Whether you are a long-time Walt Disney World guest looking to switch your vacation up or you are visiting Orlando for the first time, planning a visit to Universal Orlando Resort poses a lot of questions. Today we will cover Universal Orlando Resort’s resort transportation options.
Overview
Universal Orlando Resort sits on roughly 750 acres of land bifurcated by Interstate 4. The resort features several modes of transportation to move guests from parking garages and hotels to their destinations.
Busses
The most common means of transportation at Universal are busses. Busses run frequently and quickly – often one is staged prior to another’s departure. Mears operates Universal’s bus line and each bus features a modern design, air-conditioning, ample lighting, ADA compliance, and an in-bus video system.
Buses continuously depart from their destination.
| Departure | Available | Time to CityWalk/USF/IOA | Time to Volcano Bay |
| Parking Garage | Yes | N/A | 5 minutes |
| Portofino Bay | Yes | 5 minutes | 9 minutes |
| Hard Rock Hotel | Yes | 4 minutes | 7 minutes |
| Royal Pacific | Yes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Sapphire Falls | Yes | 5 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Aventura | Yes | 6 minutes | N/A |
| Cabana Bay | Yes | 7 minutes | N/A |
| Endless Summer | Yes | 5 minutes | 8 minutes |
Walking access to Volcano Bay is offered for Aventura and Cabana Bay, see below for more information.
Water Taxis
Similar to the Friendship launches available around the EPCOT resorts, Universal Orlando offers water taxi service from select resorts to CityWalk. From the CityWalk dock, it is a short walk to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Despite being a water park, no water taxi service is offered to Volcano Bay.
Boats depart roughly every 5 to 10 minutes.
| Departure | Available | Time to CityWalk/USF/IOA | Time to Volcano Bay |
| Parking Garage | No | N/A | N/A |
| Portofino Bay | Yes | 7 minutes | N/A |
| Hard Rock Hotel | Yes | 3 minutes | N/A |
| Royal Pacific | Yes | 5 minutes | N/A |
| Sapphire Falls | Yes | 6 minutes | N/A |
| Aventura | No* | N/A | N/A |
| Cabana Bay | No* | N/A | N/A |
| Endless Summer | No | N/A | N/A |
| *Boat transportation is not available at the resort but is within walking distance to the Sapphire Falls boat shuttle. The walk from Aventura to Sapphire Falls boat dock is roughly five minutes; from Cabana Bay it is roughly 7 to 15 minutes. | |||
Walking
Pump up those kicks, it is time to walk! All the hotels, except Endless Summer, feature walking paths from the hotels to the theme parks. The paths are well lit, patrolled by security, and feature lush foliage. Directional signage along the paths directs you to Universal’s hotels and attractions.
Walking times will depend on your hotel room location. A room at the edge of the property near the walking path will take a shorter amount of time than a room located on the opposite side of the hotel. Google Maps’ walking directions are linked below for reference.
| Departure | Available | Time to CityWalk/USF/IOA | Time to Volcano Bay |
| Parking Garage | Yes | 2 – 5 minutes | 25 – 30 minutes |
| Portofino Bay | Yes | 16 – 18 minutes | 39 – 42 minutes |
| Hard Rock Hotel | Yes | 4 – 6 minutes | 31 – 33 minutes |
| Royal Pacific | Yes | 6 – 8 minutes | 17 – 20 minutes |
| Sapphire Falls | Yes | 12 – 15 minutes | 7 – 10 minutes |
| Aventura | Yes | 18 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Cabana Bay | Yes | 19 – 25 minutes | 2 – 6 minutes |
| Endless Summer | No | N/A | N/A |
| Note: Guests returning from USF and IOA to Cabana Bay will need a key card to cross the pedestrian bridge. | |||
While walking to Volcano Bay from the Parking Garage, Portofino Bay, or the Hard Rock is possible we do not recommend it. Busses are a faster option.
Miscellaneous
Prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, paid rickshaws were offered on the walking paths. Prices varied based on length of trip and time of day. Tipping is highly encouraged.
Transportation to Walt Disney World can be set up from the Universal Attractions Ticket Center for a fee. Instead, we suggest hailing an Uber/Lyft or calling a cab.
Airport transportation is offered through Universal under the Superstar Shuttle program. Prices start at $23 per adult for a one-way trip, discounts apply for pre-booking round trip. You can book Superstar Shuttles by contacting your travel agent, resort, or booking through a vacation package.
Have any additional questions about getting around Universal Orlando? Let us know in the comments.
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