Have you been asking yourself the question “how far is Universal Studios from Disney World”? Let me fill you in on everything you need to know about traveling between these two incredible theme parks!
If you’re visiting Orlando for the first time, then you probably have the Florida theme parks on your list of things to do.
And yep – that includes both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
But as these parks aren’t right next to each other, you might be wondering “how far is Universal Studios from Disney World?”.
If you’re planning to travel between the two theme park resorts, then I’ve got you covered.
This ultimate guide will run you through everything from how to get to each park and top tips for making your trip seamless.
Not only will this save you a bunch on travel costs, but it should make your trip way less stressful.
And what could be sweeter than that?
How Far is Universal Studios From Disney World?
Universal Studios is approximately 9.2 miles from Walt Disney World (if we’re talking about the main entrance to the resort).
Most of the journey takes place on the I-4 Highway which is handy for avoiding traffic on smaller streets.
Universal Studios is in the southwest part of Orlando, while Disney is slightly further afield in south Orlando.
But if you’re looking for exact distances between the different addresses at Disney World, then I’ve got you covered!
Just so you’re aware, the mileage for my answers is calculated according to driving distance!
How Far is Universal Studios From Disney World – All Parks:
Universal Studios to Hollywood Studios: 13 miles
Universal Studios to EPCOT: 13.8 miles
Universal Studios to Magic Kingdom: 14.5 miles
Universal Studios to Animal Kingdom: 16 miles
Universal Studios to Typhoon Lagoon: 12 miles
Universal Studios to Blizzard Beach: 14.5 miles
Universal Studios to Disney Springs: 10 miles
Universal Studios to Disney Boardwalk: 12.5 miles
Most journeys will take about 15 minutes, but this will depend on the amount of traffic coming into and out of the parks.
I’d try and avoid peak morning hours (when rope drop is happening) and just after the fireworks.
These periods add to the congestion significantly.
But as the parks are seriously close together, it’s feasible to stay in a Disney resort to benefit from early entry before traveling to Universal.
Equally, if you wanted to stay at a premium Universal hotel for Express Passes, you can easily nip to the Magic Kingdom for the day!
How Do I Get From Universal Studios to Disney World?
If you’re not renting a car from the airport (or elsewhere!), there are still several ways to get to Universal Studios.
And hey, not everyone wants to get used to a new vehicle when they first step off a plane!
Although there are a few taxi services that operate in Orlando like Casablanca Transportation and Mears, they are expensive.
I completely get that you might want to support local taxi services, but you can be paying up to double for a hired taxi for the same journey.
And I’m all about making my trips to Disney and Universal as cheap as possible!
So, let’s check out your alternatives.
Uber/Lyft
Ah, my favorite way of traveling between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios – it’s getting an Uber or Lyft!
Over the last few years, I think it’s become clear that Uber is basically overtaking traditional taxi services as they’re completely undercutting prices.
This isn’t great for local taxi drivers, but it helps keep your Disney trip budget-friendly (which is important!).
An Uber or Lyft can cost as little as $15-20 if you’re lucky, but they usually come out at around $25 for most trips.
Just remember to book a suitable vehicle if you’re bringing a scooter to Disney World or are carting strollers around.
Taxi
There are several taxi services around Orlando that are safe, convenient, and can be hailed down (or called!).
The main ones that operate around Disney World are Mears Transportation Group, Checker Cab, and City Cab Company.
You can book a standard vehicle that seats 4-5 or book a larger car that can seat up to 8.
I’ve always found that hailed taxis are more expensive than booking an Uber. But they’re a good alternative to shuttle services which tend to bleed you dry!
Bus
There is a local bus service that runs around Orlando, and they offer decent prices if you want to save a bundle.
You’ll need to take Line 50 from Universal Studios to Disney World and then the 302 if you want to head back in the opposite direction.
The average ticket costs $2 for a single ticket, which would make it cost around $4 per round-trip for every member of your party.
For an average family of 4, you’ll be looking at about $16.
The only downside to this is that you need to rely on the bus timetables and you will probably miss rope drop if the timings don’t line up. You may also be waiting around for longer once the fireworks are finished.
It’s also worth knowing that the buses aren’t direct and you’ll need to walk from the bus stop to the parks (which is quite far).
If you’re planning to travel between the parks multiple times, I suggest picking up a bus pass that lets you ride on the LYNX buses.
Just so you know, you can catch the buses from Seven Seas Drive and Floridian Way Station.
It takes approximately an hour and 25 minutes each way (yes, really!).
This is because you need to walk 11 minutes to the bus stop, ride for 45 minutes, and then walk 30 minutes to Universal Studios.
I’d say that this pretty much takes the route out of the occasion if you’re visiting Disney World with toddlers.
