Sapphire Falls Transportation (How to get to the Parks & Citywalk)

I love recommending Sapphire Falls Resort because it hits that sweet spot for many guests. It has really nice amenities (it’s one of Universal’s Signature Hotels), a laid-back vibe, competitive pricing, great food options, and SUPER convenient access to CityWalk and the parks.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how transportation works from Sapphire Falls, so you know what your options are, and you can be prepared when you arrive!

Sapphire Falls to CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, & Universal Studios Florida (3 WAYS)

If this is your first time visiting Universal Orlando, it helps to understand how everything is laid out.

CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure all connect through the same main entrance area, and you actually walk through CityWalk to reach either theme park.

Because of that setup, getting to all three from Sapphire Falls works exactly the same way.

#1. Take the complimentary water taxi!

In my opinion, the best way to reach the CityWalk complex is by taking the FREE water taxis from Sapphire Falls. I think it’s normally the quickest way to get to CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, or Universal Studios.

The water taxi boat dock is easy to find. You will walk out the back of the resort, and you should see it right on the water.

I have circled where you can find the water taxis above, along with showing the route they take!

As you walk through the lobby of Sapphire Falls, you will see signs pointing you in the correct direction.

One huge benefit of taking the water taxis is that you go through security at Sapphire Falls before getting on the boat.

This is a really nice benefit and saves time! If you take the shuttle buses to the CityWalk area, you will need to go through security there, along with guests from all the other resorts and everyone who drove themselves.

You can expect a new water taxi to arrive approximately every 15 minutes. Even if you just miss a boat leaving, you shouldn’t have to wait long until the next one comes.

The boat ride is very pleasant and follows a canal. My estimate is that it’s a 5-7 minute ride once it starts moving.

The water taxis conveniently drop you off in the center of CityWalk! And since you have already gone through security, you just get off the boat and start exploring.

Where the water taxi drops you off at CityWalk.

Within CityWalk, this location is right next to the NBC Sports Grill and VooDoo Donuts. You are about a 3-minute walk away from Islands of Adventure, and only 1-minute away from Universal Studios Florida!

#2. You can walk!

If you don’t mind adding more steps to your day, it’s easy to walk from Sapphire Falls to the CityWalk area. The paths are paved, shaded in spots, and stroller-friendly!

First, you need to find the correct walking path. And honestly, there are a few different paths you can take.

The good news is that once you start going in the correct direction, there are lots of signs helping you out.

The path to CityWalk and the parks is called the “Garden Walkway.”

I think the walkway is very scenic and relaxing. Most of it follows the waterway, and you will see the water taxis pass by.

After approximately 15 minutes of walking, you will arrive at CityWalk, coming out right next to Margaritaville.

Margaritaville at CityWalk. This is where the walking path ends.

Before you enter CityWalk, you will go through a small security station. There is rarely any sort of line here, so this is a great benefit of walking instead of riding the bus (where the security lines are longer).

From Margaritaville, you have a 1-minute walk to Islands of Adventure, and about a 3-minute walk to the entrance of Universal Studios.

#3. Take the complimentary shuttle!

Universal also provides buses to get from Sapphire Falls to CityWalk, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure.

If you’re asking my opinion, I would tell you not to choose this option. Here’s why:

I think it will take the longest. After taking the 10-minute bus ride, you are dropped of at the general bus stop for all the resorts outside of CityWalk. You will then have to walk through the main security line, along with a long walkway to arrive at the main entrance of CityWalk.

A huge benefit of staying at Sapphire Falls is the short security lines that taking the water taxi or walking provide.

Since most people don’t take the bus from Sapphire Falls, I don’t think as many show up for this route. This is just my opinion, and not confirmed by Universal.

Sapphire Falls to Epic Universe (2 WAYS)

Transportation from Sapphire Falls to Epic Universe is different, mostly because Epic was built several miles away from the other two parks and CityWalk. Because of this distance, you can’t walk or take a water taxi there.

#1. Take the complimentary shuttle!

The main way to get to Epic from Sapphire Falls is to take the free buses that Universal provides. They start running about an hour before park opening (including Early Park Admission) and continue until around an hour after Epic closes.

Here is a map showing where the bus stop is located:

Once you get on the bus, it’s about a 15-minute ride to Epic. You will get dropped off at the main bus stop area for all the resorts.

From here, you will walk in to the entrance of the park, after going through security.

#2. Use Uber or Lyft

Another easy option for getting to Epic Universe from Sapphire Falls is using a rideshare like Uber or Lyft. Pickup is simple right at the main lobby, and there are usually plenty of drivers nearby, so waits are typically short.

I often recommend rideshare if the buses are backed up or you’re trying to stay on a tighter schedule. The drive itself is usually quicker than taking a large shuttle bus, since rideshare vehicles can move more easily through traffic.

Just keep in mind that pricing can vary depending on demand and time of day. We’ve found that rides tend to cost around $15 or less (one way). Sometimes it’s just nice to have a private ride, instead of waiting for a bus and then cramming inside with everyone else!

If you’re not a fan of Uber or Lyft, you can also schedule a taxi. I know some guests like using taxis because they are associated with a reputable, local company.

Sapphire Falls to Volcano Bay

In my opinion, the best way to get to Volcano Bay, Universal’s water park, is to just walk there. My estimate is that it only takes about 10 minutes. The other option is to take the shuttle bus. But do you really want to sit and wait for the bus while you are in a wet bathing suit?

To walk there, you will exit out the front of the Sapphire Falls lobby.

Walk straight towards the main road (Adventure Way), passing Aventura Hotel on your left. You should start seeing signs that point you in the correct direction.