How Much Is Parking For Universal Studios Hollywood
With all of these new attractions, it is easy to forget that some of the rides at Universal are still here every day! Some are even more popular now than they were before New York City-style crossovers and Transformers!
At this resort, there is no free or paid parking. You must either pay at one of the garages or be located in close proximity to a transportation station so you can get somewhere else. This can make leaving and returning very expensive if you do not live in the area or have a way to travel back home after your visit.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this cost by taking public transit, walking, or using Uber/Taxi services. Or simply spending money at the park during off season times when crowds are much thinner.
Valet parking is expensive

There are two main types of paid parking at Universal Studios, and both require you to pre-pay before entering the park. These are valet parking and self-parking.
Valet parking is usually costlier than self-parking. This is because they add onto your entry fee! The price per car can easily be over $20 depending on how full the lot is during peak times.
Self-parking costs less as it is only paying for what you use, but there is still an entrance fee attached to this. This makes staying in self-parking more expensive if you want to visit the rides that frequently.
There is no good reason why Universal should charge more for their own parking facilities than other major theme parks like Disney. So, we have compiled a list of reasons why Universal needs to drop their prices on their parking.
Street parking is free but difficult to find

Finding street parking at Universal City is not easy, even during non-peak season! Luckily, there are some public facilities that offer nearby parking. The best option is the Expo Station across from the theme park entrance. It can be expensive, however!
The cost per hour of parking in their “Valet” garage is $25 -$30 depending on how much time you spend inside the park. This makes it very expensive if you do not stay within budget hours.
There is also a tram service that takes you directly to the Theme Park or back to the airport starting every 15 minutes. You can take this free unless your flight leaves after midnight, then it costs $5 per person. If this happens, use the bus instead as it is way cheaper!
Another good idea is to print out your own ticket using your phone or computer before coming into the park. This helps avoid paying extra fees when entering or leaving the park later.
Universal Boulevard is very congested

Located just north of Interstate 5, Universal Blvd is easily some of the most crowded streets in any major city. It can be even more packed during busy seasons like spring or summer!
The amount of traffic that comes through this area makes it difficult to find cheap or free parking. This article will go into detail about the best ways to avoid expensive parking at Universal Studios.
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Universal City has two types of street parking: short term and long term. Short term typically costs $20-30 per hour with a time limit of 2 hours. Long term usually cost around $50-$70 per day with no time limit. The best way to get good long term parking is by arriving early and staying late.
There are also various gated entrances along Universal Boulevard where parking is either paid or free depending on the season. These include hotels, movie theaters, etc. If you are visiting one of those places make sure to use their transportation so you do not have to pay extra to park.
Another great option is taking the tram. The tram does not run every few minutes like buses, but instead runs frequently throughout the day. And yes, your hotel room or apartment complex probably offers tram passes too!
It is important to know how much parking is available before heading out as there is limited space.
Consider using Lyft or Uber

Finding parking at Universal is not easy, especially during peak season like summer. The best way to avoid this problem is to use public transportation or give yourself some time to walk around the area. If you do choose to park your car, make sure it’s well-fitted with proper equipment and that you have all of your items in the vehicle.
Lyft and Uber offer affordable alternatives to expensive parking at Universal. Both companies can take you anywhere within a 25 mile radius, which makes traveling much more accessible.
Check Universal’s website for parking maps

Finding free or inexpensive parking at Universal is not easy, but it is definitely doable! Luckily, we have some helpful information here to help you out. First of all, check Universal's website for a map that lists their garages and lots where you can park for free or very low prices.
You can also visit ParkingGuru.com to find cheap garage tickets anywhere in America. While they don't list any Universal garages, you can still search by location and get suggestions.
Dress comfortably

While there are some restaurants that offer free parking, this is not the case for most eateries at the resort. Most places you can eat at either have street parking or paid parking in nearby garages or lots.
Many of these restaurants require you to arrive hungry because they charge per-item fees for food. Since eating out is expensive, it makes sense to be conscious of your spending habits.
If you do decide to dine outside, remember that just because their posted price does not include parking costs doesn’t mean the actual cost isn’t too!
Opening hours often coincide with times when large crowds gather in and around the park, so coming during off-hours may save you money if you need to run an errand afterward.
Bring your own bottle of water
At this resort, there is very limited access to drinkable water. The best way to avoid getting sick due to drinking water is by bringing your own bottle of water or buying one at the convenience store.
Water bottles are not free at Universal, they can cost anywhere from $0.50 to $10 per bottle depending on size and type! This adds up quickly if you do not plan on re-using it.
There are also no refill stations where you could get a glass of fresh water either. You will have to carry your beverage with you at all times which can be inconvenient. Luckily, there are some designated areas where you can leave your empty container for the day.
Drinking their own product is another reason why people may pay more to stay at this hotel.
Eat before you go

It is difficult to enjoy any of your experiences at Universal Studios without eating beforehand, because there are so many places to eat! You will find everything from quick food options to full-scale restaurants in our hotel areas and outside the park gates.
There are also several great convenience stores just steps away from the entrance to the theme parks. If budget is no object, there are plenty of fast food chains close by as well.
If you’re hungry while inside the parks, take advantage of the free transportation that USH provides or use one of their tour buses or rental cars. Both have fully stocked bars!
We recommend getting some kind of edible souvenir to take home with you - maybe an umbrella shaped cookie, candy canes, gelato balls, or even a small bag of chips! Your kids could get really creative with these things.