Universal Orlando Transportation Options
If you’re planning a Universal vacation and wondering about Universal Orlando transportation options, this is for you! Unlike Disney, there aren’t complicated systems to figure out, and once you know which options go with which hotels, it’s very easy to get around the resort.
There are three main Universal transportation options used to get between the hotels, CityWalk, and the parks:
- Water taxis
- The Garden Walk (a walking path)
- Complimentary shuttle buses
Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a travel blogger, and a long-time Universal Annual Passholder. Contact me for more information. I’d love to help you book your Universal Orlando vacation!
This post was originally made as a video; check it out if you prefer your content in video form: Transportation options at Universal Orlando video.
If you’re flying into Orlando for your vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the absolute best rates on rental cars; you don’t pay until you pick it up, and cancellation is free.
Water Taxis at Universal Orlando
Water taxis are available at select Universal hotels and are among the easiest ways to reach CityWalk. Water Taxis sometimes allow you to board with your stroller, though you’ll need to fold it if there isn’t enough room. If you need to rent a stroller, we recommend Orlando Stroller Rentals
Water taxis operate from:
These hotels are all close to CityWalk, so boat rides are fairly short. Water taxis run continuously throughout the day and evening. We have a blog post dedicated to which Universal Hotels have the water taxi.
I’m often asked if you can use the water taxis if you’re not staying at a Universal hotel, and the answer is yes! (Probably).
While there is no official answer, we’ve never seen anyone ask where they are staying. Universal wants you to visit their hotels to dine, shop, and maybe plan your next trip!
Using Water Taxis from Nearby Hotels
Guests staying at Aventura Hotel can walk over to Sapphire Falls and use the water taxi from there. While Cabana Bay guests can technically reach Sapphire Falls on foot, it’s a long walk and not especially practical for most families. Because of that, Cabana Bay guests usually rely on the shuttle buses instead.
The Garden Walk is a walking path that connects some of the Universal hotels to CityWalk. Many parts of the path are shaded. If you don’t want to deal with folding a stroller or waiting in a long line, this is preferable to the buses.
Hotels with Garden Walk Access
Hotels with direct Garden Walk access include:
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Royal Pacific Resort
- Portofino Bay Hotel
- Sapphire Falls Resort
- Aventura Hotel (via Sapphire Falls)
From the Signature Resorts in particular, walking is often just as fast as waiting for transportation.
Garden Walk from Cabana Bay
Cabana Bay looks close to Aventura and Sapphire Falls, and it is, but there is no direct road crossing. Guests have to take a longer route that goes up and over the roadway, which adds time and distance.
It is NOT safe to cross between resorts directly on the road with no crosswalk; don’t attempt it!
Because of this, the Garden Walk from Cabana Bay is significantly longer than from other hotels and isn’t ideal for many families, especially those with young kids.
That said, it’s worth noting Cabana Bay’s convenient location to Volcano Bay. There is an entrance from Cabana Bay directly to Volcano Bay. If the waterpark is a primary draw for your Universal Orlando vacation, Cabana Bay is an excellent choice.
Check out 15 Genius Volcano Bay Tips to learn more about Universal’s one-and-only water park.
Universal Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses are the most common Form of transportation at Universal and are available at every Universal-owned hotel. You will need to fold strollers when taking the Universal shuttle buses, so make sure to do that ahead of time to keep things running smoothly.
How Universal Shuttle Buses Work
Universal shuttle buses run continuously throughout the day and late into the evening. Buses transport guests between the hotels and CityWalk, where everyone goes through security before entering the parks. Wait times are usually short, but can be longer if the parks are very busy.
Hotels That Primarily Use Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses are the main transportation option for:
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Universal Endless Summer Dockside Inn and Suites
- Universal Endless Summer Surfside Inn and Suites
For guests staying at Dockside or Surfside, shuttle buses are really the only practical Universal transportation option, since there is no access to the Garden Walk, and walking along the roadway is not recommended. You don’t want to walk over I-4, trust me.
We have full reviews of Dockside and Surfside in both blog post and video form!
Universal Partner Hotel Transportation
Universal partner hotels also offer shuttle service, but it’s typically limited to just a few scheduled runs in the morning and evening. Universal-owned hotels offer far more flexibility since their buses run all day.
Transportation to Epic Universe Hotels
Epic Universe adds a new hotel area to Universal Orlando, along with new transportation considerations.
Epic Universe Area Hotels
The hotels located near Epic Universe include:
Check out The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Hotels if you’re trying to figure out where to stay!
Transportation Between Epic Universe Hotels and the Parks
Complimentary Universal shuttle buses run between:
- Epic Universe hotels
- Epic Universe theme park
- Universal Studios Florida
- Islands of Adventure
This makes it easy to stay in the Epic Universe area while still visiting the original Universal parks. It’s typically about a 15-minute ride from the Epic Universe area to CityWalk, although traffic is always a consideration.
Walking Access at Epic Universe Hotels
Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers direct access to Epic Universe, allowing guests to walk straight into the park.
Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort both have dedicated walking paths to Epic Universe, allowing guests to walk instead of taking a bus.
Security and Universal Transportation Options
One factor that affects timing is security. Guests arriving via water taxi or the Garden Walk use a separate security checkpoint, while shuttle buses drop guests at the main security hub.
During busy times of day, this can make a noticeable difference in how long it takes to get into the parks.
Universal Orlando Transportation Options
There you have it, three simple Universal Orlando transportation options.
If you’re ready to plan your family’s trip to Universal Orlando or need a little help figuring it all out, contact me today! I’d love to help you plan the perfect Universal vacation for your family.
We have lots more Universal Orlando and Epic Universe tips on the blog. Check them out!
- Universal Mardi Gras Menu
- Everything you need to know about Dinosaurs at Universal Orlando
- The Legend of Zelda at Universal Orlando (what we know so far)
- A Guide to Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World
About Florida Travel With Kids
Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.
Did you enjoy this post? I would love it if you would pin it for later! Or, make sure to share it with your friends on social media if they are looking for things to do in Florida with kids.
Where to see Manatees at Disney World
Leave a Reply