Getting Around from Dockside Inn (3 Best Transportation Options)

Universal’s Dockside Inn and Suites is a value-friendly resort with a relaxed, beach-inspired vibe, but knowing how to get around is key to making the most of your stay. Whether you’re heading to the theme parks, CityWalk, or back to the hotel after a long day, understanding your transportation options can save time and reduce stress.

In this guide, I’ll walk through the different ways to get from Dockside to Universal Orlando’s parks and CityWalk, including complimentary buses, rideshare services, and driving.

#1. Complimentary bus shuttles

The main way to get around Universal Orlando from Dockside is to use the resort shuttles. These are the free buses that you can take to any of the theme parks or CityWalk.

Buses arrive approximately every 15 minutes. They start running every morning an hour before Early Park Admission begins, and stop running an hour after the parks and CityWalk close (which is pretty late!).

Here’s where the bus shuttle goes and how long each trip typically takes:

Epic Universe:

Universal’s newest theme park is located about 3 miles south of Dockside. The ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

CityWalk/Universal Studios Florida/Islands of Adventure:

These three places all share the same general entrance complex, about 1 mile north of Dockside. No matter which one you want to visit, you take the same bus and get dropped off in the same location, just outside the entrance to CityWalk.

The bus ride takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Here’s where you get dropped off from Dockside at CityWalk.

Once you go through security and enter CityWalk, it’s a short walk to the entrances of both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.

Volcano Bay:

A separate bus will arrive at Dockside that goes to Universal Orlando’s water park, Volcano Bay. It’s also about a mile north of Dockside, and the bus ride takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

If you plan on taking the bus to Volcano Bay, I would check with the front desk at Dockside to confirm the bus schedule. I have found it varies depending on the local weather and visitor demand.

The bus stop at Dockside is easy to find. As you exit the front lobby, turn right and follow the walkway until you find it!

The buses are clearly marked as to where they are going.

Overall, the bus shuttles are a solid option at Dockside, but there are a few drawbacks.

First, it’s frustrating to walk out of the hotel and see a bus driving away, knowing you now have to wait 15 minutes for the next one.

In the mornings, buses can also fill up quickly, which sometimes means standing room only or waiting for the next bus.

Dockside Inn is located next to its sister resort – Surfside Inn. These two resorts sometimes share the same bus when demand is lower. When this happens, the bus picks up at Surfside first and then goes to Dockside second. This will add extra time for you on the way back home, as you will stop at Surfside first!

#2. Rideshares and taxis

Instead of the bus, sometimes our family uses Uber or Lyft to get around Universal Orlando. There are so many drivers around that we rarely wait more than a few minutes for someone to pick us up.

For under $15 (one-way), we can get to where we need to go quicker and more comfortably!

Dockside Inn even has a dedicated area near the front lobby entrance for rideshares!

#3. Drive yourself

The last transportation option from Dockside Inn is driving yourself to the different parks and CityWalk. I know some people prefer to be in control and don’t want to rely on either a bus shuttle or rideshare.

If you drive, you will park at one of two large parking areas.

Epic Universe has its own parking area outside the park. (1001 Epic Boulevard; Orlando, FL 32819)

Whether you are going to CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, or Volcano Bay, you will park in the same general Universal parking area (6000 Universal Boulevard) and either walk from there or take a shuttle (Volcano Bay).

I hardly ever recommend driving your own car. First, it’s typically quicker to take the shuttles that Universal provides. Second, it’s really expensive to park your car at over $30 per day (on top of the parking fees at Dockside). I’d rather just pay for an Uber/Lyft and not worry about parking!

Can you walk from Dockside?

No. Unfortunately, due to the location, Dockside is one of only two Universal Resorts (Surfside) where it’s not feasible to walk to any of the parks or CityWalk.

Water taxis are also not available at Dockside. The only Universal resorts that offer water transportation are Sapphire Falls Resort, Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay Hotel.