What airport is closest to Universal Studios Hollywood? This is a frequent question for travelers going to this renowned theme park. Location is very important when planning your trip–the closer you are to the action, the less time you spend traveling and more time you’re having fun. When you fly into the closest airport to Universal Studios, it saves time, decreases stress, and gets you to the action much faster. It is worth noting a lot of travelers confuse Universal Studios Hollywood (located in California) with Universal Studios Florida (based in Orlando). Both parks are well-known tourists destinations, and this guide will help you determine which airport close to Universal Studios is best for you and yours, either to Hollywood or Orlando. Let’s break it down so you can get your vacation started on the right runway.
Closest Airports to Universal Studios, Hollywood
Best Airport Near Universal Studios
The Universal Studios nearest airport is Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). It’s only about 6 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood, making it the closest and most convenient option for travelers.
Burbank Airport Distance from Universal
It would take about fifteen to twenty minutes from BUR to Universal Studios. It is a short ride whether you take Uber, Lyft, a rental car, or a shuttle bus options. BUR is a smaller airport, which means that you can usually move through security and baggage claim faster.
LAX: A Bigger Airport, but Further Away
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 25 miles from Universal Studios. And it can take 45 minutes, or over an hour, depending on traffic. LAX is a major airport for global flights which can be helpful for international travelers, but it is not the most convenient airport near Universal.
Which is the most convenient airport and why
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
- 6 miles from park
- 15–20 min drive
- Less crowded, check in faster
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
- 25 miles from park
- 45+ min drive (varies on traffic)
- Big airport, more available flight options
Important Airports for Universal Studios, Hollywood
If you are planning your trip, it’s worth knowing, that there are several other airports besides Burbank for getting to Universal Studios Hollywood! While Hollywood Burbank Airport is the closest airport to Universal Studios, the following Los Angeles airports might also accommodate your travel needs.
LAX – Los Angeles international Airport
LAX is one of the largest airports in the USA, and one of the biggest international airports, with the longest list of flights, including, international flights and cross country flights. However, LAX is not the airport that is closest to Universal Studios if you are in the market for convenience. LAX is about 25 miles from Universal Studios, which can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and half drive, depending on traffic.
- Ideal for international travelers and long-haul travel
- Is a huge airport with ample ground travel availability, Uber, shuttles, rental cars, etc.
- Busy terminals and long wait times.
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Long Beach Airport is smaller and less busy than LAX. It is about 30 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to get from the airport to the amusement park by car. It may not be the nearest airport to Universal Studios, but it is an easy experience if you are arriving by plane from select cities, in the U.S.
- Shorter lines and faster security
- Limited domestic flight options, but good
- Easy rental car and ride-share pickup
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Ontario International Airport is about 40 miles from Universal Studios and is another possibility for domestic travelers, especially coming from the western U.S. It usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to get to Universal Studios, by car, from Ontaio International Airport, depending on the traffic.
- Good option for travelers in the region
- Less congested than LAX
- Less CONVENIENT ground transportation but it’s available
Which Airport Should You Choose?
If your goal is to get to Universal Studios quickly, Hollywood Burbank Airport is still the nearest airport to Universal Studios. But if you need a specific airline or international flight, LAX offers more options. For a less hectic experience, Long Beach and Ontario airports are good alternatives, even though they’re not the airport close to Universal Studios.
You may read about How Far Is Miami Airport To The Cruise Port?
International Airports Near Universal Studios Florida
Choosing a suitable airport is an essential decision in ensuring that your arrival to Universal Orlando Resort, in Florida, goes as smoothly as possible. This section concentrates on the Florida location and not Universal Studios, Hollywood, California.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) – The Closest and Most Convenient
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary airport near Universal Studios Florida, located only 17 miles from the entrance. MCO is the nearest airport to Universal Studios and is also the major airport for domestic and international travelers flying into Florida.
- Offers nonstop flights from Europe, South America, Canada, and beyond
- Only a short $20–30 Uber, shuttle, or rental car trip away from Universal
- Very well-appointed with plenty of restaurants, lounges, and services for transportation
Due to its size and location, MCO is the preferred airport when taking a trip to Universal Studios and is a major benefit for travelers looking for a fast, easy connection to Universal Studios Resort.
