So, you’re planning a trip to the "Entertainment Capital of L.A." and you've got one big question: where is Universal Studios located in Los Angeles, exactly? It sounds like a simple enough thing to Google. You type it in, you get an address, and you're good, right?
Well, honestly, it’s a bit more complicated than just a pin on a map. If you just plug "Universal Studios" into your GPS without a second thought, you might end up staring at a gate that’s strictly for employees or, worse, find yourself on the wrong side of the Cahuenga Pass during rush hour. And trust me, you do not want to be stuck in Hollywood traffic when you could be drinking a Butterbeer.
The Actual Address (And Why It’s Weird)
The official address for the park is 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
Did you catch that? It’s not actually "Los Angeles" in the technical sense—it’s Universal City. This is a weird little quirk of California geography. Universal City is basically its own unincorporated "island" of Los Angeles County. About 70% of the land there is its own thing, while the remaining 30% technically falls within L.A. city limits.
Basically, it’s a tiny town that exists almost entirely to support the movie studio and the theme park.
It’s nestled right in the San Fernando Valley, just over the hill from Hollywood proper. If you're looking at a map, it’s tucked between the neighborhoods of Studio City and Burbank. If you tell a local you’re going to "Hollywood," they might correct you and say you’re going "to the Valley."
How to Get There Without Losing Your Mind
Getting to Universal Studios Hollywood is a bit of an art form. Most people think they have to drive, but that’s a rookie mistake if you’re staying anywhere near a Metro line.
The Subway Secret
The Metro B Line (formerly the Red Line) is your best friend here. It runs from Downtown L.A. (Union Station) all the way up to North Hollywood. You want to get off at the Universal City/Studio City Station.
Once you pop out of the underground, you aren't quite at the gates yet. You’re at the bottom of a very steep hill. Don't try to walk it unless you really want a leg workout before a 12-hour day of standing in lines. Instead, look for the free Universal Studios shuttle. It’s a bright, colorful bus (or sometimes a tram) that picks people up every 10 to 15 minutes. It’ll drop you right at the entrance of Universal CityWalk, which is the neon-soaked shopping and dining district that leads into the park.
Driving (The 101 Freeway)
If you do decide to drive, you’ll likely be taking the US-101 North (the Hollywood Freeway) if you’re coming from Downtown or the Westside.
- Exit Universal Studios Blvd: This is usually the most direct route.
- Exit Lankershim Blvd: This is a good backup if the main exit is backed up.
Parking is where things get pricey. As of 2026, general parking starts around $35, but if you arrive after 5:00 PM (maybe for a dinner at CityWalk or a late-night movie), it usually drops to about $10. If you're feeling fancy, "Front Gate Parking" exists, but it’ll cost you a cool $75 or more. Honestly? Save that money for a plastic dinosaur or a wand.
Landmarks and Neighbors
One of the coolest things about where Universal is located is what’s right next door. You are literally in the heart of movie-making history.
Just a few minutes away is Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. You can actually see their water tower from certain parts of the Universal backlot. To the east, you’ve got Griffith Park and the L.A. Zoo. If you look up toward the hills, you can often spot the Hollywood Sign peaking over the ridgeline, though it's much further away than most tourists think.
The park itself is built on a hillside, which is why there are those massive four-flight escalators connecting the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot.
Pro Tip: When people ask where is Universal Studios located in Los Angeles, they often forget that the "Lower Lot" (where Jurassic World and The Mummy are) is physically much lower in elevation. It takes about 10-15 minutes just to travel between the two sections, so plan your day accordingly.
The Evolution of the Lot
Universal didn't just appear out of nowhere. Back in 1915, Carl Laemmle opened Universal City on a 230-acre chicken ranch.
Back then, people would pay five cents to sit in bleachers and watch silent movies being filmed. They even got a boxed lunch with chicken from the ranch. Nowadays, you're paying a lot more than a nickel, and the "boxed lunch" has been replaced by $20 burgers, but the location hasn't changed. It’s still a working studio. When you’re on the Studio Tour, you’re driving past active soundstages where shows like The Voice or various sitcoms are being filmed right that second.
Surprising Things Nearby
If you find yourself with extra time, the area around the park—Studio City—is actually one of the best food neighborhoods in L.A.
- Ventura Boulevard: This is the main drag. It's lined with sushi spots, trendy cafes, and vintage shops.
- The Hollywood Bowl Overlook: A short drive up Mulholland Drive gives you that iconic "city lights" view that you see in movies like La La Land.
- The Garland: A retro-cool hotel nearby that feels like 1970s Hollywood in the best way possible.
Is It Near the Beach?
No. Absolutely not.
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This is the biggest mistake people make when visiting L.A. They think they can do Universal in the morning and hit Santa Monica Pier for lunch. On a map, it looks close. In L.A. traffic? That’s a 90-minute nightmare journey. If you’re at Universal, you’re in the Valley. The ocean is at least 15-20 miles away, which might as well be another planet during peak hours.
Final Logistics to Keep in Mind
If you’re flying in, Burbank (BUR) is the superior airport for Universal. It’s about 15 minutes away. If you fly into LAX, you’re looking at a 45-minute drive on a "good" day and a 2-hour crawl on a Friday afternoon.
So, to recap: Universal is in Universal City, right off the 101 Freeway, north of Hollywood, and south of Burbank. It’s a weird, unincorporated slice of movie magic that’s best reached by the Metro B Line if you want to save your sanity.
To make the most of your trip, download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app before you arrive. It has a built-in map that uses your GPS to show you exactly where you are in relation to the rides. Also, check the Metro LA website for any scheduled maintenance on the B Line, as they sometimes run bus shuttles late at night or on weekends which can add a bit of time to your commute. Just grab your TAP card, hop on the shuttle at the bottom of the hill, and you're ready to go.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the current Metro B Line schedule to see if there are any service alerts for your travel dates.
- Compare rideshare prices (Uber/Lyft) versus the $35 parking fee—often, if you’re staying within 5 miles, a rideshare is actually cheaper and drops you closer to the gate.
- Look up Ventura Boulevard restaurants in Studio City for a post-park dinner to avoid the higher prices at CityWalk.