Let’s be real for a second. You’re looking at a map of Southern California and thinking, "Oh, they're both in the L.A. area, how bad could it be?" Well, it's complicated. The physical distance from Disneyland to Universal Studios is roughly 35 miles if you’re taking the most direct route via the I-5 North.
Thirty-five miles. In most of America, that’s a breezy 35-minute drive. In Southern California? That’s a gamble with your sanity.
Honestly, people get this wrong all the time. They book a hotel in Anaheim thinking they’ll just "pop over" to see Mario Kart at Universal for the afternoon. You can certainly do it, but you've gotta understand that the "Orange County to L.A." trek is less about geography and more about the whims of the 5 freeway. Depending on when you leave, that 35-mile gap can take 45 minutes or two and a half hours. I'm not kidding.
The Reality of the Drive
If you’re driving yourself, you’re basically starting in Anaheim and heading Northwest toward Hollywood/Universal City. You’ll likely spend the bulk of your time on the I-5 (the Santa Ana Freeway) before merging onto the US-101 North near Downtown L.A.
Traffic in L.A. isn't just a rush hour thing anymore; it's a "most of the day" thing. If you leave at 7:00 AM on a Tuesday, you are walking right into the teeth of the commuter beast. You’ll see the brake lights starting around Buena Park and they won't really let up until you pass the East L.A. interchange. On the flip side, if you make the drive at 10:30 PM on a Sunday, you’ll fly.
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Distance is a constant, but time is a variable.
Most travelers don't account for the "transition zones." Getting out of the Disneyland resort area itself can take 15 minutes just to hit the freeway ramp. Then, once you arrive at Universal, you have to navigate the massive parking structures (Jurassic Parking or ET Parking, anyone?) and walk through CityWalk before you even see the front gates.
Why the 5 Freeway is Your Best Friend and Worst Enemy
The I-5 is the main artery connecting these two kingdoms. It’s a massive, multi-lane concrete river that feeds the entire region. It’s also incredibly unpredictable. One minor fender-bender near the Citadel Outlets and your "quick trip" is toast.
Some people suggest taking the 405 to the 101, but that’s usually a longer distance—around 45 miles—and the 405 is arguably the most hated freeway in the United States for a reason. Stay on the 5 unless Google Maps or Waze screams at you to do otherwise.
Ride-sharing vs. Driving: What Costs More?
Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous here. If you don't want to deal with the stress of L.A. lane-merging, ride-sharing is a solid choice. But it’s pricey.
A standard Uber from the Harbor Boulevard entrance of Disneyland to the Universal Studios drop-off point usually fluctuates between $60 and $110. That's one way. If you hit "Surge Pricing" during a rainy morning or right after a major event, I've seen those prices spike to $150.
Think about the math.
- Rental Car: Daily rate + gas + $35+ for Universal parking.
- Ride-share: $140–$200 round trip, but no parking fees and you can nap in the back.
For a family of four, the rental car almost always wins on paper. But for a couple or a solo traveler who hates L.A. traffic, letting a pro handle the distance from Disneyland to Universal Studios is worth the premium.
Can You Take the Train?
Kinda. It’s not a "door-to-door" experience, but it’s possible and actually pretty scenic if you like urban landscapes.
You’d start at the ARTIC station (Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center) near Angel Stadium. You take the Metrolink Orange County Line or the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to L.A. Union Station. Once you’re at Union Station, you transfer to the Metro B Line (the Red Line). That subway takes you directly to the Universal City/Studio City station.
From there, there’s a free Universal shuttle that hauls you up the hill to the park entrance.
Is it faster? Rarely.
Is it cheaper? Absolutely.
Is it less stressful? Usually, yeah.
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The Metrolink is about $10–$15, and the Metro subway is only a couple of bucks. You bypass the freeway gridlock, but you’re at the mercy of the train schedule. If you miss the last Metrolink back to Anaheim in the evening, you're looking at a very expensive Uber ride home.
The "Middle Ground" Strategy
A lot of savvy travelers are starting to realize that doing both parks in one trip shouldn't involve a daily commute.
