s Club members: Sam’s Club also sells Universal Studios Hollywood tickets through its member ticket portal, including 1-Day, 2-Day, Buy a Day Get a 2nd Day Free, Universal Express, VIP Experience, and Halloween Horror Nights tickets. You’ll need to log in as a member to see prices. Kids’ 1-Day tickets there start around the same price as ours at #1, so compare the final totals before you buy.
10. Discounted AAA Universal Studios Tickets
Best Deal For: AAA members looking for a modest discount without shopping around
If you’re a member, you can buy Universal Studios Hollywood tickets through your regional AAA club’s discount site. The Auto Club of Southern California’s page lists these:
- 1-Day General Admission
- A limited-time 1-Day ticket that adds free express access to the Studio Tour
- Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free
- Universal Express and a 2-Day ticket
- The California Neighbor Pass and Silver Annual Pass
- Halloween Horror Nights
Other regional clubs run their own sites, so check yours. How to compare (quickly):
- Sign in to your club’s site and check the price for your date.
- Compare the final total, after any fees, to our 1-Day ticket at #1 for the same date.
- Read the refund terms before you pay.
Bottom line: AAA is convenient if you already have a membership and want to keep everything in one place.
11. Group Discounts
Best Deal For: Parties, school trips, or large family vacations
Groups of 10 or more can buy discounted tickets by calling Universal Group Sales at 818-622-1550 or submitting a request through Universal’s Groups & Events page.
12. College Student Discounts
Best Deal For: College students who can verify their status online
Universal Studios Hollywood offers special discounted tickets to college students. Go to the College Discounts page. Verify your student status there.
Admission pricing varies by day, so check your dates after you verify. College groups of 10 or more can email college@udx.com for group pricing.
13. AARP Discount for Seniors
Best Deal For: Seniors ages 50+ who are AARP members
If you are an AARP member, you can save up to 10% on Universal tickets. Compare the final price with our 1-Day ticket at #1 for your date before you buy.
14. Groupon Deals on Universal Tickets
Best Deal For: People who check Groupon first, but this isn’t where you’ll find the best price
Yes, Groupon lists Universal Studios Hollywood tickets. They are not currently priced lower than our discounted tickets. Groupon’s 1-Day and Express tickets start at the same prices Universal charges online.
You can always check whether Groupon has current deals.
15. Universal Annual Passes (Neighbor, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
Best Deal For: Southern California residents who plan to visit the park multiple times a year
One thing to note before purchasing is the Pass Member blockout dates, which include holidays and some weekends.
- Quick rule: The California Neighbor Pass costs less than two single-day tickets bought from Universal.
- Best for: Locals or repeat visitors. Only the Platinum pass has no blockout dates, so check the calendar if you want peak weekends and holidays.
- What to check: Your dates vs. blockout calendar; whether parking and merchandise discounts tip the math.
- Where to buy/compare: Check the pass price vs. your planned day-ticket total. If you only need one day, see Cheapest Tickets above. You can buy annual passes through Universal.
California Neighbor Pass
- Price: $179.95
- Valid for 9 months with over 150 days of access, including more than 25 weekend days.
- Benefits include special event invitations, discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family, discounted Halloween Horror Nights tickets, and 10-15% off at participating CityWalk locations.
Silver Annual Pass
- Price: $219.95
- Valid for 12 months from your first visit, with over 275 days of access, including more than 50 weekend days.
- Includes all the benefits of the California Neighbor Pass, with fewer blockout dates.
- 10-15% off at participating CityWalk locations.
- Discounted Halloween Horror Nights tickets
Gold Annual Pass
- Price: $299.95 online
- Valid for 12 months from your first visit, with over 325 days of access, including over 75 weekend days
- 10-15% off at participating CityWalk locations.
- Discounted Halloween Horror Nights tickets.
- You’ll receive a 15% discount on in-park food, beverages, and merchandise, free general parking (some blockout-date and evening restrictions apply), and the benefits offered in the Silver Annual Pass.
Platinum Annual Pass
- Price: $599.95 online
- Valid for 12 months with no blockout dates.
- This pass includes all the benefits of the Gold Annual Pass, plus Universal Express access to participating rides and attractions after 3 p.m., and a free Halloween Horror Nights ticket that you reserve online in advance for select nights.
