Hotels

How to Get from Your Hotel to the Parks

August 27, 2018
Complimentary Water Taxi from Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog was originally published Aug. 27, 2018 and then underwent extensive updates and editing in the fall of 2020 to remain current and relevant.

One of the amazing benefits of staying at one of our resort hotels is leaving your travel worries behind and hopping on a water taxi, shuttle bus, or taking a short walk over to one of our three spectacular theme parks.

Water Taxi

Complimentary Water Taxi at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

My favorite ride to start the day at Universal Orlando Resort is the water taxi. Water taxis are available exclusively at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, with an average travel time of less than 10 minutes and beautiful views to enjoy along the way. The water taxi takes you straight from the hotel to Universal CityWalk. From there, you can choose to head to Universal Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida. Either park you choose is equally awesome.

Shuttle Bus

Complimentary Shuttles from Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Another option for transportation to our parks is the shuttle bus. The shuttle bus is offered at all of our hotels, runs consistently throughout the day, and will take you to either Volcano Bay for a day of thrills and chills or to CityWalk where you can easily walk to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

  • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Shuttle bus arrives every 15 minutes starting one hour prior to park open until CityWalk closes
  • Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Shuttle bus arrives every 15 minutes starting one hour prior to park open until CityWalk closes
  • Universal’s Aventura Hotel: Shuttle bus arrives every 15 minutes starting one hour prior to park open until CityWalk closes
  • Portofino Bay Hotel: Shuttle bus arrives every 30 minutes starting one hour prior to park open until CityWalk closes
  • Hard Rock Hotel: Shuttle bus arrives every 30 minutes starting one hour prior to park open until CityWalk closes
  • Royal Pacific Resort: Shuttle bus arrives every 30 minutes starting one hour prior to park open until CityWalk closes
  • Sapphire Falls Resort: Shuttle bus arrives every 30 minutes starting one hour prior to park open until CityWalk closes

Walking Path

The last method of transportation is also the oldest mode of transportation… by foot! Most of our hotels offer a connecting walking path that takes you from one hotel to another or to CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, or Islands of Adventure. One of the really cool benefits about staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Aventura Hotel, and Sapphire Falls Resort is that these hotels offer a dedicated walking path straight to Volcano Bay. This beautiful path is just a short walk over to the thrills of the slides and the relaxation of Waturi Beach under the Krakatau volcano.

Each transportation option is only 10 minutes from step-one, getting-on-the-bus, or coming-aboard to our destination. Need some help deciding which mode of transportation is best for you? Here’s a handy guide with details on all three options.

Hotel Transportation Infographic

What’s your favorite way to get to the parks? Let us know in the comments.

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68 Comments

  • Reply Tom August 28, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    Even walking, its so beautiful that it is enjoyable.

  • Reply Dave August 31, 2018 at 8:41 am

    So between Cabana Bay across the street and Aventura a stones throw away, how is Universal going to keep EVERYONE from using Sapphire Falls Boats?
    They either need to figure out a way to stop it or have many many more boats running. But considering they encourage resort hopping they better get more boats.
    This is a detriment to Royal Pacific as that darn stop light already slows down the journey.

  • Reply James Bottini September 7, 2018 at 11:59 am

    I have been before. Truly Lovely. Going, again.

  • Reply Sue December 10, 2018 at 1:03 pm

    Water taxi to/from Sapphire is over crowded, due to people staying at Cabana Bay and Aventura using it 🤨 putting me off staying again

  • Reply Lyndsey June 3, 2019 at 1:47 pm

    If you arent staying at one of the hotels, can you still use the water taxis?? Do you have to show proof of stay i.e Hotel key etc??

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      Reply Social Media Team June 3, 2019 at 1:59 pm

      Hi Lyndsey!
      You are able to utilize the Water Taxis whether you are staying at one of our hotels or not. Hope this helps.

  • Reply Veronica February 16, 2020 at 9:11 am

    Does the universal endless summer: si issue inn and suites have a shuttle to and from universal?

  • Reply Veronica February 16, 2020 at 11:42 am

    Hi! Does the universal endless summer: Surfside inn and suites have a shuttle to and from universal?

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      Reply Social Media Team February 16, 2020 at 12:02 pm

      Hello Veronica, yes. We do provide shuttles from Endless Summer Resort to the parks.

  • Reply Terrence Bonner July 7, 2020 at 10:04 pm

    How does the Super Star Shuttle Bus Service runs to SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica Waterpark Orlando to Universal Orlando Resort from your hotels?