If you have five days, don't stay in Anaheim for all five. Spend three nights in Anaheim for Disney and California Adventure. Then, check out, drive to a hotel near Universal City or Burbank for the final two nights. This saves you at least three to four hours of total drive time and allows you to enjoy the Hollywood side of things without checking your watch every five minutes to beat the traffic back to the OC.
Burbank is a hidden gem for this. It’s right next to Universal, the hotels are often cheaper than those in Hollywood, and it’s a much "quieter" vibe. Plus, you’re close to Warner Bros. if you want to double up on studio tours.
The Weather Factor
Don't forget that Anaheim and Universal City are in different microclimates. Anaheim is closer to the coast and stays a bit more temperate. Universal is tucked into the San Fernando Valley. In the summer, the Valley can be 10 degrees hotter than Orange County. That 35-mile distance from Disneyland to Universal Studios can take you from a pleasant 78-degree breeze to a 90-degree bake.
Timing Your Departure Like a Pro
If you absolutely must do the drive in one day, here is the secret sauce.
Don't leave Anaheim at 8:00 AM. You will sit in traffic for two hours.
Don't leave Universal at 5:00 PM. You will sit in traffic for two hours.
If you want to maximize your time, leave Anaheim at 6:30 AM. You'll get to Universal before the gates open, grab a coffee at CityWalk, and be first in line for Mario Kart or Harry Potter.
For the return trip, either leave Universal by 3:00 PM (which is way too early for most people) or stay until the park closes and grab dinner at CityWalk. If you hit the road at 9:00 PM, the distance from Disneyland to Universal Studios feels like nothing. The road is clear, the city lights are cool, and you'll be back in your Anaheim bed in 40 minutes.
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Common Misconceptions About the Route
People think there's a "Disneyland to Universal shuttle" run by the parks. There isn't. They are fierce competitors. They aren't going to make it easy for you to spend your money at the other guy's place. There are third-party tour companies like Starline that offer transportation packages, but these are often restrictive. You’re tied to their bus schedule, which usually means leaving the park before the nighttime shows start.
Another myth: "The carpool lane (HOV) will save me."
While the I-5 does have HOV lanes, they aren't magic. During peak congestion, the carpool lane often moves only 5–10 mph faster than the standard lanes. It helps, but it’s not a "get out of jail free" card.
Breaking Down the Logistics
When planning your transit, consider these specific waypoints:
The I-5/I-605 Interchange: This is a notorious bottleneck. No matter what time of day, it seems to slow down here.
The East L.A. Interchange: This is one of the busiest freeway junctions in the world. You’ll be switching from the 5 to the 101. It’s confusing, it’s fast-paced, and if you miss your lane, you’re headed toward San Bernardino instead of Hollywood.
The 101 Cahuenga Pass: This is the final stretch before Universal. It’s a steep climb and descent through the hills. It’s iconic, but it’s almost always congested.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your Southern California theme park tour, follow this logic:
- Download Waze. Do not rely on your car’s built-in GPS. Waze is much more aggressive at routing you around sudden accidents on the I-5.
- Check the Dodgers Schedule. If the Dodgers are playing at home, the 5 and 101 freeways near Downtown L.A. will be a nightmare starting three hours before first pitch.
- Use the "Leave Later" Strategy. If you’re staying in Anaheim, don't rush out. Have a slow breakfast, wait until 9:30 AM when the morning rush dies down, and then head to Universal. You’ll arrive less stressed.
- Consider the Burbank Airport (BUR). If you are flying in just for Universal and Disney, fly into Burbank, do Universal first, then Uber down to Anaheim. It’s much easier than flying into LAX.
- Pre-pay for Parking. If you are driving, buy your Universal parking online in advance. It’s one less thing to fumble with when you finally arrive after the long drive.
The distance from Disneyland to Universal Studios is more than just a number on a map. It’s a rite of passage for any California tourist. If you respect the traffic and plan your departure times with a bit of strategy, it's a totally manageable part of a great vacation. If you ignore the clock, well, you'll get a very long tour of the I-5's concrete walls.
Plan for the time, not the miles. You've got this.