Surfside Inn Transportation: Getting to the Parks and CityWalk (2026)
Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites is one of Universal Orlando’s most budget-friendly hotels, offering spacious family suites.
Whether you’re heading to the theme parks, CityWalk, or back to the resort after a long day, understanding your transportation options will help you save time, avoid frustration, and plan each day more efficiently.
In this guide, I’ll walk through all the ways to get from Surfside to Universal Orlando’s parks and entertainment areas, including complimentary bus shuttles, rideshares and taxis, and driving yourself. I’ll also cover whether walking is possible!
Option #1: Complimentary bus shuttles
The primary way to get around Universal Orlando from Surfside Inn is by using Universal’s complimentary bus transportation. These buses provide free transportation between Surfside and all of Universal Orlando’s theme parks and CityWalk.
Buses generally arrive every 10–15 minutes. They begin running about one hour before Early Park Admission starts and continue until roughly one hour after the parks and CityWalk close, which can be quite late (2 a.m.).
Where the bus goes and how long each trip takes
Epic Universe
Epic Universe is located about 3 miles south of Surfside. Bus travel time is typically around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.
CityWalk / Universal Studios Florida / Islands of Adventure
CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure all share the same main entrance complex, located roughly a mile north of Surfside.
No matter which of these you’re visiting, you’ll take the same bus and be dropped off just outside CityWalk. This trip usually takes about 5–10 minutes from Surfside.
Once you pass through security and enter CityWalk, it’s a short walk to the entrances of both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Volcano Bay
The water park is located about a mile north of Surfside, near the CityWalk complex, and the ride generally takes 5–10 minutes.
If you plan to visit Volcano Bay, it’s a good idea to confirm the bus schedule with the front desk. In my experience, service can vary based on weather conditions and attendance levels.
Finding the bus stop at Surfside
The bus stop at Surfside is easy to locate. As you exit the main lobby, turn right and follow the clearly marked walkway toward the transportation area. Signage is good, and buses are clearly labeled with their destinations.
Overall, the bus shuttles are a solid and cost-effective transportation option, especially for families. The main downsides are occasional waits and crowding during peak morning hours. It can be frustrating to arrive at the stop just as a bus pulls away, or to find a full bus during the early rush to the parks.
Surfside Inn and Suites is a sister resort to Dockside Inn and Suites, located just across the street. Because of this, the two resorts sometimes share bus transportation, especially during slower times of day.
Option #2: Rideshares and taxis
For faster and more flexible transportation, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a popular alternative to buses. There are typically plenty of drivers available in the Universal Orlando area, and wait times are usually short.
In most cases, a one-way rideshare ride costs under $15 and can be quicker and more comfortable than waiting for a bus, especially if you’re traveling with strollers or tired kids.
I love that Surfside Inn has a designated rideshare pickup and drop-off area near the main lobby, just past the resort shuttle pickup area.
You can also just get dropped off or picked up outside the main lobby entrance.
Using Uber or Lyft is also great if you want to visit somewhere off-site for the day, such as Disney World or SeaWorld.
Can you walk from Surfside?
No. Surfside Inn and Suites is too far away from the parks and CityWalk to make walking practical. There are no dedicated paths or walkways.
Water taxis are also not available at Surfside. Water transportation is only offered at select Universal hotels, including Sapphire Falls, Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay.
Can you drive yourself from Surfside?
Yes, if you have a car, it is definitely possible to drive and park at CityWalk and the theme parks. Some guests prefer having full control over their schedule and not relying on shared transportation.
If you choose to drive, parking works as follows:
Epic Universe
Epic Universe has its own dedicated parking area located directly outside the park entrance.
CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay
All of these destinations share Universal’s main parking complex. From there, you’ll either walk to CityWalk and the theme parks or take an additional shuttle to Volcano Bay.
Personally, I rarely recommend driving. It’s often slower than using Universal’s complimentary transportation, and parking costs over $30 per day, in addition to the nightly parking fee at Surfside. In most cases, using a rideshare service is easier, less expensive, and less stressful.
Photo Gallery
- Shuttle buses are the only transportation that Universal provides at Surfside
- Looking at the main entrance of Surfside
Walking out the main lobby of Surfside
- Resort shuttle at Surfside Inn
Resort shuttle bus at Surfside
Bus stop- Bus stop at Surfside
- Make sure you get on the correct bus!
Insidie Surfside, looking at sign to Resort Shuttles- Resort Shuttles and Rideshare pickup areas at Surfside
Where you get dropped off at Epic Universe from Dockside and Surfside- Where you get dropped off from Dockside at Citywalk
Need help planning your Universal Orlando trip?
If you’d like help choosing the right resort, planning transportation, or building a day-by-day Universal itinerary, I’d love to help. From saving time with insider tips to handling all the details, contact me today and let’s start planning your Universal Orlando vacation.