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      Reply Social Media Team July 8, 2020 at 7:08 am

      Hi Terrence! We encourage you to call 407-817-8174 to learn more about this service.

  • Reply Terrence Bonner August 6, 2020 at 3:20 pm

    Hi. My name is Terrence and I’m from Atlanta,Georgia and I was wondering on taking the shuttle buses or boats from several hotels or resorts @ Universal Orlando Resort every 10-15 minutes or longer. Which way to get to the theme parks?

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      Reply Social Media Team August 6, 2020 at 3:30 pm

      Hi Terrence! Each Universal Orlando Resort Hotel will provide transportation to our parks. If you have specific questions, our Guest Services Team is happy to help at 407-224-4233, option 4.

  • Reply Jen November 2, 2020 at 4:08 pm

    Hi – On early park admission days does the shuttle run an hour before early admission opening time or only regular opening times (ie; early admission is 7am so shuttles start running at 6am)?

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      Reply Social Media Team November 2, 2020 at 4:22 pm

      Hey Jen! Our resort shuttle services begins 1 hour before Early Park Admission!

  • Reply Angie November 17, 2020 at 7:07 pm

    Hi-We have a 2-year old and bringing her stroller, when we ride the free shuttle from dockside to the park, we don’t need a carseat and just carry her on our lap, right? Also, is there social distancing in the shuttle bus and mask required for 3 yrs and above? Thank you.

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    Reply Social Media Team November 17, 2020 at 7:14 pm

    Hi Angie! You do not need a car seat when riding the bus from the hotel! There is social distancing markers on all of our buses that Team Members should assign to Guests as they board. And yes, face coverings are required for everyone three years of age and older. Please DM us if you have any more questions!

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    Reply Social Media Team April 29, 2021 at 12:16 pm

    Hi Lynette! All of our water taxis are ADA accessible for both wheelchairs and ECVs!

  • Reply Tara M McGee May 31, 2021 at 10:04 am

    Do any of the free transportation services/buses that leave from Aventura or Endless summer resort, stop by Loews Royal?

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    Reply Social Media Team May 31, 2021 at 10:09 am

    Hey Tara! The resort transportation only goes to the parks, but you are able to transfer to a shuttle or water taxi that goes to Loews Royal Pacific from CityWalk!

  • Reply Ray June 6, 2021 at 7:39 pm

    If you take the shuttle from Portifino Bay, do you have to go through the security hub, or is there a separate security checkpoint like with the water taxi?

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    Reply Social Media Team June 6, 2021 at 7:47 pm

    Hi Ray! There is a security checkpoint before boarding the water taxis!

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    Reply Social Media Team June 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    Hi Sara! You can! Our Resort Buses travel from the hotels to CityWalk and will transfer Guests back and forth! The bus stops are outside the entrance of the hotel and the CityWalk drop off is just below the security hub in the bus loop!

  • Reply Danielle June 19, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Are masks required currently on the shuttles to and from the hotels and parks.

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      Reply Social Media Team June 21, 2021 at 11:13 am

      Hi Danielle! We strongly encourage guests who are not fully vaccinated to wear face coverings on resort transportation. Face coverings are optional for guests who are fully vaccinated.

  • Reply Hillary Frisbie July 15, 2021 at 10:23 am

    Does Universal offer shuttles to other non-property locations? Other parts of Orlando?

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      Reply Social Media Team July 15, 2021 at 11:12 am

      Hi Hillary! We do not currently offer transportation to areas outside of the resort.

  • Reply KC October 15, 2021 at 3:24 pm

    Hello,

    Do the shuttles stop at multiple hotels along the way? Say for instance you stay at Surfside, do you get on the bus there, and go directly to the Citywalk hub, or do you make stops and pick up others at different hotels?

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      Reply Social Media Team November 5, 2021 at 12:54 pm

      Hi KC! It does depend on the time of day and demand for the shuttle service at that time. We recommend checking with the Front Desk upon check-in for the most up-to-date information!

  • Reply Tim Eyre October 28, 2021 at 6:41 am

    Hi – We are staying at Aventura however, we were hoping to check out Endless Summer Resort to see if it fits with plans for a vacation next year ….. My question is, is it permitted for us to use the shuttle bus to Endless Summer Resort from CityWalk despite us being residents in Aventura? (Hope that makes sense!) Thanks,

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      Reply Social Media Team November 5, 2021 at 1:07 pm

      Hi Tim! You are welcome to take the resort shuttle over to Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts to check them out! Please note that the pools and poolside amenities at these hotels are reserved exclusively for Guests of Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites.

