Are you planning a trip to Universal Studios from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)? If so, then you are at the right place to get all the information about traveling between Universal Studios and LAX.
Here, we will cover the following topics about making your way from LAX to Universal Studios.
How far is Universal Studios from LAX?
How to get from LAX to Universal Studios?
Is there a free shuttle from LAX to Universal Studios?
We will discuss each of these in detail below.
How far is Universal Studios from LAX?
The distance between LAX and Universal Studios is 18 miles. The average time required to get to LAX from Universal Studios is 28 minutes. However, it may vary based on the time of the day and mode of transportation.
You can click on the links below to see the time required to go from LAX to Universal Studios through various modes.
LAX to Universal Studios via car – 14 miles/25 Minutes
LAX to Universal Studios via bus – 1 hr 23 Minutes
How to get from LAX to Universal Studios?
There are numerous ways to get from LAX to Universal Studios.
In this guide, we’ve listed the following ways to help you make an informed decision about your travel plans.
| Mode | Duration | Approximate Cost |
| Rent a Car & Drive | 25 minutes | $66 per day |
| Hail a Taxi | 28 minutes | $86.25 |
| Uber/Lyft | 23 minutes | $30 |
| Shuttle Service | Depends on the number of stops | $15 |
| Public Transportation | 1 hr 23 minutes | $11 |
Rent a Car & Drive
You have the option of renting a car and driving it yourself. However, you need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the USA.
Rental car offices are located off-Airport, away from airline terminals. These companies meet arriving customers under the purple “Rental Car Shuttles” sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands outside baggage claim.
Visit the rental car section of the LAX Ground Transportation page for details about available service providers.
The cost of a car rental starts at roughly starting $66 per day. It may vary depending on the type of vehicle. You can check the car rental charges at LAX here.
In addition to car rental charges, you will be responsible for paying for petrol and parking.
Parking charges are $30 per car at Universal Studios. You can refer to the below link to get the latest parking charges.
Parking Rates at Universal Studios
The 14 miles drive should only take 25 Minutes. However, if you get caught in a jam, your journey can take up more time.
You can see the latest time required to go from LAX to Universal Studios in the link below.
LAX to Universal Studios via car
Hail a Taxi
Taxicabs are available for direct transportation to Universal Studios.
Taxis can be picked up at three locations:
1. At LAX-it next to Terminal 1
3. At the far end of Terminal 7
At LAX-it next to Terminal 1
Passengers may walk or ride the free convenient shuttle to LAX-it to hail a taxi. LAX-it is the place to get your Taxi, Uber or Lyft at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Passengers should wait at the GREEN LAX-it signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal.
Getting a taxi at the LAX-it lot is simple. Just follow these easy steps:
1. When you exit the terminal, either:
a. Walk, following the signs to the LAX-it lot; or
b. Ride the fast and free LAX-it shuttle, which arrives every 3 to 5 minutes and can be picked up on Lower/Arrivals Level at the inner curb outside of baggage claim areas under the green signs.
2. If you need assistance boarding or loading your luggage, there are persons wearing green vests outside each terminal ready to help you.
3. If you need special assistance at the LAX-it lot, let the driver know when you board the bus. The driver will call ahead and someone will be waiting to assist you to your taxi when you arrive.
Inside Parking Structure 3
It is between Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) and Terminal 3 – for those passengers arriving at those two terminals.
At the far end of Terminal 7
It is outside of baggage claim – for passengers arriving at Terminals 7 and 8.
Taking a taxi from LAX to Universal Studios will cost around $86.25 and will take 28 minutes.
At Universal Studios, you can request a drop-off at Universal Blvd.
You can check the latest rates here.
Taxi charges from LAX to Universal Studios
Authorized taxicab companies serving LAX
Only authorized taxis with an official seal issued by the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation on each vehicle are permitted to pick up at the Airport.
Authorized Taxicab Supervision (ATS)– taxicab management and dispatch services: 310-646-9177.
- Bell Cab Company
- Beverly Hills Cab Company
- City Cab
- Independent Taxi
- United Checker Cab
- United Independent Taxi Drivers (UITD)
- United Taxi of San Fernando Valley (UTSFV)
- Yellow Cab
Accessible Taxicab
If you need an accessible taxicab, call taxi dispatch (310-646-9177). An accessible taxicab will be dispatched from the holding lot to the LAX Central Terminal Area nearest ACCESS location indicated by the DARK BLUE sign at the terminal curbside.
Service Animals are allowed in taxis at no extra charge.
Paratransit Users (Access Services)
If you are a registered paratransit user, who has requested a pick-up at the Airport, it is possible that Access Services (Los Angeles area Paratransit service company) will send a taxi to pick you up.
Paratransit taxis display the Access Services logo and are permitted to transport passengers from the inside curb of the passenger’s arrival terminal.
LAX Ground Transportation Waiting Areas
Uber/Lyft
Ridesharing apps such as Uber, Opoli, and Lyft are authorized to provide drop-off and pick-up services at LAX and Universal Studios.
They can pick up passengers at the designated areas located near the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1.
