Ultimate Guide to Parking at Universal Studios Orlando

This ultimate guide to parking at Universal Studios Orlando will help you navigate the parking system for a stress-free visit.

Understanding parking options at Universal Orlando Resort is crucial to crafting a smooth, stress-free visit. The resort spans multiple parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and the newer Epic Universe.

Each with its own logistics, pricing variations, and parking layouts. Getting a handle on parking type, cost, drop-off points, shuttles, and passholder perks can save you time, money, and frustration.

Guide to Parking at Universal Studios Orlando

Parking Facilities & Layouts

Universal CityWalk Parking Garage (all main parks)

• Primary garage for Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. All guest vehicles park here. From there, you pass through security and ride the covered moving sidewalks into CityWalk, then proceed to your park of choice.

• Volcano Bay: After parking at CityWalk, you board a free shuttle to the water park’s entrance.

Universal Epic Universe (NEW park)

• Separate large surface parking lot, not a garage—exposed to the elements.
• Located about 12–15 minutes driving from the main Universal campus. Complimentary shuttle connects the lot to the park entrance.
• Named sections (Explorer, Monster, Viking, Dragon, Hero), each with row numbers—great to photograph your section to find your car later, similar to parking at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Types of Parking & Pricing at Universal Studios Orlando

Standard Pricing (CityWalk Garage)

• General Parking: ~$32 per vehicle.
• Prime Parking: Closer to elevators/escalators in the garage. ~$50–60. Pricing seasonal/variable.
• Prime Upgrade: Probably an upgrade fee (~$18–28) on top of General.
• Valet Parking:
  • At CityWalk: Less than 2 hours costs ~$32; over 2 hours (before 6 PM) around $75; after 6 PM about $40.
  • At standard garage, EV charging only available in valet area, at extra cost.
• RV/Bus Parking: Flat, uncovered parking area. ~$42 per vehicle. 

Epic Universe Parking

• Same price structure: ~$32 general, ~$50–60 prime, etc. 

When can you park at Universal Studios Orlando for free?

Arrive after 6 PM (unless it’s Halloween Horror Nights or special events) and General Parking is FREE.

Guest Drop-Off & Ride-Share Zones

CityWalk Garage Parking and Drop-Off

• Guest drop-off via ride-share or taxis goes to the 5th floor of the north garage (Jurassic Park section)—no parking fee charged.
• Drivers with guests just being dropped off do not pay parking.
• Remember to check what to pack for Universal Studios Orlando before your visit.

Epic Universe Drop-Off

• Designated Red and Blue Zone drop-off areas, with direct access to the park via bypassed toll plaza.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Parking

Parking at onsite hotels incurs daily fees that vary by property, these are the prices as of 2025:

Hotel	Self-Parking Fee (per night)
Endless Summer Resort – Surfside / Dockside	$26
Cabana Bay Beach Resort	$26
Aventura Hotel	$30
Loews Sapphire Falls / Royal Pacific	$36
Hard Rock Hotel / Portofino Bay	$36
Stella Nova / Terra Luna	$30
Helios Grand Hotel	$36

Staying onsite gives you access to complimentary resort transportation (shuttle buses) to the parks.

Annual Passholder Parking Benefits

Parking perks (post-first visit) depend on pass tier:

• Power Passholders: 50% off General Parking.
• Preferred Passholders: Free Regular Parking + 50% off Valet.
• Premier Passholders: Free Regular Parking, free Prime Parking, and free Valet.

Universal Studios Orlando Parking Tips

• Arrive early: Parking opens around 7 AM. Allow 30 minutes for parking + security before entering the park is one of our top Universal Studios Orlando tips.
• Photograph your parked car’s section—the garages are huge and themed with movie characters to help you navigate.
• Use the Universal Orlando App’s Parking Reminder to easily locate your car later.

Which Universal Studios parking is for you?

• General Parking is cheapest and passes all modes cleanly.
• Prime Parking offers convenience—but cost may outweigh walking time. This is ideal if you plan on seeing both Universal Parks in one day.
• Valet is best for mobility concerns or saving effort, though expensive.
• Drop-off/Hail is quick, no fee, and convenient especially early or late.

Managing Special Situations

• RV/Bus drivers should be prepared for designated parking and a $42 fee.
• EV owners: Need to use Valet parking to access EV charging—but limited and additional cost.
• Stay at a Universal hotel—avoid parking hassles entirely and enjoy early admission perks.

A summary of Parking at Universal Studios Orlando

Option	Location	Price Estimate	Pros	Points to Watch
General Parking	CityWalk Garage or Epic Universe lot	~$32 per vehicle	Cheapest; straightforward access	Long walk; busy during peak hours
Prime Parking	CityWalk Garage / Epic lot	~$50–60	Closer to entrance; quick access	Double cost; walk still exists
Prime Upgrade	Same garages	~$18–28 extra	Slight proximity improvement	Additional fee may not justify benefit
Valet Parking	Separate valet zone at CityWalk or EU	Varies ($32–$75+)	Fastest drop-off/pick-up; less walking	Most expensive option; some sites exclude Valet
RV/Bus Parking	Designated lot	~$42	Tailored area for large vehicles	No shade; limited size access
Drop-Off / Ride-Share	North garage (5th floor) or EU zones	No charge	Fastest entry with no fee	Doesn’t help with parking at end-of-day
Epic Universe Parking	Surface lot; shuttle to EU park	Same as CityWalk	Access to new park; well-organized sections	Longer walk; exposed lot; shuttle dependency
Onsite Hotel Self-Parking	Resort hotels	$26–$36/night	Park access + shuttle + early admission	Adds nightly cost; not free
Annual Pass Parking Benefits	Same as General/Valet	Discounted or free	Great savings with frequent visits	Depends fully on pass tier
After-6 PM Free Parking	CityWalk Garage	Free	Perfect for evening visits or CityWalk time	Not available during special events like HHN

Navigating parking at Universal Orlando Resort doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re after the most economical option, the quickest entrance, or the most convenient return at night, there’s an answer that fits your needs, be it General, Prime, Valet, hotel-based, or passholder pricing.