Islands of Adventure, one of Universal Orlando Resort’s premier theme parks, is known for its thrilling rides and immersive attractions.
It is located within Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. Find it on Google Maps.
Situated just north of Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure is easily accessible via CityWalk.
This guide covers the best routes to reach the park from various locations, including CityWalk, Universal hotels, and different areas in Orlando.
Different ways to reach Volcano Bay water park
From Universal CityWalk
CityWalk serves as the central entertainment and dining hub of Universal Orlando Resort, offering multiple options for guests heading to Islands of Adventure.
🚶♂️ Walking (Recommended)
The fastest and most direct way to reach Islands of Adventure from CityWalk is by walking. Once you arrive at CityWalk from the parking garages, follow the clearly marked signs toward the entrance of Islands of Adventure. The walk takes approximately 5-7 minutes along a scenic, lively pathway with music, entertainment, and views of attractions like The Incredible Hulk Coaster in the distance.
🚍 Universal’s Complimentary Shuttle (For guests with mobility issues)
For guests who need assistance, Universal provides a free shuttle service from the transportation hub near the parking garages to the theme park entrances. While walking is usually quicker, the shuttle offers a convenient and accessible alternative, especially for those traveling with small children, strollers, or mobility devices. Shuttle service operates frequently throughout the day.
From Universal Orlando Resort hotels
If you’re staying at one of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels, getting to Universal Studios Florida is easy and convenient.
Here are the best ways to reach the park based on where you’re staying:
🚶♂️ Walking (Available for select hotels)
Some hotels are close enough for a quick and pleasant walk to the park:
- Hard Rock Hotel – Just a 5-minute walk using a private entrance that leads directly to Universal Studios Florida.
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort – A 10-minute walk along a scenic path.
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – A 12-minute walk via a pedestrian bridge that connects to CityWalk.
🚍 Universal’s complimentary water taxi
Guests at certain Universal hotels can enjoy a relaxing boat ride to CityWalk, from where it’s a short walk to Universal Studios Florida. The ride takes 5 to 7 minutes and boats depart every 15 minutes.
Hotels with water taxi service:
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
🚍 Universal’s complimentary shuttle (For hotels further away)
If you’re staying at a hotel farther from the parks, Universal provides a free shuttle that runs regularly throughout the day. The ride usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the hotel location.
Hotels with shuttle service:
- Aventura Hotel
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Dockside Inn & Suites
- Surfside Inn & Suites
🚖 Uber, Lyft, or Taxi
If you prefer a private and quick ride, rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, or taxis are available from all Universal Orlando hotels. The ride to Universal Studios Florida takes about 5 to 7 minutes, and fares typically range from $7 to $15, depending on distance and demand.
From other theme parks
If you’re at another Universal Orlando theme park and need to get to Universal Studios Florida, here’s how you can do it:
From Universal Studios Florida
- Walk – The simplest way is to walk through CityWalk. It takes just 5 minutes to reach the entrance of Islands of Adventure.
- Hogwarts Express – If you have a Park-to-Park ticket, hop on the Hogwarts Express from King’s Cross Station (inside Universal Studios Florida) to Hogsmeade Station (inside Islands of Adventure). This immersive train ride is a must-try for Harry Potter fans!
From Volcano Bay
- Universal’s Free Shuttle – Take the complimentary shuttle bus from Volcano Bay’s transportation hub to CityWalk, then walk to Islands of Adventure in just a few minutes.
- Uber or Lyft – Need a quicker option? Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft take about 5 minutes and cost $7–$12, depending on demand.
Using public transportation to reach Universal Studios Florida
If you’re not staying at a Universal hotel and don’t have a car, you can still reach Islands of Adventure using Orlando’s public transportation system.
There are several budget-friendly options, including buses, trolleys, and trains, to help you get to the park easily and affordably.
LYNX public bus (Best for budget travelers)
The LYNX public bus system is a great option for visitors looking for an affordable way to reach Universal Orlando Resort.
- Routes 38 and 21 serve the area, with a convenient drop-off at Universal Boulevard & Hollywood Way, just a short walk from CityWalk and the entrance to Islands of Adventure.
- A one-way fare costs just $2, while an all-day pass is $4.50, making it a budget-friendly choice.
- Buses run every 30 to 40 minutes, so plan ahead to avoid long waits.
I-RIDE trolley (For tourists on international drive)
If you’re staying along International Drive, the I-RIDE Trolley is a low-cost and convenient way to get to Universal Orlando.
- The Red Line stops at Stop #9, near Universal Boulevard, allowing easy access to CityWalk and Islands of Adventure.
- Fares are $2 per ride or $5 for an all-day pass, making it an affordable alternative for tourists who don’t want to drive.
SunRail (For commuters traveling from outside Orlando)
For visitors coming from areas outside Orlando, SunRail provides a comfortable train option.
- Take the train to the Orlando Health/Amtrak Station, the closest SunRail stop to Universal Orlando Resort.
- From there, hop on LYNX Bus Route 38, which offers a direct connection to Universal Orlando.
- SunRail ticket prices vary based on distance, ranging from $2 to $5.50, making it a good option for those traveling from further away.
With these public transportation options, reaching Islands of Adventure is easy, affordable, and hassle-free!
Self-driving and taxi options to Islands of Adventure
If you’re driving yourself or prefer a taxi or rideshare service, reaching Islands of Adventure is simple and convenient. Here’s what you need to know:
🚗 Driving to Islands of Adventure
If you prefer the flexibility of driving, getting to Islands of Adventure is easy.
Use 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 in your GPS or mapping app to navigate directly to Universal Orlando Resort.
If traveling via I-4, take Exit 75A (Universal Blvd.) or Exit 74B (Hollywood Way) for direct access.
Guests coming from International Drive can follow signs leading to Universal Orlando Resort.
It takes around 20 minutes from Downtown Orlando and about 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport.
Upon arrival, follow the signs to the parking garages, then walk through CityWalk to reach Islands of Adventure.
🚖 Taxi & Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
For a hassle-free experience, taking a taxi, Uber or Lyft is a great option.
The cost typically ranges between $15 and $40, depending on the distance, demand, and time of day.
Universal Orlando has a designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up area near the parking garage entrance, making it easy to access CityWalk and head to Islands of Adventure.
Parking at Universal Orlando Resort
Islands of Adventure shares parking with all Universal Orlando Resort attractions, including Universal Studios Florida and CityWalk.
The resort features two massive parking garages with a total capacity of 20,000 cars, making parking convenient and accessible.
Universal’s parking garages are divided into sections themed after movies like Jurassic Park, King Kong, and Spider-Man, with color-coded rows to help guests find their vehicles easily.
After parking, guests walk through CityWalk, following signs to reach Islands of Adventure.
🚗 Parking Fees at Universal Orlando
General Parking: $27–$32
Prime Parking: $50–$60
Prime Upgrade: $32
RV/Bus Parking: $32–$42
Valet Parking:
- Less than 2 hours: $27–$32
- More than 2 hours (before 6 pm): $75
- More than 2 hours (after 6 pm): $40
Tip: Be sure to take a picture of your section, level, and row number so you can find your car later easily
How to Get Free Parking?
✅ Arrive after 6 pm – Parking is free most nights after 6 pm, except during special events like Halloween Horror Nights.
✅ Watch a Movie at Universal Cinemark – Buy two or more movie tickets for a matinee show and get free parking. Just show your parking receipt at the Cinemark box office for reimbursement.
✅ Get Dropped Off – If you don’t want to pay for parking, arrange for someone to drop you off at the designated drop-off area near the parking complex.
