The best way to vacation to Universal Orlando Resort, for both convenience and cost, is by staying at Universal's own hotels.Those hotels provide fast, complimentary transportation to the theme parks and CityWalk. But those who are staying predominantly at Disney (or off-site from either destination) and are either going to Universal in the middle of their trip or don't want to transfer their luggage will need to find alternatives.
Some off-site hotels provide shuttles, so if you are staying at a location other than Universal Orlando Resort or Walt Disney World Resort, you should check with your hotel first. There are also a number of traditional taxi services in Universal that you are welcome to research and use of your own volition, but two particular options tend to be cheaper and more efficient.
Ride Share Apps
Ride share services, namely Uber and Lyft, are one of the best ways to travel to and from Universal when staying offsite. If you know where you're headed in advance, you can schedule an Uber up to 30 days before you need it. That way, you can plan ahead for your travel rates and times.
If you're the more spontaneous type, you can call an Uber or Lyft at any point in time when at the parks. Rates for ride share services vary based on app, time of day where you're traveling to, so there is no standard on the exact pricing you can expect.
Mears
For those who are not as keen on ride share apps or want more stable pricing, Mears is the way to go. Mears runs the current Disney's Magical Express system and will be running a replacement service when it is discontinued next year.
Mears must be scheduled in advance, and pickup and drop-off times can run out, so you'll want to book as early as possible on the company's website. For their shared-shuttle service, which operates like a community Uber or Lyft, Mears charges in the low-$20 ranges for round-trip transportation. It is a perfect option for young or smaller parties, as it can sometimes beat out the price of an Uber ride (especially at busy times, like at night), and fares do not change based on time or traffic. Mears does charge per passenger, unlike ride share apps, so it can become more expensive than the more flexible Uber and Lyft.