If you want to check out the LYNX bus timetables, you’ll find them all here!
Private car
If you’re feeling particularly fancy, you might want to book a private car for your trip between Disney and Universal.
This is going to be undeniably expensive.
The average Disney Limo Service from Orlando Chauffeured Services will set you back a pretty hefty hourly rate, and it can be up to $300!
So, I’d say that this should only be an option if money is no object.
Is There a Shuttle From Universal to Disney World?
There isn’t an official shuttle that runs between Universal and Disney World.
But Mears Transportation Group has created a route that runs between the two parks for a fee.
At the moment, the shuttle rates are $27 for a round trip if you’re going to Zone 3 and $23 if you’re going to Zone 4.
Kids under 3 travel for free, but you can probably see how this quickly adds up if you’re traveling as part of a large group.
If you want to try a different company, SuperShuttle offers a round-trip ticket for $32 which is relatively good. And if you’re heading one-way, you’ll pay around $18 per person.
But to be completely honest? It’s far cheaper to pay for a single Uber for your entire party than shell out almost $100 for a family of 4 to travel on the shuttle!
Oh, and don’t forget that you’ll need to abide by the specific schedule set out by the shuttle company. This makes it crucial to plan your time carefully and get to the drop-off/pick-up points well in advance.
I’ll also mention that you’ll probably be dropped off at the Ticket and Transportation Centre which is by the Magic Kingdom.
This is great if you’re visiting the Magic Kingdom. But otherwise, you’ll need to hop on resort buses or the monorail to get to your park of choice.
And seriously – this can easily eat into your park time and cause a few tantrums from tired kiddos if it’s after the fireworks.
So, just be aware of it!
Should I Hire a Rental Car in Orlando?
I’d say that hiring a rental car in Orlando can be beneficial but it’s not entirely necessary for a successful trip.
You’ll need to account for parking fees at both hotels (depending on where you stay) and at the parks if you don’t have annual passes.
This can seriously add up over the course of your trip and may defeat the point of renting the car in the first place.
Believe it or not, parking at Universal and Disney both start at $27 per day – so, it may be better to just hop in an Uber!
Because you need to remember that you’re paying to rent the car and the cost of parking!
You can usually find excellent rental prices if you reserve a car in advance at the airport.
But there is also a dedicated car rental service (AAA Car Care Center) at Disney World if you want to do everything at the parks.
If you’re not sure what company to go with, sites like Orbitz and Rental Cars will weigh up your options to provide the best deals.
And you should always remember that the cost of your rental will probably come down if you’re booking more days. Short rentals are usually very expensive.
The main thing you should consider is what you’ll be doing outside of Disney and Universal.
It sounds weird, but if you want to visit the best beaches near Disney World or are staying offsite in a villa – a car is a must.
But if you’re just planning to visit the parks, you may be better off booking a Disney hotel and using the free resort shuttles (or monorail!).
How to Drive From Walt Disney World to Universal Resort
I recommend just following good ol’ Google Maps to get to the park of your choice.
But if you’re planning to park, you might want to head to EPCOT which is the closest park to International Drive.
Otherwise, just go to the park you want to visit and see what parking is available on the day.
What Hotels Offer Free Shuttles to Universal Studios and Disney World?
If you want to prioritize hotels that offer free transportation to Universal Studios and Disney World, then these are the best places to check out!
A few of these places charge for the shuttles, but many of them are complimentary and run regularly.
This can keep your budget down which is always a plus.
- Best Western Orlando Gateway
- Clarion Inn International Drive
- Comfort Suites Main Gate East
- Hilton Garden Inn Lake Buena Vista
- Grand Hotel Orlando at Universal Boulevard
- Wyndham Orlando Resort & Conference Center
- Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista formerly Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista
- WorldQuest Orlando
- Melia Orlando Suite Hotel
- Rosen Centre Hotel
- Tru by Hilton Orlando International Drive
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
- Melia Orlando Celebration
- Cypress Pointe Resort
- Avanti International Resort
- Liki Tiki Village
- The Point Hotel and Suites
- Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway
- Embassy by Hilton Orlando International
- Floridian Hotel and Suites
- Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Orlando International Drive
- Crowne Plaza Orlando – Universal Blvd
- Ramada Kissimmee Gateway
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando
- DoubleTree by Hilton at Universal
- Days Inn by Wyndham Orlando International Drive
What is the Best Way to Get from Disney World to Universal Studios?
In my opinion, I’ll always suggest getting an Uber.
Ridesharing is by far the cheapest and easiest way to get between the parks. Plus, the cost savings can be significant if you’re doing the trip multiple times.
