If I had a broomstick, I’d be up the hill already! Guess I’ll have to settle for walking to the shuttle stop.
The grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is Thursday, April 7, and I, for one, am very excited for the opportunity to ride an actual hippogriff. Okay, I have been told that there will not be any hippogriffs at Universal Studios…but the butterbeer is real though, right?
Yes, this is where you should hop off the train.
Still, there is a convenient form of Muggle transportation available in the form of the subway to get you to Universal Studios. The Metro Red Line Universal City/Studio City Station sits across the street from the free bus shuttle to Universal. Also, starting April 7, visitors to Universal can walk directly from the station to the shuttle stop without having to cross the street thanks to the new pedestrian bridge! (I’m a big fan of walking over car traffic, which will have to suffice until I can fly over car traffic with my broom. Or jetpack. Whichever comes first.)
You might also consider trying the new NoHo-Pasadena Express Line 501. The bus travels between Old Pasadena and North Hollywood, where you can transfer to the Red Line to reach Universal Studios.
Never ridden Metro before? Here’s how to ride.
But a few words on the basics. Fare for a one-way trip on Metro is $1.75 for adults and children five or older (two children four and under can ride free with a paying adult). The fare includes two hours of free transfers. The Universal City Station is about a 20-minute ride from downtown Los Angeles. The transfer to the Red Line from the Gold Line is at Union Station; follow the signs. From the Blue Line or Expo Line, transfer to the Red Line at 7th/Metro Center Station; follow the signs to the lower platform.
Click above to see larger.
More bus and trains routes and connections can be found with the Trip Planner or Google Transit. A map of our rail and busway system is at right.
Universal Studios is expecting huge crowds on opening day (April 7) and parking may be in very short supply — so transit is a good option. Also, a friendly reminder that the park and ride lot at Universal City/Studio City Station is for transit commuters — do not park there if you are heading directly to the wizarding world.
We’ll also be making announcements at Universal City/Studio City Station and on our Twitter feed on April 7 if the park is at capacity — which means Universal may not allow additional people in or may temporarily pause ticket sales. This will help riders determine whether to go straight to Universal Studios or hang out next door at CityWalk for a bit.
The new pedestrian bridge that connects Universal City/Studio City Station to the free shuttle to Universal Studios. The bridge opens just in time for the grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Check out a timelapse video of its construction.
So what are you most looking forward to at Harry Potter world? Riding the hippogriff? Getting measured for a wand? Posting a letter by owl? Enjoying a nice cold bottle of pumpkin juice? Let me know in the comments, and hey, maybe I’ll see you on the train to Hogwarts. (#hufflepride for life)
Categories: Go Metro
I do have a question for those going opening day, how will parking work as we will be coming in way earlier than 11am if you don’t have the parking pass thing.
Hi Liz,
The parking at the station is for those who are taking transit, and we do not encourage you to park there if you are heading directly to the park. There are nearby Red Line stations that also have park and ride lots which may have more non-permit parking available. You can also use the Trip Planner at metro.net to search for connections to Universal City/Studio City Station.
Thanks!
Anna Chen
Writer, The Source
I love this reply. and Harry Potter. and Metro.
So thanks for this! <3
How much did Metro get paid for this blatant ad / product placement?
Not a single penny. We often promote using transit to popular attractions and it would be dumb not to remind everyone that there is rail service to Universal. Also, Anna likes Harry Potter.
Steve Hymon
Editor, The Source
It’s amazing how many people have no idea that there is a Metro station at Universal. They could save a lot of parking fees. Sigh …
Is it possible we can temporarily rename the free shuttle to bus route 9 3/4? ;p
Nothing against Harry Potter, but does anyone know when Planet of the Apes World is opening?
Steve Hymon
Editor, The Source
Steve – We designed the bridge to cover Planet of the Apes World as well. In that case, you would just swing by your arms under the bridge to get across.
Anna! Good news! There is in fact a Hippogriff– there’s one in a big nest outside Hagrid’s hut.
As far as trains go, there is the Hogsmeade platform there with the Hogwarts Express as well, but not the iconic Platform 9-3/4.
Got to see the park early because…well if I told you I would have to use an obliviate charm.
So do we board on Platform 9¾ for the Hogwarts Express?
Hi Tony,
If you were a true wizard, you’d know the answer to that. 😉
(Sadly there’s no mock platform, but feel free to get creative with photoshop if you take photos in the station. We’d be happy to share your pics!)
Anna Chen
Writer, The Source
Just be sure to not use your flash, if you take pictures in the stations.