Los Angeles: Universal Studios Entry with Hollywood Bus Tour

If you’re dreaming of experiencing the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, a combined tour of Hollywood landmarks and Universal Studios Hollywood might sound perfect. While we haven’t personally done this exact package, we’ve researched the details and reviews to give you an honest, thorough look into what you can expect.

On paper, this tour offers a nice mix: a guided exploration of Hollywood’s most famous sights followed by a day of adrenaline at Universal Studios. What we really like is how it caters to those wanting a taste of LA’s iconic neighborhoods and movie magic in one go. Plus, with multilingual guides and flexible options, it seems designed to suit various traveler types.

However, a potential snag is the logistics — notably the initial ticket pickup, which can eat into your day, especially given LA traffic. For those expecting a seamless, fully immersive Hollywood experience, the mixed reviews suggest it might not quite hit that mark. Still, if you’re curious about Hollywood’s star-studded streets and love theme park thrills, this tour could be a good fit.

Ideal for visitors who want a structured overview of LA’s highlights combined with the excitement of Universal Studios, this tour is worth considering, especially if you’re looking for a one-day adventure that balances sightseeing with fun.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines Hollywood sightseeing with Universal Studios Hollywood for a full day of entertainment and exploration.
• Guided Tour Benefits: Live or multilingual guides provide entertaining and informative commentary, making navigation easier.
• Flexible Options: You can pair this with a hop-on-hop-off tour for more in-depth exploration of LA landmarks.
• Potential Drawbacks: Ticket pickup process and LA traffic can add unexpected delays; some reviews mention traffic jams and long waits.
• Value for Money: At $224 per person, it offers access to both a famous theme park and iconic Hollywood sights, but some feel the bus tour lacks depth and can be cheesy.
• Accessibility: The tour offers wheelchair accessibility and mobile tickets, making it convenient for most travelers.

This experience is essentially a two-part adventure. First, you’ll hop on an open-air bus for a guided tour of Hollywood’s most renowned landmarks. Then, you’ll spend the rest of your day at Universal Studios Hollywood, enjoying rides and behind-the-scenes movie set tours.

Hollywood Landmarks & Neighborhoods

The first part of your day is a guided tour of LA’s Hollywood area. Expect to see the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, and the Hollywood Sign. Your guide will share stories and fun facts, adding context to these famed streets.

The open-air bus is a good way to see the city without the stress of driving, and the live or multilingual audio guides keep you engaged. You’ll also get a peek at the luxurious neighborhoods of Beverly Hills and Bel-Air — perfect for those wanting to see where the stars live.

The Hollywood Sign & Scenic Views

One of the highlights is stopping for photos at iconic sights like the Hollywood Sign. The views from the bus and designated photo stops are often praised, giving travelers a chance to soak in LA’s sprawling cityscape.

Hollywood Landmarks and Landmarks’ Authenticity

While some reviews mention that the commentary isn’t perfectly synchronized or that neighborhoods can be unattractive and traffic-heavy, most agree that the guide’s stories are lively and informative enough to keep you entertained.

More Great Tours Nearby

Universal Studios Hollywood

After the Hollywood tour, you’ll head to Universal Studios for its famous attractions. The ticket includes general admission and access to Universal CityWalk, which is perfect for grabbing a bite or doing some shopping.

Once inside, you can look forward to thrilling rides and live shows. The Studio Tour is particularly popular, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of real movie sets. You’ll get to explore immersive worlds like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and The Secret Life of Pets.

Rides & Shows

The rides are described as heart-pounding, and the various themed zones bring movies to life. For fans of cinema, this is where the experience shines—real sets, exciting attractions, and a chance to feel like part of the action.

Crowd & Wait Times

Some reviews mention long waits and crowded spaces, especially during peak times. This is typical of Universal Studios, but you might find that arriving early helps to maximize your day.

Additional Flexibility

If you want to explore LA more independently, the option to pair your ticket with the Hollywood Red Route Hop-On Hop-Off tour is appealing. It allows you to hop off at over 15 landmarks, from Rodeo Drive to La Brea Tar Pits, at your own pace.