Universal Express: What It Costs and When It Pays Off
Universal Express puts you in a separate, shorter line once per ride, per day, at participating rides, attractions, and seated shows. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is not on it, so plan on the regular line for the new coaster. Express is sold with a day of admission, and like admission, its price changes by date.
| Per adult | Sat, Oct. 17 | Tue, Nov. 10 |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day ticket, our store | $134.94 | $102.36 |
| Express + 1-Day, our store | $242.93 | $177.51 |
| What Express adds | $107.99 | $75.15 |
| Express + 1-Day, Universal | $259.95 | at least $189.95 |
The upgrade costs more on a Saturday, which is also when it saves the most time. On busy days (weekends, holidays, summer, spring break), wait times for popular rides like Mario Kart, Jurassic World, and Harry Potter can exceed 60–90 minutes. Express cuts those to 10–15 minutes, and you’ll realistically get through every major attraction.
On quiet weekdays (January, February, September, October), most rides are 15–25 minutes without Express. Save your money.
Ways to pay less for Express:
- Our store: Express with 1-Day admission, below Universal’s price on both dates in the table (#1).
- Military: $4 off Express online after ID.me verification (#8).
- Platinum Annual Pass: Express after 3 p.m., once per ride (#15).
Universal also sells Express Unlimited, which removes the once-per-ride limit and is sold bundled with its own admission, and an Express Select add-on for three attractions: Jurassic World: The Ride, The World-Famous Studio Tour, and WaterWorld. If you already have admission, Universal sells an Express add-on online for your ticket date.
The $49 Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket, Decoded
These are the lowest real prices behind the $49, $45, $39, and $59 searches. Each one depends on your visit date.
| Ticket | Kids 3–9 | Adults 10+ |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day, our store | $93.92 | $102.36 |
| 1-Day, Universal | $99.95 | $109.95 |
| Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free, Universal (2 visits) | $99.95 | $109.95 |
| 2-Day, our store | $112.88 | $143.18 |
The closest thing to a $49 day is Universal’s Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free ticket used for both visits, which Universal advertises as an average value from $55 per day for adults and $50 per day for kids. Universal’s own 1-day price changes by date, and the gate costs more. If you see a lower advertised price somewhere else, confirm the seller is Universal-authorized before you pay.
Universal Studios Hollywood Parking Tips
Parking prices vary by arrival time and proximity to the entrance. Here’s what to expect:
- General Parking: $40 before 5 p.m., $10 after 5 p.m.
- Preferred Parking: Starting from $60 before 5 p.m., $20 after 5 p.m. (prices vary by date)
- Front Gate Parking: Starting from $70 (closest to the entrance)
- Valet Parking: $25 for the first 2 hours, $60 after that
On Halloween Horror Nights dates, general and preferred parking cost the full daytime rate all day, with no after-5 p.m. discount.
Tip: I use the Universal Studios Hollywood app to set a parking reminder. This way, I don’t forget where my car is parked.
If you stay at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City or Sheraton Universal Hotel, you won’t need to move your car. The hotels share a shuttle to the park, or you can walk.
Fun Things to Do During Your Visit
Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:
- World-Famous Studio Tour
- Super Nintendo World
- Live Entertainment
- Universal CityWalk
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Super Silly Fun Land
- Shopping to grab exclusive merch
- Holiday events like Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (new!), the park’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster
See also: My Tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood Discount Tickets FAQs
Are there $49 Universal Studios Hollywood tickets?
No. Searches for $49, $45, $39, and $59 Universal Studios Hollywood tickets never stop, so let me settle it. No ticket at any of those prices exists on Universal’s own site, in our aRes Travel store, or through the sightseeing passes covered in this post.
The lowest real prices, and how Universal’s Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free ticket gets close to $50 a day, are in the $49 ticket, decoded.
Are there $59 Universal Studios Hollywood tickets?
No. There is no $59 ticket on Universal’s own site, in our aRes Travel store, or through the sightseeing passes covered here. On its lowest-priced dates, our store’s 1-Day ticket is $102.36 for adults and $93.92 for kids ages 3 to 9. See #1 for current pricing.
Does Costco sell $45 Universal Studios Hollywood tickets?