  • Reply PegP January 23, 2022 at 11:45 am

    I noticed that there’s no mention of handicapped accessibility on the boats and buses. I’m assuming the buses have it, but I didn’t really notice a spot on the boats where a ramp could be placed to allow a wheelchair or electric scooter to board. If someone’s in a wheelchair or scooter, will they be able to board the water taxis?

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      Reply Social Media Team January 23, 2022 at 12:02 pm

      Hey Peg! Yes, our Water Taxis are ECV and Wheelchair accessible. There is usually a limit of 2 per trip. A ramp will be placed between the dock and boat to allow entry.

  • Reply GABI February 7, 2022 at 2:44 pm

    Hola, buenas tardes, quisiera saber si los hoteles cuentan con servicio de desayuno incluido. Muchas Gracias.

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    Reply Social Media Team February 7, 2022 at 2:55 pm

    Hola, ¡no tienen desayuno gratuito!

  • Reply Laura L February 21, 2022 at 8:48 am

    Are you able to walk from Surfside to Aventura? We are staying one night early at Surfside, then transferring to Aventura for the rest of our trip.

  • Reply Marlein June 17, 2022 at 1:09 pm

    Are there any type of shuttles that you recommend from the airport to Universals Endless Summer – Surfside Resort?

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    Reply Social Media Team June 17, 2022 at 2:01 pm

    Hi Marlein, Universal’s Superstar Shuttle can be added to any existing vacation package or hotel reservation booked with us directly. You can contact our reservations team at 800-407-4275 for further information.

  • Reply Sohaib Arif December 20, 2022 at 11:39 pm

    I know you answered for the water taxis but can you use the shuttle from Endless Summer if you are staying at a non-universal hotel nearby?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications January 7, 2023 at 3:13 pm

      Hi Sohaib! The shuttles are an exclusive benefit to resort Guests only.

  • Reply Matt January 18, 2023 at 4:31 pm

    do the shuttles start running before early park admission

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications January 18, 2023 at 5:05 pm

      Hi Matt! The Shuttles begin running an hour before Early Park Admission begins!

  • Reply Catherine Allen January 23, 2023 at 2:24 pm

    Hi we are staying at Royal Pacific Hotel in May 23 for 28 days. We do not have a car and would like to know is there a walk way to catch a bus to other parts of orlando my wife will be in an electric scooter.

  • Reply Digital Guest Communications January 23, 2023 at 2:33 pm

    Hi Catherine! Our resorts partner with Quick Transportation for visiting other areas outside the Universal Orlando Resort. They would be the best ones to speak to to assist further!

  • Reply Heather March 31, 2023 at 10:38 am

    We are staying at Royal Pacific. Is it faster to take the bus or water taxi? Do they BOTH run starting at 6am? Where does the water taxi pick up from? Is there a water taxi schedule or a bus schedule?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications March 31, 2023 at 11:27 am

      Hi Heather! The Resort Shuttle Bus and the Water Taxi at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort both are anticipated to operate in 20-minute intervals and begin operations 1-hour before park opening. The Resort Shuttle would drop you off at the entrance of Universal CityWalk, while the Water Taxi would drop you off inside of Universal CityWalk closer to the park entrances of Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The Water Taxi would be located across from the Tahitian Room by the Pool Area. The Shuttle Bus Pick-Up would be located next to the Ballroom Entrance just a little past the Water Taxi pick-up locations. We hope this is helpful!

  • Reply Moises Aaron Ramirez Hernandez April 15, 2023 at 9:07 am

    Hello, We are soon to visit in May, my question is, I´m staying at Endless Summer Resort do you guys have shuttle busses to Disneys Theme Parks?*

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications April 15, 2023 at 9:13 am

      Hi Moises. Guests at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels and Partner Hotels can get round trip transportation from their hotel to Walt Disney World® Resort locations. We recommend contacting our Reservations Team at (800) 711-0080 for more information regarding this.

  • Reply Melinda April 19, 2023 at 11:28 am

    Hi there! Does Westgate Town Center Resort have any transportation to Universal Studios?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications April 19, 2023 at 4:19 pm

      Hi Melinda! We recommend speaking to the resort directly for more information about transportation options.