This flexibility is a real plus, especially if you prefer to customize your sightseeing or avoid rushing through sites.

Meeting Point:
You’ll need to redeem your ticket at the Starline Tours Visitor Center inside Ovation Hollywood Shopping Mall, located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd. on the 2nd floor, suit #203. This might seem straightforward, but the initial ticket pickup can be time-consuming, especially with LA traffic.

Duration & Timing:
The tour lasts about a full day, with options in the morning or afternoon. Because of the separate parts, it’s wise to allocate plenty of time — especially if you want to enjoy both experiences without rushing.

Cost & Value:
At $224 per person, this tour offers access to a major theme park and a sightseeing tour. While it’s not cheap, the value depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re eager to see Hollywood’s highlights and experience Universal, it can be a good deal. However, some reviews suggest that the bus tour itself isn’t particularly memorable, and the traffic delays can make the day feel a bit disjointed.

What’s Included & Not:
The package covers universal admission, CityWalk access, Hollywood landmarks, and the guided bus tour. Food, shopping, and hotel transport are extras. Keep in mind, tickets are mobile, so no printing is necessary, which is convenient.

Accessibility & Comfort:
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and some buses feature free Wi-Fi. It’s designed to accommodate most travelers comfortably.

What We Liked
– The combination of Hollywood sights and Universal Studios is appealing for a full-day experience.
– The guided bus tour provides a relaxed way to see LA without worrying about navigation or parking.
– The views from the bus and photo stops give you a genuine sense of LA’s sprawling beauty.
– Universal Studios’ rides and set tours are a definite highlight, especially if you love movies and thrill rides.

What Could Be Improved
– The initial ticket pickup process is a bit inconvenient, especially if you’re arriving later in the day or dealing with LA traffic.
– Some reviews find the bus commentary unengaging or not well synchronized.
– Traffic jams and long waits are common, which can cut into your park time or sightseeing window.
– The overall experience at Universal Studios might feel rushed or less immersive if you’re expecting something more cinematic.

This tour offers a practical way to get a taste of Hollywood’s most famous spots combined with the excitement of Universal Studios Hollywood. It suits travelers who want a guided overview of LA’s iconic neighborhoods and enjoy theme park thrills in one day.

While it’s not a perfect, seamless experience — especially considering the traffic and logistical hiccups — it does deliver on providing a broad snapshot of Hollywood glamour and movie magic. The guided bus tour with live commentary makes it accessible for those who prefer not to navigate LA on their own, and Universal Studios offers a fun and adrenaline-packed end to the day.

If you’re a first-time visitor eager to tick off LA’s key sights and enjoy some of Hollywood’s best attractions without planning every detail yourself, this tour could be a worthwhile pick. Just be prepared for potential delays and the possibility that some parts might feel a little rushed or touristy.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While families can enjoy it, keep in mind that some reviews mention long waits and traffic delays. The theme park is family-friendly, but the bus tour itself is more of an overview suited for all ages.

Do I need to print my tickets?
No, mobile tickets are accepted, making it easy to keep your plans flexible and hassle-free.

Where do I meet for the tour?
At the Starline Tours Visitor Center inside Ovation Hollywood Shopping Mall at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., on the 2nd floor, suite #203.

How long does the Hollywood sightseeing part take?
Plan for at least 2 to 2.5 hours to fully enjoy the landmarks and neighborhood views.

Can I combine this with other tours?
Yes, you can pair this with the Hollywood Red Route Hop-On Hop-Off Tour for more flexible sightseeing.

What is included in the ticket?
General admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, access to CityWalk, Hollywood landmarks, and the celebrity homes bus tour.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most travelers; wheelchairs are accessible. No specific age restrictions are noted.

Is there food available at Universal Studios?
Food and shopping are not included in the ticket price but are available inside Universal Studios and CityWalk.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How crowded does Universal Studios get?
Some reviews mention long waits, so arriving early is advisable to maximize your time and rides.

If you’re okay with potential traffic hiccups and enjoy guided sightseeing with a splash of movie excitement, this tour might just add that touch of Hollywood magic to your LA trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: