Universal Studios Hollywood Parking (2023 Guide)

The most popular way to get to Universal Studios Hollywood is in a car. Given the chaos that is LA traffic, we personally opt to take either a Lyft or Uber and get dropped off at the park’s entrance.

However, if you prefer to drive yourself to Universal Studios Hollywood then you’ll need to consider where you’re going to park when you arrive at the resort and how much you’ll need to budget when doing so.

Parking at Universal Studios Hollywood costs;

• General Parking – $30 before 5:00pm
• Preferred Parking – $50 before 5:00pm
• Front Gate Parking – $70 before 5:00pm
• Valet Parking – $25 for less than 2 hours or $50 for more than 2 hours

Aside from the price, the main difference between the four parking options is the proximity your car is from the entrance to the theme park. However, there’s more than just the price and location to consider when it comes to parking at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Universal Studios Parking Price

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a wide range of different parking options (and prices) depending on your requirements;

Parking Type	Price
General Parking	Before 5:00pm – $30 After 5:00pm – $10
Preferred Parking	Before 5:00pm – $50 After 5:00pm – $20
Front Gate Parking	$70
Valet Parking	$25 for First 2 Hours $50 after 2 Hours

If you visit a full-service restaurant at CityWalk during your time at Universal Studios Hollywood valet parking is available at a reduced rate;

• $10 for 0 – 2.5 Hours
• $15 for 2.5 – 3.5 Hours
• $50 after 3.5 Hours

Be sure to get your ticket validated at the restaurant.

Alternatively, if you’re planning on visiting the Universal Cinema at CityWalk Hollywood then you’re able to reduce the cost of General Parking to just $5 (a $25 saving).

To receive this discounted parking rate simply present your General Parking receipt at the Universal Cinema ticket window. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offers, discounts, or prior purchases.

Where Is Each Parking Garage At Universal Studios Hollywood Located?

All parking garages at Universal Studios Hollywood are named after famous Universal movies and franchises. Each of these garages then represents a certain level of parking (general, preferred, front gate, valet).

Where Is General Parking At Universal Studios Hollywood?

General Parking is located in the E.T. Garage (20 minutes walk from the park entrance) and the Curious George Garage (15 minutes walk from the park entrance).

Where Is Preferred Parking At Universal Studios Hollywood?

While the Preferred Parking is located at the Frankenstein Garage (5 minutes walk from the park entrance). This is also where Uber and Lyft pick-up from.

Where Is Front Gate Parking At Universal Studios Hollywood?

Front Gate Parking is located outside at the entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood and currently not inside any of the parking garages (as of April 2023).

Where Is Valet Parking At Universal Studios Hollywood?

Valet Parking is located at the Jurassic Park Garage (10 minutes walk from the park entrance).

Which Universal Studios Hollywood Parking Lot Is Best?

Unless you choose preferred or valet parking you won’t get a choice as to where you park at Universal Studios Hollywood and instead will be allocated a space on a first-come, first-serve basis.

After your day at the park, you’ll be able to navigate back to your vehicle using the signs. Parking characters will be displayed as logos with directions.

General Parking vs Preferred Parking

Before 5:00pm the difference between General Parking and Preferred Parking is $20. However, many question whether that $20 upgrade is a worthwhile expense.

To understand this you first need to understand the difference between General Parking and Preferred Parking. General Parking is located in the E.T. Garage (20 minutes walk from the park entrance) and the Curious George Garage (15 minutes walk from the park entrance).

While the Preferred Parking is located at the Frankenstein Garage (5 minutes walk from the park entrance). This is also where Uber and Lyft pick-up from.

Now I’m pretty frugal, and thankfully young enough and healthy enough that even after a full day at the park, I’m still happy to walk 20 minutes back to the General Parking garage. However, if you’re travelling with elderly family members or young children then the $20 upgrade to Preferred Parking may be worthwhile.

Preferred Parking vs Front Gate Parking

There is a $20 difference (before 5:00pm) between Preferred Parking and Front Gate Parking. However, again many question whether the $20 upgrade is a worthwhile expense.

