Los Angeles: Universal Studios & Hop-on Hop-off Hollywood Tour

Two Days, Two Sides of LA: Studios & Streets

You spend Day 1 on a double-decker bus exploring 15 Hollywood landmarks at your own pace, with real-time tracking and multilingual commentary. Day 2 is a full day at Universal Studios with admission included and a free shuttle both ways. No separate bookings for transport or park entry; everything is bundled and timed so you move between days without logistics getting in the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hollywood landmarks

• Hop-on double-decker bus
• Visit Hollywood Walk of Fame
• See Dolby Theatre
• View Hollywood Sign
• Pass Sunset Strip
• Pass Rodeo Drive
• Pass Hollywood Pantages Theatre
• Pass Los Angeles Original Farmers Market

Day 2 — Universal Studios full day visit

• Take shuttle to Universal Studios
• Arrive at Universal Studios
• Enjoy rides and attractions
• Explore Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Take backlot Studio Tour
• Visit Universal CityWalk
• Return shuttle departs

The Experience

The double-decker bus is already rolling when you board at 9:30 AM on Day 1, heading straight into Hollywood. Fifteen stops spread across the city—the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive—and you get off whenever something catches your eye. The hop-on hop-off tour gives you the map and the freedom; the CitySightseeing LA app tracks the bus in real time and feeds you commentary in nine languages, so you're not guessing where you are or what you're looking at. Most buses have free Wi-Fi, which means you can download the app before you leave the hotel and jump on without fumbling for a connection.

Day 2 is Universal Studios. A complimentary shuttle picks you up at 9:30 AM and drops you at the gates by 10:15, so you don't burn an hour in traffic or parking. You've got the full day inside—the backlot Studio Tour, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the rides that make your stomach drop. General admission is included, which is the part that usually costs the most. The return shuttle leaves at 5:30 PM, which gives you seven hours to move through the park without rushing or staying so late you're exhausted on the drive back.

What makes this package work is that you're not choosing between the studio and the city. You get both, on separate days, with transport handled. The hop-on hop-off route covers the landmarks people actually want to see—the Hollywood Sign, the Dolby Theatre, the Original Farmers Market—and you set the pace. If you want to spend an hour at Rodeo Drive or just photograph the Walk of Fame and move on, the bus comes back every 15 to 20 minutes. Mobile tickets mean no printing, no lost papers, no line at the gate.

What’s included

• General admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.
• 24-hour hop-on hop-off Hollywood Route ticket covering 15 stops including the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip, and the Hollywood Sign.
• complimentary round-trip shuttle to and from Universal Studios on Day 2.
• access to Universal CityWalk.
• real-time bus tracking and multilingual commentary via the CitySightseeing LA app.
• free Wi-Fi on most buses.
• mobile tickets (no printing required).

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Starline Tours of Hollywood

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both the studio experience and the Hollywood sightseeing without arranging two separate bookings and shuttles—the package handles transport and entry so you just show up and move through each day on your own schedule.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How long is the hop-on hop-off tour?

You have a 24-hour ticket for the Hollywood Route, starting at 9:30 AM on Day 1. Buses run throughout the day, and you can get on and off as many times as you want within that window.

Is the Universal Studios shuttle included?

Yes. A complimentary round-trip shuttle picks you up at 9:30 AM on Day 2 and returns at 5:30 PM. You don't arrange separate transport.

What does general admission to Universal Studios cover?

It includes access to the rides, attractions, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The backlot Studio Tour is part of general admission.

Can I use the app on my phone?

Yes. The CitySightseeing LA app shows a live map, real-time bus locations, and commentary in nine languages. Most buses also have free Wi-Fi.

Do I need to print my tickets?

No. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you just show your phone at entry.

Are there stops for food or shopping?

The hop-on hop-off route includes the Original Farmers Market and passes through Rodeo Drive, both with shopping and dining options. Universal CityWalk is also included and has restaurants and shops.

What time does the Universal Studios day end?

The return shuttle departs at 5:30 PM, so you have from 10:15 AM to 5:30 PM inside the park.

Can I bring a stroller or pram?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram. Infants can also sit on an adult's lap.