I also like the fact that Uber or Lyft drivers have your route pre-programmed into the app. This means you can sit back and relax as Maps takes care of the hard stuff!
And you won’t be relying strictly on metered taxis – usually, you’ll get a quote for your journey before you set out.
If you’re planning to hail a ride after the fireworks, I suggest booking a ride in advance or legging it out of the parks while you book a ride.
This way, you’ll avoid most of the chaos.
Oh, and if you can, try and take advantage of any free shuttle service or car services offered by your hotel.
FAQs
Is Universal Orlando cheaper than Disney World?
It’s no secret that Disney World is one of the most expensive theme parks in the world.
So, it probably comes as no surprise that Universal Studios is cheaper than Disney World.
Just so you’re aware, the tickets, the food, and especially the hotel rooms are cheaper at Universal Studios!
How much is Uber from Universal to Disney?
There’s no set price for how much an Uber costs between Disney and Universal as it depends on traffic conditions. But overall, you can expect to pay around $15-25 for a one-way journey.
You’ll also want to remember that this is the price for a regular vehicle. If you’re traveling as a large group you’ll need to upgrade your ride which will probably add a few dollars to the price.
I suggest checking the app throughout the day, as you might be able to get slightly cheaper rates at off-peak times.
And you should expect serious surge pricing when the fireworks finish – sorry, it’s supply and demand folks!
If you’re not entirely sure how much your ride is going to cost when you need it, you can use their handy price estimator tool.
It should keep your budget in check!
How do you get to Universal Studios from Disney World without a car?
I’ve always felt that the best way to get to Universal from Disney World without a car is by booking an Uber or Lyft. That’s just because it’s ridiculously easy and relatively affordable.
If you don’t want to shell out, you can hop on the bus!
What is the most cost-effective way to get from Walt Disney World to Universal Studios Florida?
If you’re looking to save as much money as possible, it’s worth carpooling/ride-sharing with a ride-hailing app or getting on a shuttle bus.
What is the fastest way to get from Walt Disney World to Universal Studios Florida?
Any journey in a car is going to be pretty equal and take between 15 and 20 minutes depending on traffic.
The slowest option will always be traveling on the local buses.
Is There Public Transport Between Walt Disney World & Universal Studios?
I’d say that there is public transport between Walt Disney World and Universal, but that’s being slightly generous.
The bus drops you around 10 minutes from Disney World but 30 minutes from Universal Studios.
You can also get shuttle buses, but they’re so expensive that I wouldn’t classify them as viable public transport!
Is there a direct bus between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida?
No, there currently isn’t a direct bus that runs from Universal Studios to Disney World.
The closest you can get is to Seven Seas Drive and around 30 minutes from Universal.
The total journey time can take anywhere from 1.5 hours (with walking) and 2 hours!
Can You Stay at Disney World and Go to Universal?
You can certainly stay at Disney World and travel to Universal!
Depending on what you want to benefit from (like Disney perks or Universal perks!), it doesn’t matter where you stay.
Where do I catch the Walt Disney World to Universal Studios Florida bus from?
You can catch the regular LYNX buses from Seven Seas Drive if you’re heading to Universal Studios. If you’re getting on a shuttle bus, you’ll want to head to the Transportation and Ticket Centre.
When is the best time to travel between the two parks?
I’d say you’ll be safe to travel between the two parks anytime outside of peak travel periods, near rope drop, and after the fireworks.
If you choose to travel during the times I just mentioned, you’re going to struggle with traffic and you’ll struggle to hail an Uber.
Or you know, any transportation as it’ll all be rammed!
To avoid this, you can travel before opening or mid-afternoon when most people will already be in the parks.
Should you bring car seats when traveling between Universal Studios and Disney World?
You need a rental car seat if you’re renting a car with kids under 5 years old.
You should technically bring one for any taxi journeys in Orlando as it’s required to abide by Florida law and safety regulations.
But as taxis are currently exempt from Florida child passenger laws, it’s up to the parents to decide what to do.
If you want to be safe (which I always recommend!), you can pick up a travel-friendly booster seat on Amazon.
How many days do you need to see Disney World and Universal Studios?
I’d say that you need at least a week to see everything that Disney World and Universal Studios have to offer.
You might be able to allocate one day to all the major parks which would take 6 days.
But honestly – the longer, the better!
If you’re traveling from abroad or visiting Disney World for the first time, I suggest dedicating at least 2 weeks to your trip.
This gives you time to see everything at least once and do your favorites multiple times!
I hope that this detailed guide has helped answer the question “How Far is Universal Studios From Disney World?”.
As you can see, there are tons of ways to travel between the parks, and the mode of transportation you choose is up to you. Have you recently visited Disney World or Universal Studios? How did you get between the parks? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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