Los Angeles: Universal Studios Entry with Hollywood Bus Tour

Discover Hollywood and Universal Studios Hollywood in One Day for $224

This tour offers a comprehensive experience in Los Angeles, combining a guided bus tour of Hollywood landmarks and celebrity homes with a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood. Priced at $224 per person, it provides a balanced mix of sightseeing and entertainment, making it an appealing option for visitors eager to explore LA’s iconic sites and movie magic in a single day.

The tour departs from the Starline Tours’ Visitor Center inside the Ovation Hollywood Shopping Mall, where tickets are redeemed. The entire experience lasts one day, with the morning dedicated to the Hollywood sightseeing tour and the afternoon at Universal Studios Hollywood. While the tour includes transportation, note that food, shopping, and hotel transfers are not included, so plan accordingly. The experience suits those who want a structured, guided overview of LA’s highlights combined with the thrill of the theme park.

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Key Points

• Combination experience of Hollywood landmarks and Universal Studios Hollywood
• Price of $224 per person with flexible booking options
• Guided open-air bus tour with live or multilingual commentary
• Includes general admission to Universal Studios and access to Universal CityWalk
• Tour duration is one full day, with flexible departure times in the morning or afternoon
• Meeting point at the Starline Tours Visitor Center inside Ovation Hollywood Mall

Hollywood Landmarks and Celebrity Homes Guided Tour

The tour begins with a guided sightseeing journey through Hollywood’s top landmarks. Riding in an open-air bus, the guides lead guests through famous neighborhoods like Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, giving insights into the lavish estates and local history. Stops are made for photos at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, and the Hollywood Sign, where visitors can capture memorable images.

Live or multilingual audio guides enrich the experience by sharing fun stories and facts about the area. The tour covers iconic landmarks, providing a quick yet informative overview of Hollywood’s star-studded reputation. The guide’s commentary adds personality, giving context to the sights that dot LA’s landscape. This part of the experience is ideal for those wanting to see the city’s glamour from an elevated, comfortable vantage point.

Navigating Los Angeles Traffic and Pick-up Logistics

A notable consideration is the initial ticket collection process, which involves visiting the city center before heading to the Hollywood area. This can add about an hour and a half to the day, especially during LA traffic, which is known to be heavy at any time. The tour’s logistical setup may require guests to plan for this extra travel time.

Once underway, the bus travels through areas with traffic jams and less attractive neighborhoods, which some might find less inspiring. However, the bus commentary attempts to keep guests engaged with interesting stories, although some reviews note that the narration is not always perfectly synchronized with what’s visible outside. This sightseeing segment, while efficient, might not satisfy those seeking in-depth historical or celebrity home tours, but it remains a solid overview of Hollywood’s most recognizable spots.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Rides, Shows, and Behind-the-Scenes Access

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to Universal Studios Hollywood, where general admission grants access to thrilling rides, live shows, and real movie sets. Visitors can experience world-famous attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and The Secret Life of Pets, each offering immersive environments that bring movie magic to life.

A highlight is the Studio Tour, which takes guests behind the scenes of real film sets. This trolley tour reveals secrets from popular movies and TV shows, offering a deeper appreciation for film production. The park’s attractions promise nonstop action, blending excitement with insights into Hollywood filmmaking.

The park also features Universal CityWalk, a lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Access to CityWalk is included, providing opportunities for shopping and dining after the rides and shows. Visitors should note that food and shopping expenses are separate from the ticket price.

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Flexibility with the Hop-On Hop-Off Hollywood Red Route

For those interested in exploring LA at their own pace, an optional Hop-On Hop-Off Hollywood Red Route can be added. This flexible service lasts approximately two hours and allows passengers to visit more landmarks like The Grove, Farmers Market, La Brea Tar Pits, and Rodeo Drive. Buses run every 45 to 60 minutes, giving ample opportunity to customize sightseeing plans without the hassle of driving or parking.

