Universal tickets and express passes
How do tickets and express passes work? Are they electronic? Do you have to show both at every ride?
Universal Orlando makes using park tickets and Express Passes very simple. Both are electronic, both can be stored on your phone or printed, and both are scanned as needed throughout the parks. Once you understand how they work together, it’s an easy and smooth system.
Here’s a full breakdown of how tickets and Express Passes work, how they’re used at rides, and what you need to show.
How Universal Orlando Tickets Work
Your park admission ticket is required to enter the parks—Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Whether you buy online, through Universal, or through a third-party authorized seller, you’ll receive a ticket barcode or QR code.
- Tickets are electronic – You’ll receive them by email, usually as a PDF or link.
- You can add them to the Universal Orlando app – This lets you scan your phone at the gate.
- You can show them printed or digital – Both work.
- You show your ticket only at park entry – Once inside, rides do NOT require the ticket.
How Universal Express Passes Work
The Express Pass is an upgrade that lets you use the shorter Express lines for participating attractions. It is separate from your park ticket.
- Express Passes are also electronic – You’ll receive them by email, just like tickets.
- You can add Express Passes to the Universal app – This lets Team Members scan your phone.
- You may need to show them printed or via phone at each attraction – They are scanned at the Express entrance.
- If you stay at a Premier Universal hotel – Your room key IS your Express Pass.
Do you have to show both at every ride?
No—you only show your Express Pass at rides that offer Express access. You DO NOT show your park ticket for rides.
- Park ticket: Only scanned at the front gate when entering the park.
- Express Pass: Scanned at each ride’s Express entrance.
- If using a hotel room key for Express: Your room key gets scanned at every Express lane.
How it works when approaching a ride with Express:
- Find the entrance labeled “Universal Express.”
- A Team Member will scan your Express Pass barcode or room key.
- You enter the shortened queue.
- You do not need to show your regular park ticket.
Additional helpful notes
- Express is unlimited at Premier hotels and most packages—you can use it multiple times per attraction.
- Express Pass is not valid on certain rides (Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and sometimes other new attractions).
- You can keep everything in the Universal app so you don’t have to juggle paper copies.
- Each person needs their own ticket and Express Pass—they are not shareable.
Once inside the parks, using your Express Pass is very easy—just walk up, scan once, and enjoy the shorter wait. Most visitors find the electronic system simple and fast, especially when using the app.