At Universal Studios, you can request a drop-off at Universal Blvd.
Always confirm that you are getting in the correct vehicle with the designated driver shown on the app.
Prices will vary depending on the time of travel, traffic, and demand. Sometimes, surge pricing will also be activated.
So, you can check Uber and Lyft to find the best prices. If you want to see the charges for traveling from LAX to Universal Studios now, then you can get a fair estimate from the Lyft website.
LAX to Universal Studios estimated Lyft rates are mentioned below.
| Lyft | $110-120 |
| XL | $142-154 |
| Lux | $150-165 |
| Lux Black | $220-240 |
| Lux Black XL | $260-280 |
Kindly note that these fares are estimates only. It does not reflect variations due to surge pricing, discounts, traffic delays, or any other factors.
Shuttle Services
There are a number of shuttles available at LAX to take you to Universal Studios.
Shuttle stops are located at the PINK LAX Shuttle signs on the Lower/Arrivals level in front of each terminal.
It’s best to arrange your transportation prior to arriving at the Airport as all shuttles require at least a 24-hour advance reservation.
Contact information of Shuttle Vans is available here.
| Shuttle Vans | Phone # | Approximate Cost $ |
| Super Shuttle LAX | 800-258-3826 | $24 |
| Prime Time Shuttle LAX | 1-800-733-8267 | $35.13 |
| Xpress Shuttles | 866-805-4234 | $68 |
| Shuttle One | 310-670-6666 800-400-7488 | $15 |
Shuttle van fares are charged per person.
Time depends upon the number of stops.
The duration of your journey is determined by which shuttle you take. It may make additional stops along the way, prolonging your travel.
You can check the below link for more shuttle services.
For more information on the LAX Transportation shuttles, click here.
Note: Due to COVID-19, some companies may have temporarily changed or canceled their shuttle services. So, it is advisable to call before your trip. Also, as mentioned before, advance reservations should be done for shared and private transfers as well.
So, please ensure you have all the latest information from all the links we have provided in this guide.
Public Transportation (Bus and Metro)
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from LAX to Universal Studios. The average time taken to reach Universal Studios is 1 hr 23 minutes or more by bus.
You can see the routes and time required to go from LAX to Universal Studios via bus in the link below.
If you are opting for public transportation, here is one of the easiest ways to go from LAX to Universal Studios.
You have to first board a Green Line bus/shuttle marked “G” from LAX to the nearest Aviation station.
You can board the bus/shuttle from the LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections sign on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal.
Aviation Station is also served by other bus lines such as L.A. Metro, Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit, and Beach Cities Transit.
Walk towards LAX via FlyAway. It takes only 1 min to reach LAX via FlyAway from Los Angeles International Airport.
Board LAX FlyAway Bus from there.
Get down at Union Station stop.
Walk towards Union Station. It takes only 3 min to reach Union Station.
Once you reach the Union Station, board the Metro B Line (Red) headed towards Universal / Studio City Station.
Get down at Universal / Studio City Station.
Walk towards Universal Studios Hollywood. It takes only 14 min to reach Universal Studios.
In total, it will cost you around $11 to go from LAX to Universal Studios using Public Transportation.
You’ll need to do some research and explore the various options available.
Is there a free shuttle from LAX to Universal Studios?
Unfortunately, there are no free shuttles available from the LAX to Universal Studios.
You will have to either take a taxi, a private shuttle service, a shared shuttle bus, or a public bus.
Free LAX shuttle transportation is provided for the terminal to terminal connections.
Free shuttle transport is only available to and from the terminals and the LAX City Bus Center, LAX Economy Parking, Metro C Line at Aviation Station, and LAX employee parking lots.
In Universal Studios Hollywood, you will find a free shuttle that will take you from the front gate of Universal Studios Hollywood. The shuttle runs every 10 to 15 minutes, seven days a week, from 7 am to until two hours after park closing.
FAQs
The cheapest way to get from LAX to Universal Studios is by using Public Transportation as mentioned in the article. It will cost you around $11 to get from LAX to Universal Studios via Public Transportation.
The fastest way to go from LAX to Universal Studios is by using Uber/Lyft. It will cost you around $110-$280. You can check depending on whether you took it.
Important Links
Before wrapping up, we are sharing some of the important links mentioned in this guide. If you are short of time or want to get the latest updates, you can check this link directly.
| Route Map from LAX to Universal Studios | Click Here |
| Bus Route from LAX to Universal Studios | Click Here |
| Shuttle Service from LAX to Universal Studios | Click Here |
| Car Rental charges at LAX | Click Here |
| Parking Rates at Universal Studios | Click Here |
| Taxi charges from LAX to Universal Studios | Click Here |
| Lyft Fair Rates from LAX to Universal Studios | Click Here |
Wrapping Up
So, what is the best way to get to LAX to Universal Studios?
It all depends on your travel needs.
If you are on a tight budget, try public transportation.
If you put luxury first, try booking an Uber or Lyft between LAX and Universal Studios.
Once you have your tickets and transportation ready, you can be ready to enjoy your trouble-free tour at Universal Studios.
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