To understand this you first need to understand the difference between Preferred Parking and Front Gate Parking. Preferred Parking is located at the Frankenstein Garage (5 minutes walk from the park entrance). This is also where Uber and Lyft pick-up from.

While Front Gate Parking is located outside at the entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood and currently not inside any of the parking garages (as of April 2023).

The difference in distance between these two locations is incredibly small. As such personally, I don’t think this upgrade is worthwhile.

Parking Electric Vehicles For Charging At Universal Studios Hollywood

If you’re driving an electric vehicle and are looking to charge and park at Universal Studios Hollywood then you’ll find electric charging points in the following locations;

• Frankenstein Garage: 4 ports (Level 2 and Level 7)
• Jurassic Parking Garage: 8 ports (Level 1 and B1M)
• ET Garage: 16 ports (Level B1)
• Woody Woodpecker Lot: 1 port (near Front Gate Parking)
• Curious George Garage: 2 ports (Level 1)

Alongside the General Parking cost of $30 (before 5:00pm), you’ll also be charged $0.40/kWh. Price correct at the time of writing.

RV Parking Near Universal Studios Hollywood

Overnight parking at Universal Studios Hollywood is not permitted. However, if you would still like to travel to the theme park in your RV then you are able to do so.

Once you arrive at the parking entrance you’ll be directed to an outdoor parking area by a member of staff.

This area is located conveniently near the front of the park alongside the buses for groups. For parking here you’ll be charged the General Parking fee plus an additional (currently unspecified) cost.

Handicap Parking At Universal Studios Hollywood

To park in one of the handicapped parking spots at Universal Studios Hollywood you’ll need to have an accessible parking permit for cars with disability placards.

Handicap parking is available to eligible guests at the same rate as general parking ($30 before 5:00pm) and is located on level 3, which is the same level as CityWalk and subsequently the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.

Annual Passholder Parking

Platinum and Gold Universal Studios Hollywood annual passholders currently benefit from complimentary General Parking until 6:00pm. Those visiting after 6:00pm or on blackout dates will have to pay to park.

Given the difference between a Silver annual pass and a Gold annual pass is currently just $90 and the cost of General Parking is $30 it’s worth upgrading from a Silver to a Gold annual pass if you plan to both drive to the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park and visit more than three times in one annual pass period.

Of course, this isn’t the only benefit of upgrading from a Silver to a Gold annual pass. There are also fewer blackout dates and a 15% discount on both food and merchandise.

Universal Studios VIP Experience Parking

If you are visiting Universal Studios Hollywood for the VIP Experience then you will receive valet parking in the Frankenstein parking lot as part of your ticket package.

Free Parking At Universal Studios Hollywood

There are just two areas in which you can get free parking near Universal Studios Hollywood. Sadly, both of these parking areas are limited to a 2-hour period.

So if you plan on spending more than 2 hours at Universal Studios Hollywood (which I hope you do!) this sadly won’t be suitable.

11320 Chandler Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 91601 – Approx 13 min walk to Universal Studios To Universal Studios Hollywood

11231 Magnolia Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 91601 – Approx 22 min walk to Universal Studios Hollywood

Sadly, there’s no cheap parking near Universal Studios Hollywood either. Considering the commute from your car to the park, we’d recommend paying for at least the basic parking at Universal Studios Hollywood.

This is not only on-site and therefore requires no long-distance walking to get to the park. It also comes with security and protection for your car.

There is one alternative specifically designed for those who live very close to Universal Studios Hollywood. This is in the form of the Globe Partner Pass. To gain access to this benefit you will need to live within the red line.

Benefits aren’t limited to just complimentary parking once a month.

They also include;

• Advance screenings of new Universal film releases.
• Previews of new Universal Studios Hollywood rides and attractions.
• Invitations to special events.

Events are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can apply for a Globe Partner Pass here.

Nearby Hotels With Free Parking & Complimentary Shuttle Service

Given the high cost of parking at Universal Studios Hollywood it can often be both cheaper and more convenient to stay in a nearby hotel that offers either (or both) free parking and a complimentary shuttle service.