No. Costco does not sell single-day Universal Studios Hollywood tickets at $45 or any other price. What Costco does sell is the Universal Studios Hollywood Season Pass, normally $179.99 and currently $169.99 after a $10 discount that runs through October 4, 2026. It gives you 11 months of access from your registered first visit (first visit must be on or before May 20, 2027, blockout dates apply), and it pays for itself in under two visits compared to single-day tickets. See #9 for the full Costco breakdown.
Do I need a reservation for Universal Studios Hollywood?
You don’t need to make a reservation for Universal Studios Hollywood, but your ticket is issued for a specific date. You must visit on the date selected on your ticket. If your ticket shows a 6 a.m. time, ignore it; that’s just the earliest possible entry, and you can arrive whenever you like. Reservations are required if you use the Los Angeles CityPASS or Go City Los Angeles.
What other Universal Studios Hollywood discounts are available?
Beyond our cheapest authorized tickets at #1, you can save through Costco’s season pass or Sam’s Club’s member ticket portal (#9), AAA member rates (#10), military discounts (#8), Go City Los Angeles (#2), Los Angeles CityPASS (#3), college student tickets (#12), AARP membership (#13), or an annual pass (#15).
At the park itself, Universal Rewards Visa cardholders get 10% off select food, beverage, and merchandise purchases at participating park and CityWalk locations (mention the discount when you pay), and the Visa Everywhere Lounge is open to Universal Rewards Plus Visa Signature cardholders and up to three guests, noon to 5 p.m. daily.
Is there a friends and family discount at Universal Studios Hollywood?
If you have any Universal Studios Hollywood Annual or Season Pass, including the California Neighbor Pass, one of the many perks included is discounts on general admission for friends and family. Buy the discounted tickets online in advance through your pass member account. You’ll see the friends-and-family price once you log in with your Pass Member ID. The discount can’t be combined with other offers or used for separately ticketed events like Halloween Horror Nights.
How much do Universal Studios Hollywood fast passes cost?
A Universal Studios Hollywood fast pass is basically the Universal Express ticket upgrade. It gives you one-time express access to participating rides, shows, and attractions, excluding Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, but it does not include park admission unless you buy a combo ticket that includes it.
Express with 1-Day admission starts from $177.51 in our store and from $189.95 on Universal’s site, and both cost more on busy dates. The Universal Express section has a Saturday and a weekday side by side.
How do I get the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience?
Buy it with admission from Universal or through our store at #1. It includes an expert guide on a trolley tour of the backlot, where you can get off to walk around, plus unlimited express access to rides, attractions, and seated shows, a gourmet meal, and valet parking. Everyone in your group needs a VIP ticket. Children must be at least 5, guests under 17 need an accompanying adult, spaces are limited, and advance reservations are required.
Can you experience the whole park in one day?
Yes. Universal Studios Hollywood is much smaller than Disneyland or the Orlando parks, and most adults and older kids comfortably see everything in a single day, especially if you arrive at opening and prioritize the Lower Lot rides early. Families with little ones often choose two days, not because the park is too big, but for pace.
Touring all day with toddlers gets exhausting, so spreading the visit across two days lets you take an afternoon break, come back rested, and not miss anything. Universal’s own Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free ticket cost the same as its 1-day ticket on the dates we compared, so if your return visit can be on or before December 16 and outside the blockout dates, it is the cheapest way to split the visit (details at #1).
What’s the difference between the 1-day ticket and the BOGO?
Universal sells both, and on the dates we compared they cost the same. The Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free (BOGO) ticket adds a second visit, which must be completed by December 16, 2026 and cannot fall on a blockout date: September 12, 19, or 26; October 3, 10, 17, or 24; or November 27 or 28.
Our store no longer sells the BOGO. It sells the 1-day ticket for less than Universal does, so buy from us for one day and from Universal if you will use the second visit.
Is the World-Famous Studio Tour included with park admission?
Yes. Universal Studios Hollywood tickets include The World-Famous Studio Tour. No other Universal park has one. The tour takes you around the backlot, which is basically Hollywood’s largest set. You’ll go behind the scenes of your favorite Hollywood movies and TV shows.
You’ll see the sets from classics, such as Jaws and Frankenstein. The tour also takes you through the immersive King Kong 360 3-D experience, and you’ll pass real sets like Jupiter’s Claim from Jordan Peele’s Nope. The Fast & Furious: Supercharged tram finale has been retired. The franchise now has its own ride, the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster.
How can you get free parking?
