How to Get From Cabana Bay to the Parks & Citywalk (Transportation Guide)

When my clients stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, one of the first questions I usually get is: “What’s the best way to get to the parks?”

Having stayed at Cabana Bay myself, I can tell you that getting around Universal Orlando is super easy. Whether you’re heading to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, Epic Universe, or Volcano Bay, you’ll have multiple ways to get there.

Getting to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk

Getting to these three places from Cabana Bay is identical. That’s because Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk all share the same main entrance complex.

Complimentary Shuttle Buses

The easiest and most popular way to get to the parks is by using the free Universal shuttle buses. They start running about an hour before park opening (including Early Park Admission) and continue until around an hour after CityWalk closes, which is usually 12 a.m. or 1 a.m.

The bus stop is right outside Cabana Bay, and the ride only takes a few minutes. You’ll be dropped off at the main transportation hub near CityWalk, where you’ll walk through security and then on to either park.

In my experience, the buses come every 10–15 minutes, so even if you miss one, another is right behind it.

The return pickup is in the same location near CityWalk. Be prepared for a wait at park closing when everyone’s heading back to the hotel.

Walking Path

If you enjoy a morning or evening stroll, there’s a well-marked walking path from Cabana Bay to CityWalk. It takes about 20–25 minutes, depending on your pace, and it’s a great way to stretch your legs before the rides. The pathway is safe, scenic, and runs alongside Sapphire Falls Resort.

The walking path brings you right next to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and incredibly close to Islands of Adventure.

One bonus of walking: you’ll go through a smaller security checkpoint that’s much faster than the main one everyone else uses.

I’m a big fan of walking from Cabana Bay because I know exactly how long it will take to get to the parks and CityWalk, especially if the buses have a line. But, it is a long walk if you have small children without a stroller, especially considering there is a lot of walking while at the parks.

I made a video (sped up) that shows me walking from Cabana Bay to CityWalk. Watch below!

Water Taxi Access (via Sapphire Falls)

Cabana Bay doesn’t have its own water taxi stop, but it’s just a short walk over to Sapphire Falls. From there, you can hop on the complimentary water taxi that takes you directly to CityWalk.

It’s one of my favorite ways to get to the parks. It’s relaxing, scenic, and you’ll arrive right in the middle of Citywalk. There’s also a separate security line for the water taxis that is shorter than the main one for general parking and shuttle buses.

Rideshare or Taxi

When I’m in a rush or just want a little extra comfort, I’ll call an Uber or Lyft. Drop-off is at the same main security entrance as the shuttle buses, and the ride is super short and cheap, usually about $10 each way. It’s a great backup if you miss the shuttle or are heading back after the parks close.

Getting to Epic Universe

Epic Universe is Universal’s brand-new theme park, located a few miles south of the main resort area. Because of that distance, transportation looks a little different.

Complimentary Shuttle Buses

Universal has free shuttles connecting Cabana Bay to Epic Universe. Pickup will be in the same spot as the other buses, and the trip should take around 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Make sure to pay attention to where the bus is going, so you don’t accidentally head to CityWalk when you’re trying to go to Epic, or vice versa. It should be clearly marked on the bus, or you can ask the driver to double-check.

Rideshare/Taxi

If you’d rather skip waiting for a shuttle, Uber or Lyft is a great option. The ride is usually shorter in a rideshare because they can go faster and maneuver better than a giant motorcoach bus.

No walking path or water taxis!

Epic Universe is too far to walk from Cabana Bay. You’ll definitely need to catch a bus, rideshare, or drive yourself.

Getting to Volcano Bay

This is where Cabana Bay really shines, as it’s literally right next door to Volcano Bay! On our last stay here, we could see the huge volcano right outside our window.

Private Walking Entrance

Cabana Bay has its own dedicated walking path and security gate that leads directly into Volcano Bay. It only takes a few minutes to get from your room to the turnstiles.

I absolutely love how easy and quick it is. No waiting for buses or dealing with crowds.

Because the park is so close, Universal doesn’t offer shuttle buses to Volcano Bay from Cabana Bay.

Can you drive yourself?

Yes, if you rented a car or drove to Universal Orlando, then it’s possible to drive to the parks and CityWalk.

There is a large, centralized parking structure located next to CityWalk. From here, you would walk through security and then into CityWalk, which connects to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

Epic Universe has its own parking lot. The address is 1001 Epic Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819.

The biggest negative to driving yourself is the cost (over $30 per day to park). That’s in addition to the daily cost for parking your car at Cabana Bay! Universal doesn’t give you any breaks on parking for staying at their resorts (like Disney).

In my opinion, I would never drive myself to Citywalk, Universal Studios Florida, or Islands of Adventure from Cabana Bay. It costs too much and I don’t think it saves any time.

I might consider driving to Epic Universe, just because of the increased distance from Cabana Bay. But, personally, I’d rather take an Uber. It’s probably going to be less expensive, and they will drop me off closer to the front entrance.

My Final Tips

The walking paths are well-lit and safe, even early in the morning or after dark. They are a great way to avoid crowds for the shuttle buses.

The shuttles are reliable and completely free. Perfect if you’re traveling with kids, resting your legs, or not wanting to walk in the heat.

Rideshares are a great way to travel, especially if you’re running late or don’t want to share a bus with dozens of other guests.

The direct Volcano Bay entrance is one of the biggest perks of staying at Cabana Bay!

If you want a relaxing ride to the parks, take the water taxi from Sapphire Falls—it’s a beautiful way to start or end your day.

No matter where you’re headed, Cabana Bay makes it easy to get around. Between the buses, walking paths, and that amazing Volcano Bay access, transportation here is some of the most convenient you’ll find at Universal Orlando.