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
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
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.
What’s your favorite way to get to the parks? Let us know in the comments.
82 Comments
Even walking, its so beautiful that it is enjoyable.
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.
I have been before. Truly Lovely. Going, again.
Water taxi to/from Sapphire is over crowded, due to people staying at Cabana Bay and Aventura using it 🤨 putting me off staying again
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??
Hi Lyndsey!
You are able to utilize the Water Taxis whether you are staying at one of our hotels or not. Hope this helps.
Does the universal endless summer: si issue inn and suites have a shuttle to and from universal?
Hi! Does the universal endless summer: Surfside inn and suites have a shuttle to and from universal?
Hello Veronica, yes. We do provide shuttles from Endless Summer Resort to the parks.
How does the Super Star Shuttle Bus Service runs to SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica Waterpark Orlando to Universal Orlando Resort from your hotels?
Hi Terrence! We encourage you to call 407-817-8174 to learn more about this service.
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?
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.
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)?
Hey Jen! Our resort shuttle services begins 1 hour before Early Park Admission!
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.
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!
Hi Lynette! All of our water taxis are ADA accessible for both wheelchairs and ECVs!
Do any of the free transportation services/buses that leave from Aventura or Endless summer resort, stop by Loews Royal?
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!
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?
Hi Ray! There is a security checkpoint before boarding the water taxis!
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!
Are masks required currently on the shuttles to and from the hotels and parks.
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.
Does Universal offer shuttles to other non-property locations? Other parts of Orlando?
Hi Hillary! We do not currently offer transportation to areas outside of the resort.
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?
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!
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,
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.
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?
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.
Hola, buenas tardes, quisiera saber si los hoteles cuentan con servicio de desayuno incluido. Muchas Gracias.
Hola, ¡no tienen desayuno gratuito!
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.
Are there any type of shuttles that you recommend from the airport to Universals Endless Summer – Surfside Resort?
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.
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?
Hi Sohaib! The shuttles are an exclusive benefit to resort Guests only.
do the shuttles start running before early park admission
Hi Matt! The Shuttles begin running an hour before Early Park Admission begins!
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.
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!
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?
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!
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?*
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.
Hi there! Does Westgate Town Center Resort have any transportation to Universal Studios?
Hi Melinda! We recommend speaking to the resort directly for more information about transportation options.
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
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.
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?
Hi Chelsea. We recommend reaching out to your hotel of choice directly for more information regarding the amenities they offer.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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
We hope you’ll be able to visit us soon, Cathy! 😊
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!
Hi Eduardo! Bus transportation would be a benefit exclusive to those staying at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort.
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…
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.
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?
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!
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?
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!
Are shuttles and water taxis wheelchair accessible?
Hi Amber! All Universal Orlando Resort hotel to theme park shuttles are ADA compliant, and ECVs and wheelchairs are accepted on our Water Taxis.
Does Universal hotel Portofino offer shuttle service from the airport (Brightline) to the hotel?
Hey Lori! Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle offers roundtrip or one way transfer from Orlando International Airport to all Universal Orlando Resort Hotels. You can add this to any Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations (UPRV) package, or to Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Room-only reservations by calling (800) 823-4733.
Does universal offer transport to DISNEY?
Hi Sherri. Guests at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels can get round trip transportation from their hotel to Walt Disney World Resort locations. Reservations must be made 72 hours in advance by reaching out to our Reservations Team at (800) 711-0080.
Coming in for an Orlando Informer event and wanting to stay at the Aventura Hotel. What time does the shuttle run until? I think the park closes at 8 for regular guests, but the special event goes until 1:30am on December 14th. Thanks.
Hi Bill! Our hotel shuttle buses typically run until Universal CityWalk is clear of Guests.
Buenas, hay transporte de aeropuerto a Hotel Portofino?
Gracias
Sí Maribel, Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle ofrece viaje de ida y vuelta desde el Aeropuerto Internacional de Orlando hasta todos los hoteles de Universal Orlando Resort. Puedes reservar esto llamando al 1 (866) 604-7557. Esperamos su próximo viaje.
Is there a shuttle from the airport to Universal Studios?
Hey Sherry! Yes, we offer Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle which runs 24/7. You can add this to your Vacation Package with a Universal Orlando Resort hotel by calling (800) 711-0080!
Hi! Can guests at cabana bay utilize the water taxi of Sapphire Falls to go to city walk?
Hi Sam! All Guests are welcome to utilize our Water Taxis, even if you are not staying at the hotel.