Platinum and Gold Annual Pass holders get free general parking (some blockout-date and evening restrictions apply). Everyone else pays for parking, and the rates aren’t cheap. See the Universal Studios Hollywood Parking Tips section above for current rates and after-5 p.m. discounts.
How do I get tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Theme park guests don’t need additional tickets to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Your Universal Studios Hollywood ticket will get you into this popular attraction.
Here, you can shop for plenty of merchandise, ride Flight of the Hippogriff and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, buy a wand at Ollivanders, eat at Three Broomsticks, and much more.
Can I upgrade my ticket to include Universal Express?
You can upgrade your ticket at the Universal Box Office inside the park, subject to availability (I haven’t heard of it not being available lately). Usually, people do this to add Universal Express or to change to an annual pass.
Is the Universal Express Pass worth the money?
It depends on when you go. Express adds the most to your ticket on busy dates, which is also when it saves the most time, and on quiet weekdays the lines are usually short enough to skip it. The Universal Express section has prices for a Saturday and a weekday side by side, plus the ways to pay less.
Do I need separate tickets for Halloween Horror Nights?
Yes. Halloween Horror Nights is sold separately from regular admission, on select nights through November 1, 2026, and Universal does not recommend it for children under 13. You can buy it from Universal or through our ticket site.
Are Universal Studios Hollywood tickets refundable?
Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are nonrefundable and non-transferable once purchased, and there are no rain checks. The park operates rain or shine. The exception: when you buy through our aRes Travel store, you can add ticket insurance for $25 at checkout, which gets you a full refund if your plans change. Otherwise, tickets bought through an authorized seller are subject to that seller’s change policy.
Annual and season passes are also nonrefundable.
Are the discount tickets from La Jolla Mom legitimate?
Yes. Our ticket site at tickets.lajollamom.com (a subdomain of La Jolla Mom) is powered by aRes Travel, an authorized seller of Universal Studios Hollywood tickets and other major California attractions. We have helped readers purchase over 76,000 tickets since 2015. Tickets are delivered electronically and scanned directly from your phone at the park entrance.
What is the cheapest day to go to Universal Studios Hollywood?
Midweek dates cost the least. On our store’s calendar for September through December 2026, Tuesdays and Wednesdays carry the lowest 1-day price, Saturdays cost more, and November 23 through 28, December 12, and December 19 through 31 cost the most. Those midweek school-year dates also tend to have the shortest wait times. Check your date at #1, since the price moves day to day.
Learn also how to find the best prices for:
- Disneyland tickets
- Knott’s Berry Farm tickets
- Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets
- San Diego Zoo tickets
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets
- LEGOLAND California tickets
- SeaWorld San Diego tickets
- Universal Studios Orlando tickets
- Walt Disney World tickets
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom tickets
- SeaWorld Orlando tickets
Reviews of Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood:
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Hi, Question.
My friend and I just want to get the 1 day pass. If I buy here through your site, its legit that I will be getting in to the park? or please tell me more details.
Yes you will get into the park! They are legitimate tickets. Thanks for asking!
Just curious if anyone has ever bought from the site aRes before. And what has been your experience?
Thanks!
I actually buy these tickets personally for my daughter and her friends and once for myself. No problems. aRes is an authorized ticket seller.
We bought two adult and two child tickets for a mid-week one-day Universal visit. We saved a whopping, grand total discount of $16 with our AAA membership.
Do you have any idea when the Universal Studios California Neighbor pass may become available again?
I feel like it becomes available during off-peak times but I’m not sure!
hello! I have read on the blog that there is no longer an early entry to universal studios in hollywood when you buy the online ticket. That’s right?
thank you very much!
Need help with the Go City 1 day pass- universal studios Hollywood pass purchase.
Do I have to buy the 3 day pass on Go city and choose more attractions? Or can I purchase the 1 day pass and only purchase the Universal studios attraction?
You’ll have to buy the Go City Los Angeles pass that includes Universal Studios Hollywood which I believe is 2-day and higher.
I like your guide about Universal Studios. It I very helpful. But what does it mean, when it says 6am on the tickets? Do I need to be there at 6am to get in?
Regards Stine
That is a good question. You can arrive any time to use the tickets and can ignore the 6 a.m. time. I wish that wasn’t there but I suspect it just signals you can use it as soon as the park opens.