Sanford International Airport (SFB) – A Smaller Option
Another airport located near Universal Studios is Sanford International Airport (SFB), which is approximately 35 miles from the resort. While it is a smaller airport (when compared to MCO), SFB does have some international traffic; specifically Europe flights, via charter or low-cost carriers.
- Convenient for limited international and regional flights
- Traveling by car will take 45 to 55 minutes to Universal Orlando
- Ground types of transportation on the ground include, but are not limited to shuttles, rental cars, and rideshare.
While not the closest airport to Universal Studios, SFB can be a good option for travelers looking for a less crowded airport or budget-friendly flights. For airport transfer services contact no other than Signature Luxury Transportation.
Airports Near Universal Studios Florida
If you’re traveling around the U.S. and would like to see regional or smaller airport options, there are some other options other than the major international airports. While they aren’t the nearest airports to Universal Studios, they have their own benefits such as less traffic, cheaper tickets, or private flight access.
Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) – Nearest Private Option
Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is the nearest option at only 12 miles from Universal Orlando Resort. Although it has no commercial flights operating there, it remains a popular airport nearby Universal Studios for private jets, corporate charters and business travelers.
- Great for private or chartered aircraft
- Only about 15-20 minutes to Universal Studios
- Great launching pad to downtown Orlando and upscale ground transportation
If you’re flying in privately – as discussed above – this airport, by far, is the closest airport to Universal Studios Florida and will provide the most direct (and upscale) access.
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) – A Regional Alternative
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), a small regional airport that offers limited domestic flights, is only about sixty miles northeast of Universal Orlando.
- Serves some of the major cities in the U.S. via airlines like American or Delta
- Travel time to Universal Studios is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Sometimes, they offer good deals compared to larger airports
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) – Another Local Option
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is located near 75 miles southeast of Universal Studios Florida. MLB offers limited service to selected U.S. cities, but has been steadily gaining market share due to lower fares, easy access, and less traffic.
- Limited, but expanding domestic air service
- 1.5 hour drive time depending on traffic
- Good option for travelers looking to avoid crowds at major airports
MLB is not considered the airport closest to Universal Studios, but it is a convenient option for specific flights and those seeking to save on airfare.
Which Local Airport is Best?
- ORL – Closest for private flights, only 12 miles away
- DAB – Smaller, relaxed airport about 1 hour out
- MLB – Farther, but potentially cheaper for some flights
While Orlando International Airport (MCO) remains the best airport near Universal Studios for most travelers, these local airports can serve specific needs, especially for private flights or cost-saving alternatives.
Final Thoughts
For the best travel experience, choose Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) for Universal Studios Hollywood it’s the nearest airport to Universal Studios in California. For Universal Studios Florida, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the top airport near Universal Studios, offering the most flight options and shortest travel time. While LAX, SFB, DAB, and MLB are alternative choices, BUR and MCO remain the most convenient. Always plan your transportation early for a smooth arrival. If you want any black luxury car service from the airport to Universal Studios, contact Signature Luxury Transportation.
FAQs
Q1: What Airport Is Closest To Universal Studios Hollywood?
A: The closest airport to Universal Studios Hollywood is Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), located just about 6 miles away from the theme park.
Q2: How Long Does It Take To Get From Burbank Airport To Universal Studios Hollywood?
A: It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. You can use Uber, Lyft, shuttles, or rent a car.
Q3: Is Lax A Good Option For Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood?
A: Yes, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a major hub and works well for international travelers, but it’s about 25 miles away, and the drive can take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Q4: Are There Shuttles From Airports To Universal Studios Hollywood?
A: Yes, there are several shuttle services, ride-shares, and luxury car options available from both BUR and LAX to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Q5: Which Airport Should I Choose If I Want The Fastest Route To Universal Studios Hollywood?
A: Choose Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) for the quickest and most convenient access to Universal Studios Hollywood.
