A trip to Universal Studios Hollywood is an exciting adventure full of thrilling rides, iconic movie sets, and immersive experiences.
However, one aspect that can dampen your visit is the long wait times for popular attractions.
While you can’t entirely eliminate lines at a major theme park, there are several strategies to help you minimize your time waiting and maximize your time enjoying everything Universal Studios has to offer.
In this article, we’ll cover wait times at Universal Studios Hollywood, factors influencing them, and the best ways to avoid long lines to ensure a smooth, fun-filled day at the park.
Insider Tip
Universal Studios Hollywood attracts nearly 10 million visitors annually, with over 35,000 guests flocking to its rides, shows, and attractions on peak days. These large crowds often lead to long lines at the ticket counters. To save time and skip the waiting, it’s best to purchase your tickets online in advance.
Key Takeaways
To avoid the crowd, arriving early and staying late is better.
Use the Universal Express Pass or Single Rider Lines to skip long queues for popular rides.
Check the Universal Studios app for real-time updates on wait times.
Plan your visit during off-peak times to experience shorter lines throughout the day.
Understanding wait times at Universal Studios Hollywood
Wait times at Universal Studios Hollywood depend on several factors:
Time of Year: During peak seasons like summer, spring break, and major holidays, wait times can exceed an hour for the most popular rides. Off-peak times, such as January, February, and early fall, generally see shorter lines.
Day of the Week: Weekends tend to be much busier, with longer wait times, while weekdays typically offer shorter queues.
Park Hours: Early mornings and late afternoons tend to have shorter lines as the visitors either haven’t arrived yet or have started to leave. Midday (around 11 am to 3 pm) is usually the busiest.
Special Events: Universal Studios holds special events like Halloween Horror Nights, which increase park attendance and wait times.
Ride Popularity: Rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World – The Ride, and The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash are incredibly popular and tend to have the longest wait times throughout the day.
Average wait times for popular rides

Universal Studios Hollywood has 12 rides that are very popular with visitors.
Mario Kart, which is the newest ride at the theme park, and The Jurassic World Ride are the park’s most popular attractions. While Mario Kart has an average waiting time of 65 minutes, the immersive boat ride over the river infested with dinosaurs has a wait time averaging up to 55 minutes.
The Simpsons Ride, a virtual reality roller coaster, is the third most popular ride. It also attracts long queues, with visitors waiting an average of 45 minutes.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, ranks as the fourth most popular ride, with wait times up to 40 minutes.
Other thrill rides, such as Transformers, Revenge of the Mummy, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and Secret Life of Pets, typically have wait times of around 30 minutes.
Average peak and non-peak waiting times
The rides | Peak times | Non-peak times |
---|---|---|
Mario Kart | 60-120 mins | 30-60 mins |
Jurassic World – The Ride | 60-120 mins | 30-60 mins |
The Simpson Ride | 60-90 mins | 30-45 mins |
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | 60-90 mins | 30-45 mins |
Transformers – The Ride | 50-70 mins | 25-30 mins |
Revenge of the Mummy | 50-70 mins | 25-30 mins |
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem | 40-60 mins | 20-25 mins |
Studio Backlot Tour | 40-60 mins | 20-25 mins |
Secret Life of Pets – Off the Leash | 40-60 mins | 20-25 mins |
Ollivanders | 30-45 mins | 15-20 mins |
Flight of the Hippogriff | 30-45 mins | 15-20 mins |
Kung Fu Panda Adventure | 30-45 mins | 15-20 mins |
Super Silly Fun Land | 15-25 mins | 0-5 mins |
Fast and Furious | 15-25 mins | 0-5 mins |
Average crowd level by month
Universal Studios Hollywood’s peak season runs from April to August. Crowds increase in April, peak in July, and taper off in August.
During these months, wait times are high on both weekdays and weekends.
If you’re visiting during peak season, getting a Universal Studios Express Pass is advisable, which grants you one-time express access to each ride, attraction, and show. Buy Express Pass!

If budget is not a concern, consider the VIP Experience Tour for the best experience.
March, September, and October are shoulder seasons with moderate crowds and shorter ride wait times. Weekdays during these months are relatively easy to navigate, but weekends remain busy.
December sees a spike in visitors due to the Christmas season, similar to March.
January, February, and November have the fewest visitors—less than half the number during peak months. Visiting during these off-season months allows you to enjoy the rides multiple times with minimal wait times.
Average waiting by day of the week
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are usually the best days to save time in ride queues, with average wait times around 30 minutes.
Saturday is the busiest day, featuring the longest queues and an average wait time of 55 minutes.
Sundays are also crowded, though not as much as Saturdays.
Day of the Week | Average Wait Times |
---|---|
Monday | 35 minutes |
Tuesday | 30 minutes |
Wednesday | 30 minutes |
Thursday | 30 minutes |
Friday | 35 minutes |
Saturday | 55 minutes |
Sunday | 45 minutes |
Tips to reduce wait times
No one enjoys waiting in long lines, but unfortunately, that’s a common experience at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Visitors usually encounter queues at two main spots: the ticketing counters at the entrance and the rides and shows inside the park.
However, if you follow a few simple tricks, you can avoid high wait times and use that chance to explore more of the park.
Buy your tickets in advance

Purchasing your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets online saves you both time and money.
Buying tickets online allows you to bypass the long lines at the ticket counters, which can stretch to 60 minutes during peak hours.
General Admission tickets cost around $169 at the gate for visitors aged ten and above and $163 for children aged three to nine.
However, when you buy the same tickets online in advance, depending on the day of your visit, prices range from $103 to $154 per adult and $109 to $148 per child.
These online savings do not apply to same-day purchases of 1-Day General Admission.
When you purchase tickets online, you can skip the lines and head straight into the park, allowing you to start enjoying Universal’s rides before the crowds arrive.
Buy Express Pass

The Universal Express Pass is the best way to skip the lines at rides and secure priority seating for shows.
This pass includes admission and one-time express access to each ride, show, and attraction.
While purchasing the Express Pass at the gate costs an additional $10 to $20, buying it online offers a discounted rate of $214 to $317 per person, depending on the day.
This online discount can significantly save money and time, allowing you to enjoy more without waiting in line. Buy Express pass!
Upgrade to Early-access ticket
Another tip to reduce wait times at Universal Studios Hollywood is to purchase a General or Express ticket and arrive at the park an hour before opening to upgrade it to an Early Access ticket.
This add-on grants you early entry to the famed Super Nintendo World, giving you a head start on popular attractions like Mario Kart and other Lower Lot favorites.
Additionally, you’ll enjoy Express access to the Studio Tour until 11 am, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Parking tip!
The Early Access add-on also shortens the time to park your vehicle and enter the theme park. You reach the attraction much before the others, so you will find a parking slot right next to the entrance. You can park your car within 5-10 minutes and breeze through security.
Use Universal’s mobile app

The Universal Studios Hollywood app allows you to find upcoming shows, reserve show times, check wait times, and locate restaurants and shops within the park.
Available for both iPhone and Android, the app offers several features to enhance your visit.
Get Alerts to Get in Line
Set alerts on the app for your favorite rides when wait times drop to five minutes and receive reminders for showtimes. These alerts help avoid unnecessary queueing and keep you on track with your planned itinerary.
Get in a Virtual Line
The app also lets you save a spot in the Virtual Line for select attractions. Choose a ride time for your group and spend your wait exploring the park.
You will receive an alert when it’s your turn to ride, and you can head to the attraction entrance anytime within your reservation window.
Tourists use the Universal Studios Hollywood app to make the most of their visit, minimizing wait times and maximizing fun.
Select the perfect day to visit
While every day at Universal Studios Hollywood offers fun, some days are better.
Weekdays in the fall, winter, and spring tend to be less crowded, making these the best times to visit if you want to avoid long lines.
Avoiding peak summer months and public holidays is wise to minimize wait times.
Pro tip: When attraction lines are long, use the time to shop for souvenirs.
Visit the Lower Lot first

To avoid lines, arrive at the theme park when it opens and start with the rides in the Lower Lot.
Most visitors begin with the Upper Lot rides and shows, reaching the Lower Lot later in the afternoon. This results in shorter wait times in the Lower Lot early in the day.
Be sure to check the minimum height limits for the rides at Universal Studios to plan your route effectively.
Pro tip: To save time and avoid multiple trips, complete all activities in the Lower Lot in one go. This minimizes your time on the StarWay and makes your visit more efficient.
Use the Single Riders line

If you’re on a budget and can’t afford the Universal Express Pass, consider using the Single Riders line to reduce wait times.
The Single Riders line is the fastest way to get on a ride if you’re visiting alone or don’t mind splitting up your group.
Here are the attractions that offer the Single Riders line:
- Jurassic World – The Ride
- Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
The Single Riders line is a free and efficient way to skip the lines and enjoy more of the park.
Hardcore theme-park fans visit both Disneyland Park and Universal Studios. Find out how to go from Disneyland to Universal Hollywood and vice versa.
FAQs about Universal Studios
Is Express worth it at Universal Hollywood?
Even though the Express Pass at Universal Studios costs $100 to $150 more than regular tickets (based on the day’s demand), it is worth it. The theme park limits the number of Express Passes sold daily, so the benefits of skipping the line are maintained.
Can you finish Universal Studios in one day?
Yes, you can finish Universal Studios Hollywood in one day. Most visitors find that 6-7 hours is enough to see the park’s main sights and experiences. While you could spend multiple days exploring everything the theme park offers, 6-7 hours should cover the essentials. If you want to see absolutely everything, two days would be ideal. Staying at a Universal resort is recommended since it provides express passes and early entry, making it easier to enjoy the attractions without long wait times. Generally, you can expect 80%-90% of the park in one day.
How long does it take to ride everything at Hollywood Studios?
You need at least two days to board all the rides at Universal Studios. However, you need at least 6-7 hours to ride the most important rides.
Does Universal Studios Hollywood let you in early?
Arriving at the park entrance 30 minutes early can sometimes get you in ahead of schedule, depending on the day. While not all attractions may be open yet, this gives you a valuable head start. Additionally, you can purchase the Super Nintendo World Early Access ticket, allowing you to enter one hour before the scheduled park opening.
How early should I get to Universal Studios Hollywood?
Universal Studios tickets are not timed, so you can enter whenever you like. However, we recommend starting early. Parking opens two hours before the park, so plan to arrive with plenty of time to park, walk to security, and pass through the metal detectors. If you arrive early, you’ll park in the farther lots and walk through Universal CityWalk, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes, to reach the security screening area.
Is Universal less busy than Disney?
Since Disneyland offers more activities for children aged two to twelve, families with younger kids will find it more crowded. Universal Studios tends to be busier around rides popular with pre-teens and teens. However, Universal Studios provides more space to spread out, making the rest of the rides and shows less congested.
Is Universal Hollywood worth it?
Despite the notoriously long wait times, visiting Universal Studios Hollywood is definitely worth it if you love movies and TV shows or enjoy the thrill of roller coasters.
The tour of the Universal Studios backlot offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at iconic film and TV sets, making it a must-visit for film enthusiasts. Families with kids will find plenty of attractions to enjoy, making it an ideal destination for a fun-filled day.
To maximize your experience, plan to arrive early and stay late, ensuring you get the most out of your visit to this iconic Los Angeles theme park.

Experience with zero wait times
If money isn’t an issue, but your experience at Universal Studios Hollywood matters, you should opt for the VIP Experience Ticket. It costs between US$ 379 and US$ 479 per person (on select days). It gets you unlimited priority access to all rides, attractions, shows, a continental breakfast, a gourmet lunch in the VIP dining room, valet parking, and an exclusive Universal Studios Backlot Tour.