  • Reply Steve May 3, 2023 at 9:30 am

    When staying at Endless Summer do shuttles go both to and from Universal parks or are they only one way? Is it also possible to use any of the onsite transport including the buses and boats to other hotels i.e. to eat/drink there or is this not possible? Finally as I am coming in June if the parks are busy and the shuttles are full is it possible to walk to the parks or will you put on extra shuttle services in busy periods?
    Thanks

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications May 3, 2023 at 10:45 am

      Hi Steve! Our Resort Shuttles run continuously throughout the entire day and provide transportation to and from our parks. In addition, you are welcome to utilize the Water Taxis and Resort Shuttles from Universal CityWalk to access our other Universal Orlando Resort Hotels for dining. Operational need is taken into consideration to ensure the shortest possible wait in between shuttles during busier times. If you have any further question prior to your visit, please don’t hesitate to contact our Guest Services Team at (407) 224-4233 or at guestservices@universalorlando.com.

  • Reply Chelsea May 14, 2023 at 11:29 am

    Hi, I am looking to stay at a hotel that’s not universal. Do you have free buses to get to the park from any hotel?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications May 14, 2023 at 11:38 am

      Hi Chelsea. We recommend reaching out to your hotel of choice directly for more information regarding the amenities they offer.

  • Reply William May 23, 2023 at 8:49 pm

    The walk way from the resorts to Universal-can you ride a bike or say a one wheel on the path and is there a large locker or bike racks to lock them up?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications May 23, 2023 at 9:06 pm

      Hi William, since bikes aren’t permitted in Universal CityWalk and since we don’t have a place to lock or store these items, we don’t recommend biking along these walking paths.

  • Reply Rachael May 30, 2023 at 10:14 am

    We are considering staying at Aventura as seems to be lovely and quiet for our adult son who is Autistic. Can you use the water taxi from Sapphire Falls and also The Strong Water Cavern ? As it seems to be a lot more chilled than using City Walk in the evenings. We feel the overall hotel experience at Aventure would be better for him but having the added choice maybe to use the bar over at the Sapphire falls would be great for us.

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications May 30, 2023 at 10:26 am

      Hi Rachael! Yes, you are more than welcome to take advantage of the water taxi to Loews Royal Pacific Resort. We encourage it – the views are beautiful!

  • Reply Cathy Lin October 11, 2023 at 11:12 am

    Enjoy the luxury of Cabana Bay beach and Universal Orlando surrounding, This guide is really useful for newbie and easy to understand how exactly the travel and how they reach to desire location. thanks

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications October 11, 2023 at 11:16 am

      We hope you’ll be able to visit us soon, Cathy! 😊

  • Reply Eduardo October 23, 2023 at 12:24 am

    Hi! If I’m staying in a non-Universal hotel nearby Endless Summer Resort, can I go there to take the shuttle to CityWalk? Thanks!

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications October 23, 2023 at 12:46 am

      Hi Eduardo! Bus transportation would be a benefit exclusive to those staying at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort.

  • Reply Minna February 4, 2024 at 2:49 am

    If arriving by taxi, are taxies allowed to drive close to entry?
    Or can we use shuttle buss, from any of your universal hotels? We are staying elsewhere…

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications February 4, 2024 at 8:58 am

      Hi Minna! The Pick-Up/Drop-Off location for taxis is located on the 5th floor of the CityWalk North Parking Structure in Jurassic Park. Bus transportation would be a benefit exclusive to those staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel.

  • Reply Daniel Zepeda February 21, 2024 at 5:05 pm

    Hey! I would like to know if the bus shuttles start one hour before early park admission or 1 hour before general park admission?

    And the shuttles are round trip?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications February 21, 2024 at 5:14 pm

      Hey Daniel, yes! Our resort shuttles will begin running about one hour before Early Park Admission begins in our parks, and will continue running both ways until Universal CityWalk fully closes for the night. When you’re ready to return to your room for some post-park relaxation, you can board these same shuttles to head to your home away from home. We can’t wait to welcome you to our Universe!

  • Reply Cory Downs March 15, 2024 at 10:49 pm

    I’m will be staying at Endless Summer, is there access to the walking path from this resort? Also, if I want to visit the other resorts, what transportation is available to get to them directly?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications March 15, 2024 at 11:01 pm

      Hey Cory! The walking path would not be available for the Universal’s Endless Summer Resort Hotels. However, you will be able to use the Resort Buses as transportation!

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