This add-on is ideal for visitors who want additional time to explore Hollywood neighborhoods, shop, or take photos, making the overall experience more versatile. It complements the main tour by extending the sightseeing to areas not covered during the bus tour route.

Tour Logistics: Meeting Point, Accessibility, and Practical Tips

All tickets are mobile-friendly, eliminating the need for paper tickets. The meeting point, inside the Ovation Hollywood Shopping Mall, is easy to find, but guests should arrive prepared with a valid ID or passport, comfortable shoes, and a charged smartphone for tickets and app tracking.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating guests with mobility needs. It’s advisable to allocate at least 2 to 2.5 hours for the celebrity homes segment, and plan extra time for the theme park visit, especially during busy periods.

Guests are not allowed to bring luggage, large bags, or pets (except assistance animals). The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so transportation arrangements should be made in advance. The tour operates with live guides in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese, enhancing accessibility for international visitors.

Experiences and Service Quality: A Mixed Bag

While the tour offers knowledgeable guides and a convenient overview of Hollywood, some reviews highlight challenges such as traffic delays and less-than-ideal bus commentary synchronization. One reviewer noted that the initial ticket collection process was time-consuming, and that the bus commentary sometimes failed to align with the sights outside, reducing engagement.

However, the Universal Studios Hollywood part receives praise for the rides and behind-the-scenes tours, which deliver excitement and insights into movie-making. The inclusion of the CityWalk area adds value for visitors wanting to relax and explore after the rides.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This combination tour suits visitors seeking a structured overview of LA’s key landmarks alongside the thrill of visiting a major Hollywood theme park. It’s especially appealing for families, first-time visitors, or anyone short on time who wants to maximize their day with highlights from both Hollywood and Universal Studios.

However, those expecting an in-depth celebrity homes tour or a completely stress-free experience should note the potential delays and logistical constraints reflected in some reviews. Guests willing to manage traffic and enjoy a guided overview will find this tour offers value and variety.

Los Angeles: Hollywood and Universal Studios Tour with Sightseeing and Rides

This tour makes it easy to combine Hollywood sightseeing with Universal Studios Hollywood in a single day, offering an accessible, guided experience that covers famous landmarks, celebrity neighborhoods, and movie magic. The price of $224 includes both general admission to Universal Studios and a guided bus tour with live commentary, making it a practical choice for visitors looking for variety.

While the initial ticket pickup and traffic conditions are challenges, the access to rides, shows, and iconic LA sights compensates for these inconveniences. The optional hop-on hop-off service further enhances flexibility, allowing for additional exploration of Hollywood at a relaxed pace.

This tour provides a balanced mix of sightseeing and entertainment, ideal for those who want a comprehensive, guided day in LA without the need to plan every detail themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers Universal Studios Hollywood general admission, access to Universal CityWalk, a Hollywood sightseeing and landmark tour, a celebrity homes guided open-air bus tour, and optional Wi-Fi or bus tracking if selected.

Where do I meet for the tour?
All participants meet at the Starline Tours’ Visitor Center inside the Ovation Hollywood Shopping Mall at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., suite #203.

How long does the Hollywood celebrity homes tour take?
The celebrity homes segment typically lasts 2 to 2.5 hours.

Are food and shopping included?
No, food, shopping, and personal expenses are not included in the ticket price.

Can I book the tour and pay later?
Yes, the reserve now & pay later option allows booking without immediate payment, offering flexibility.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What about the traffic in Los Angeles?
Traffic can cause delays, especially during peak hours, impacting the initial pick-up and travel times.

Can I customize the sightseeing route?
Yes, the Hop-On Hop-Off Hollywood Red Route offers the chance to explore additional landmarks at your own pace.

How do I get tickets?
Tickets are mobile tickets, accepted without printing, making check-in quick and easy.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and a charged smartphone for tickets and app use.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
Yes, the Universal Studios part is particularly family-friendly, though the sightseeing tour is general and suitable for all ages.

How flexible are the tour times?
Morning and afternoon departures are usually available, allowing some flexibility in planning your day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby