Volcano Bay is a water theme park located at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida.
It is located to the south of Universal CityWalk. and close to other theme parks like Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Volcano Bay is situated at:
📍 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States. Find it on the map.
While it’s not directly accessible from the Universal Orlando CityWalk, reaching it is still easier and more convenient.
In this article, we will guide you through the best ways to reach the Volcano Bay theme park and tell you everything from transportation options to parking tips for your smooth visit.
Different ways to reach Volcano Bay water park
From Universal CityWalk
Volcano Bay is located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from Universal CityWalk. While it may seem close, walking is not recommended since there are no direct pedestrian paths between the two locations.
Here’s how you can reach Volcano Bay from CityWalk:
🚍 Universal’s complimentary shuttle (recommended)
The best and most convenient way to get there is by taking Universal’s free shuttle from the transportation hub near the parking garages. The shuttle runs frequently throughout the day and takes 5 to 10 minutes to reach Volcano Bay.
🚖 Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or taxi
If you prefer a private ride, you can use Uber, Lyft, or a taxi from CityWalk’s designated pickup area. The trip takes about 5 minutes and costs between $7–$12.
🚶♂️ Walking to the shuttle pickup point
Although you cannot walk directly to Volcano Bay, you can walk to the shuttle stop. From CityWalk, head towards Universal Studios Florida’s entrance, continue to the Parking & Transportation Center, and board the free shuttle to Volcano Bay.
From the Universal Orlando Resort hotels
Universal Orlando Resort offers several convenient ways for hotel guests to reach Volcano Bay quickly and easily. Depending on where you’re staying, you can either walk, take a shuttle, or drive.
Here’s how you can reach Volcano Bay easily:
🚶♂️Walking (Only for select hotels)
Guests staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Aventura Hotel, and Sapphire Falls Resort can walk directly to Volcano Bay using a dedicated walking path.
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort: A 5-minute walk via a private entrance.
- Aventura Hotel: About 5–7 minutes on foot.
- Sapphire Falls Resort: A 10-minute walk using the pathway near Aventura Hotel.
✅ Best for Guests at these three hotels who prefer a quick and easy walk to the park.
🚍 Universal’s complimentary shuttle (recommended)
Guests staying at Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort, and Endless Summer Resort (Dockside & Surfside) can take Universal’s free shuttle bus to reach Volcano Bay.
- Pickup Location: Near the hotel entrance.
- Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes throughout the day.
- Travel Time: Around 5–10 minutes, depending on the hotel location.
- Drop-Off Point: The Volcano Bay entrance.
✅ Best for Guests at hotels without a direct walking path who want a free and convenient option.
🚖 Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, or Taxi)
For a private and faster option, you can book an Uber, Lyft, or taxi from any Universal Orlando Resort hotel.
- Pickup Location: Hotel entrance or designated rideshare zone.
- Ride Duration: 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the hotel.
- Cost: Between $7 to $15.
✅ Best for small groups or families who prefer a direct ride without waiting for a shuttle.
From Universal Orlando, other theme parks
To reach Volcano Bay from Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, take Universal’s complimentary shuttle from the transportation hub near CityWalk’s parking garages.
The ride takes 5 to 10 minutes and runs frequently. Walking is not an option, as there are no direct pedestrian paths.
Alternatively, Uber, Lyft, or a taxi can take you from the theme parks to Volcano Bay in about 5 minutes, costing $7 to $12.
Using public transportation
If you’re not staying at a Universal hotel and don’t have a car, you can still reach Volcano Bay using public transportation options in Orlando.
Here’s how you can reach Volcano Bay using public transportation:
LYNX Public Bus (Budget-friendly option)
Orlando’s LYNX public bus system provides a budget-friendly way to reach Universal Orlando Resort, with routes connecting key areas like International Drive.
To get there, take LYNX Bus Route 38 or Route 21, which stops near Universal’s transportation hub at Universal Boulevard and Hollywood Way.
The fare is just $2 for a one-way trip or $4.50 for an all-day pass.
Once you arrive, simply walk to the transportation hub and board the free Universal shuttle, which will take you directly to Volcano Bay.
I-RIDE Trolley (For tourists staying on International Drive)
For tourists staying along International Drive, the I-RIDE Trolley provides an easy and affordable way to reach Universal Orlando.
Simply hop on the I-RIDE Trolley Red Line and ride to Stop #9 on Universal Boulevard, which is the closest stop to Universal.
A single ride costs $2, while a day pass is available for $5.
Once you arrive, walk to the Universal transportation hub, where you can board the complimentary shuttle to Volcano Bay, making the journey smooth and hassle-free.
SunRail (Commuter train for travelers outside Orlando)
For visitors traveling from areas outside downtown Orlando, SunRail offers a convenient commuter train option, though it requires an additional transfer.
To reach Universal Orlando, take SunRail to the Orlando Health/Amtrak Station, which is the nearest stop to Universal.
From there, board LYNX Bus Route 38, which will take you directly to Universal Orlando Resort.
The total fare depends on the distance traveled, with SunRail tickets ranging from $2 to $5.50.
Once at Universal, head to the transportation hub and take the free shuttle to Volcano Bay for the final leg of the journey.
Self-driving and taxi options from outside the resort
If you’re traveling to Volcano Bay from outside Universal Orlando Resort, you can drive yourself or take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft for a private traveling option.
You just have to use GPS directions to reach Universal Orlando.
Note that Volcano Bay does not have its own parking lot. All visitors must park at Universal Orlando’s main parking garage, located near CityWalk.
After parking, you must take Universal’s complimentary shuttle bus, which departs from the transportation hub and reaches Volcano Bay in about 5 to 10 minutes.
For those looking to skip the hassle of parking, taxis, Uber, and Lyft provide a convenient and stress-free transportation option.
Fares range from $15 to $40, depending on factors such as distance, demand, and time of day.
Parking at Universal Orlando Resort & getting to Volcano Bay
For Volcano Bay, since there is no direct parking lot, guests must park at Universal’s garages and take the free shuttle to the water park.
Universal Orlando Resort offers two large parking garages with a total capacity of 20,000 cars.
Parking sections are themed after Universal movies like Jurassic Park, King Kong, and Spider-Man, with color-coded rows for easy identification.
🚗 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 at Universal Orlando Resort?
- After 6 pm: Parking is free most nights after 6 pm, except on special event nights like Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) or Mardi Gras concerts. On HHN nights, parking is free after midnight.
- Movie Matinee at Universal Cinemark: Guests attending a matinee show can get free self-parking by purchasing two or more tickets. Simply pay for parking, then show your movie tickets and receipt at the Cinemark box office for reimbursement.
- Drop-Off: Avoid parking fees by having someone drop you off at the parking complex.
Now that you know the best ways to reach Volcano Bay, it’s time to plan your visit! Make sure to check Universal Orlando’s latest park hours, ticket deals, and hotel options for creating a hassle-free itinerary.
