The Backlot Tram Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood is the heart of the park experience. If you skip everything else and just do this, you’ll still feel like you’ve really visited Hollywood. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect, how to plan for it, and some smart tips to make the most of your ride.
What Exactly Is the Backlot Tram Tour?
Officially called “The World-Famous Studio Tour,” this is a 45–60 minute tram ride through the real working backlot of Universal Studios Hollywood.
You’re not just looking at replicas – you’re rolling past real sets, streets, and soundstages where movies and TV shows have actually been filmed.
Key basics:
- Location: Upper Lot, Universal Studios Hollywood
- Duration: Around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic on the lot and park conditions
- Included with your ticket: You don’t pay extra – it’s part of park admission.
- Format: You sit on open-sided, multi-car trams with a live guide plus onboard screens hosted by Jimmy Fallon.
Think of it as a mix of sightseeing, behind-the-scenes documentary, and special effects ride.
When Is the Best Time to Ride?
Because the Studio Tour is the signature attraction, lines can get long. Here’s how to time it right:
- Morning (best): As soon as you enter the park, head to the Studio Tour. Lines are usually shorter, and the sun is less harsh.
- Late afternoon: A good backup window if you couldn’t make it in the morning.
- Avoid peak midday on busy days: Wait times can climb a lot, especially on weekends, holidays, and summer.
If you get Universal Express tickets, they can include priority access to the Studio Tour, which is worth it on extremely busy days.
Boarding the Tram: Seats & Family Tips
When you reach the loading area, you’ll be directed to a row on the tram:
- Side seats: Better for photos and views, especially on curves.
- Middle seats: Good if you’re worried about kids leaning out or getting startled by special effects.
- Families with small children: Staff often prefer younger kids in the middle of the row for safety.
The trams are open-air but covered on top, so you’re shaded from direct sun, though it can still be warm. Bring:
- A hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- A light jacket in cooler months (evenings can get breezy)
What You’ll See: Main Sections of the Tour
The tour follows a route through different parts of the Universal lot. Exact details can change day to day, depending on filming, but these are the classic highlights.
1. Front Lot – Real Soundstages
You’ll start by passing active soundstages, where real TV shows, films, and commercials are shot.
This is where you really feel the “working studio” energy – you might even spot production trucks, props, or crew (though no guarantee).
2. The Backlot Streets & Famous Sets
Next, you roll into the Backlot, a maze of outdoor sets that can be dressed up to become almost any city in the world.
Classic areas often seen on the tour include:
- Courthouse Square – Famous from Back to the Future and many other productions.
- New York streets – Generic urban streets that can become anywhere from New York to European city scenes.
- Old West town – With saloon and sheriff’s office, used for Westerns and period pieces.
- Wisteria Lane – The neighborhood from Desperate Housewives.
- Suburban and small-town streets – Re-dressed again and again for different movies.
You’ll also pass specialty movie sets, like the Bates Motel and Psycho house, and the massive War of the Worlds plane crash set, built around a real deconstructed airplane.
These spots are designed for that perfect “wow” moment and lots of photos (from the tram).
Special Effects Segments You’ll Experience
The Studio Tour isn’t just sightseeing – it also dives into full mini-attractions along the route. A few of the big ones:
King Kong: 360 3-D
One of the most intense segments, King Kong: 360 3-D surrounds your tram with enormous screens and 3D action as dinosaurs attack and Kong battles to protect you.
The tram moves, the environment shakes, and you get totally immersed in Skull Island chaos.
Jaws
You’ll roll into the quiet seaside town of “Amity” – until the shark attacks. The Jaws segment includes fire, water effects, and an animatronic shark lunging near the tram.
It’s more fun than scary for most guests, but nervous kids may want to sit closer to the middle of the tram.
Earthquake: The Big One
In this segment, your tram drives into an underground subway station. Suddenly, you experience a simulated 8.3 earthquake – collapsing structures, fire, falling trucks, and flooding water.
It’s a great showcase of how practical effects are used for disaster movies.
Flash Flood
On what looks like a quiet Mexican village set, your guide talks about movie weather effects… then a huge wave of water rushes down the street toward the tram.
The tram itself stays safe, but you’ll see exactly how dramatic floods are created on camera.
Fast & Furious: Supercharged
Currently, the tour includes Fast & Furious: Supercharged, a high-speed, screen-based finale where your tram gets “pulled into” a chase with characters from the Fast & Furious franchise.
Like all theme park attractions, elements can change over time, so always check the latest park information for current line-up.
Is the Studio Tour Scary or Motion-Sick Friendly?
Most of the tour is slow-moving and gentle, like a regular bus ride, but:
- The King Kong, Fast & Furious, and Earthquake segments involve loud sounds, shaking, and sometimes intense visuals.
- If you’re sensitive to motion-simulators or 3D, you might want to close your eyes during those parts.
- Young children might get startled, but there are no long, pitch-black sections like some dark rides.
Overall, it’s much more about excitement and spectacle than fear.
Practical Tips to Make the Most of Your Studio Tour
Here are some simple ways to upgrade your experience:
- Ride at least once – twice if you love movies. You often notice new details the second time, especially if filming changes the route.
- Have your camera ready, but not your whole focus. Some of the best parts are quick – snap a photo, then just enjoy the moment.
- Listen to your guide. They share fun trivia, behind-the-scenes stories, and updates about what’s currently being filmed.
- Check the schedule if rain is forecast. The tour usually still operates in light rain, but very bad weather or active filming could affect routes.
- Charge your phone beforehand. You’ll probably take a lot of photos and videos during this one attraction alone.
Who Will Enjoy the Backlot Tram Tour the Most?
Honestly, almost everyone – but especially:
- Movie and TV fans who love behind-the-scenes secrets
- First-time visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood
- Families looking for a long, seated break from walking
- Older guests or anyone who prefers lower-intensity rides
If you only have time for a few attractions, the Backlot Tram Tour should be at the top of your list. It’s the one ride that truly combines theme park thrills with real Hollywood history – and you’ll walk away with a much deeper appreciation for how movies are made.