Los Angeles›Guides›Universal Studios Hollywood›Skip-the-line guide

How to Skip the Lines at Universal Studios Hollywood

By the BeatTheCrowd team · Updated 20 October 2026 · 3 min read

Quick answer

Arrive before opening and head straight to Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which build the longest lines. Use single rider lines where available, and pick a midweek day outside school holidays. On a busy weekend or holiday, the Universal Express ticket (one skip per ride) can save hours.

At a glance

General admission: About $109-154 per day, depending on the date
With Universal Express: About $209-309 per day (admission included)
What Express does: Skips the regular line once per ride, and gets you into Super Nintendo World without a timed reservation

How long are the lines at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Universal Studios Hollywood is smaller than the Florida parks, so lines bunch up around a handful of rides: Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge in Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the Studio Tour and Jurassic World. On a summer weekend these can run long for most of the day. Early morning is by far the best time for them.

🔑 The free skip-the-line hack

Before you choose your day, check how busy Universal Studios Hollywood is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for school holidays, public holidays and weather.

Check today’s crowds at Universal Studios Hollywood →

Your skip-the-line options

Option	Price	How it works
General admission	About $109-154	Standard lines. Book online for the best price
Universal Express	About $209-309 (incl. admission)	One skip-the-line ride on each attraction, plus Super Nintendo World entry without a timed reservation
Single rider lines	Free	Available on several rides. Check the official app on the day
VIP Experience	Much more	Guided, behind-the-scenes and front-of-line access

Prices change by date, so check the official site for yours. Online tickets are usually cheaper than at the gate.

A simple plan for shorter lines

Be at the gates before opening. Parking and security take time, especially at weekends.

Go straight to Super Nintendo World for Mario Kart, then Harry Potter next door.

Head to the Lower Lot (Jurassic World, Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers) by late morning. It's down a long set of escalators, so do it in one go.

Ride the Studio Tour in the afternoon, when its line often eases.

Use single rider whenever your group doesn't mind splitting up.

Best (and worst) times to go

Best: Tuesday to Thursday during school terms, particularly in January to early March and September to early November weekdays.

Worst: summer, weekends, US holiday weekends, spring break and the Christmas week.

Halloween Horror Nights: in the autumn, these evening events can mean earlier daytime closures on some days. Check the calendar.

🔑 The free skip-the-line hack

Our forecast for Universal Studios Hollywood includes US school breaks and holidays, so you can see which day of your trip will be calmest.

Check today’s crowds at Universal Studios Hollywood →

Practical info

Getting there	Metro B Line to Universal City / Studio City, then the free shuttle up the hill. Or drive and park in the official garages.
Layout	Upper Lot and Lower Lot, connected by long escalators. Plan your day to cross only once or twice.
App	The official Universal Studios Hollywood app shows wait times and Super Nintendo World reservations.
How long to allow	A full day.

Is Universal Express worth it?

On a weekend, a holiday or in summer, often yes: it roughly doubles the ticket price but can save several hours, and it takes the stress out of Super Nintendo World. On a quiet weekday with an early start, you can usually manage without it.

FAQs

How much is Universal Express at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Universal Express tickets cost about $209-309 per day including park admission, depending on the date.

Is Universal Express unlimited in Hollywood?

No. It gives you one skip-the-line ride on each eligible attraction.

What should you do first at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Head straight for Super Nintendo World, then the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

What is the least crowded day at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Tuesday to Thursday outside school holidays. Check our crowd forecast for your dates.