Transportation to Universal Hollywood? About This Page:

[Evie5253]

We'll be staying at the Candy Cane Inn, and I would like to spend a day at Universal Studios. Anyone know what's the best way to get there (shuttle?) I don't need tickets, just a ride (but I'd really rather not rent a car and drive it).
Any suggestions?
Evie

[bradk]

that's a toughie. they're pretty far from each other (about 90 mins driving on a good day). you COULD do it mass transit, but I wouldn't suggest it to go between the parks. so the only real option you have is a hired car and that alone might run you about $50-$60 each way I'm guessing.

[Joy J]

This is something we're planning to do while staying at the Disneyland Hotel. I'm not sure if they will offer this at the Candycane Inn but supposedly, there are shuttle buses that will pick folks up at the 3 Disney hotels for day trips to places like Universal Studios. Leastwise, that's what the Disney Vacation Planners service told me. I've yet to make specific inquiries about the details. Once I found out more, I'll post about it.

Joy

[loobyoxlip]

When we stayed at the Candy Cane Inn, we saw one of the buses Joy mentioned picking people up there, so I assume they stop at other hotels, also.

[DebiDebiDebi]

My daughter used the Metrolink from Oceanside to Orange County (17.50 round trip). This metro goes up to the Burbank area as well. Here is a link: Metrolink Trains The station in Anaheim is right at Angel Stadium; just a short cab ride from DLR.

I checked on Metrolink and found that a roundtrip from Anaheim to Burbank Airport Station is 42 miles and ticket price is $12.75 (weekday) and $9.50 (weekend). Senior/Disabled Price is $6.50 and youth weekend is $6.50.

I checked on Mapquest, and Universal Theme Park is 7.8 miles from the Metrolink Burbank Downtown Station, and 5.30 miles from the Burbank Airport Station. A cab would be needed from either location, but the train is relatively fast, very clean, and gives you time to enjoy the scenery.

[bradk]

it should be really easy via mass transit too, for like $2.50 you can take a bus from right outside disneyland to downtown LA and transfer to the red line metro which would take you right to the entrance of Universal (they have a shuttle to take you up to the park area). the only problem with this is the time involved.

[Evie5253]

Boy,this sure seems harder then it looks. So, if I rent a car, is the drive really difficult? If you mapquest it, it says like 45 minutes (on I-5, towards LA? Doesn't seem likely!) anybody know for sure?
Evie

[bradk]

depends a lot on traffic, but realistically, i'd expect around 90 minutes for the drive, if not a little more

[Dave Marx]

[ QUOTE ]
Boy,this sure seems harder then it looks. So, if I rent a car, is the drive really difficult? If you mapquest it, it says like 45 minutes (on I-5, towards LA? Doesn't seem likely!) anybody know for sure?
Evie

[/ QUOTE ]

It really depends on traffic conditions. We are talking about LA. There can be traffic jams at any time of the day or night. Things can get especially slow as you approach Downtown and have to get onto the 101. And well, even for someone like me, who cut his teeth on NYC-area driving, driving LA's freeways is no picnic. Especially if you're not comfy in urban driving conditions, I'd go for the bus tour/shuttle option, which will keep your vacation as stress-free as possible.

I've taken the Red Line subway from the Hollywood and Highland district to Universal, and it was pretty straightforward (especially for someone used to the NYC subways). I haven't done Metrolink, though. Generally, I think the idea of traveling a strange rapid transit system (as beneficial as rapid transit can be) is the kind of thing that should only be done by those who really want to do it.

I've also done the drive fairly often. It feels a whole lot like commuting, very little like vacation. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[bradk]

I've used mass transit in DC, Boston, Orlando, San Diego, LA, and of course NYC. I consider it a rite of passage [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Dave Marx]

[ QUOTE ]
I've used mass transit in DC, Boston, Orlando, San Diego, LA, and of course NYC. I consider it a rite of passage [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll see your six and I'll raise you London, Paris, Toronto, Chicago, New Jersey (buses, trains, PATH to Newark)... [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

We "sophisticated urbanites" have a unique perspective, though. Jennifer, coming from suburban Michigan, a state where mass transit is nearly nonexistant (what's bad for General Motors is bad for Michigan), doesn't have quite the same experience/comfort levels as I do and is less likely to consider mass transit on our travels. For her, it's a bit more like "adventure travel" than basic urban convenience.

[bradk]

didn't know NJ counted [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] in that case, I can add both NJ and southern Connecticut, where I grew up, so I can basically empathize with those who can't imagine going across the street without a car.

still, there's nothing quite as exciting as hopping on a bus somewhere in a strange land and praying it's going in the right direction. just something to look forward to when I hit Africa in a couple of years.

[Evie5253]

Well, thanks to you two, I'm definately going to find me a shuttle somewhere! The thought of hopping on a bus somewhere and hoping it's going in the right direction is the kind of excitement I can live without. I grew up on the NY buses and subways, and I can live without that too. Now I take the train into the city, as I hate driving in the city even more. Yup,it looks like I'm doing some shuttle research this week-end. Thanks so much for your imput!!
Evie

[Tink and co.]

There are several shuttle services that pick up at area hotels (and I'd guess Candy Cane Inn is one) or at a designated pick up point (like a bus stop). I'd research online, or contact the hotel directly. You aren't the only one who wants to go to Universal!
Dave and Brad--I for one love to hop on a bus or train and hope it's going where I want! But not when I want to get to a theme park at a certain time. I spent a good part of a summer in San Francisco and occupied myself with public transportation rides/adventures. We have public transportation in my city, but big city is an adventure for me...

[bradk]

well, just to clarify, i only added my comment about the bus/metro because someone brought up the metrolink. originally, i advise against using mass transit to commute back and forth.

i generally advocate against going back and forth altogether. if someone asks me, i suggest spending a day or 2 in the LA area and go to USH then, THEN 'move' to Anaheim, so the trip only has to be made once.