Universal Studios Singapore: Best Rides, Express Pass Tips and Map Guide

Since its opening in March 2010, it has drawn millions of visitors with its compact yet diverse selection of attractions, blending some of Universal’s best rides with exclusive experiences found nowhere else. Nestled within Resorts World Sentosa, it is the only Universal Studios park that isn’t owned by Universal itself, making it a unique destination for locals and tourists alike. 

While some big Universal staples—like Harry Potter, CityWalk, and traditional Jurassic Park boat rides—are missing, the park compensates with Singapore-exclusive versions of rides like Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure and Puss in Boots Giant Journey.

For Singaporean residents, the USS offers a convenient getaway without leaving the country. This guide will help you make the most of your visit by covering the best rides, ticketing options, Express Pass strategies, and insider tips.

Universal Studios Singapore Overview

While it may be one of the smallest Universal Studios parks, USS is packed with experiences that cater to families, thrill-seekers, and movie buffs. The park’s layout ensures easy navigation, allowing visitors to see most attractions without exhausting long walks. However, being small doesn’t mean it lacks variety—USS borrows from the best of Universal’s attractions worldwide, creating a well-balanced mix of rides, entertainment, and dining options.

Universal Studios Singapore is on Sentosa Island, just a short trip from mainland Singapore. It is part of the Resorts World Sentosa integrated resort, which also features a casino, luxury hotels, and the S.E.A. Aquarium.

Universal Studios Singapore Opening Hours

• Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Extended Hours: Special events like Halloween Horror Nights may offer longer opening hours.

Locals should check for last-minute updates on the official USS website or the USS mobile app before visiting.

Universal Studios Singapore Tickets & Promotions

The standard ticket pricing is as follows:

• Adult (Ages 13-59): SGD 83
• Child (Ages 4-12): SGD 62

Tickets Promotion & Discounts

Local residents can take advantage of:

• RWS Membership Discounts: Resorts World Sentosa members often get exclusive USS ticket promotions.
• OCBC/UOB Credit Card Promotions: Keep an eye on bank offers that provide discounted tickets or bundle deals.
• Seasonal Sales & Bundles: USS frequently offers family bundles, food-inclusive packages, and discounted weekday tickets.

Where to Buy Discounted Tickets

• Official Website: Resorts World Sentosa
• Authorised Resellers: Klook, KKday, and Traveloka frequently offer discounted tickets.
• At the Gate: While tickets are available at the entrance, online booking is recommended for lower prices and guaranteed entry.

Universal Studios Singapore Express Pass

The Universal Studios Singapore Express Pass allows guests to skip the regular queues for select rides and attractions. This pass is an add-on to a regular park ticket and can significantly reduce waiting times, especially during peak periods.

• Universal Express: Grants one-time priority access to each participating attraction.
• Universal Express Plus: You can skip regular queues once to participating attractions, including Minion Land rides – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Silly Swirly, Buggie Boogie.

How Much Does It Cost?

The pricing for the Universal Express Pass varies based on the season and crowd levels, typically:

• Universal Express: Starts from SGD 90 per person
• Universal Express Plus: Starts from SGD 120 per person. During peak seasons, prices can increase, so checking the official website for updated rates is recommended.

Tickets are cheaper during off-peak seasons, and the Express Pass isn’t always necessary. Booking online in advance also helps you avoid long queues at the entrance.

Best Rides at Universal Studios Singapore

While USS lacks some of Universal’s biggest franchises, it makes up for it by reimagining and adapting rides from other Universal parks. USS mixes elements from different Universal attractions to create a one-of-a-kind lineup.

1. Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon 

A duelling roller coaster featuring two different ride experiences: Human (mild, no inversions) and Cylon (intense, multiple inversions).

What to love: This duelling roller coaster is the park’s signature thrill ride, with two tracks offering distinct experiences. The Cylon (inverted) track is highly praised for intense inversions and smoothness, delivering a high-adrenaline experience with speeds up to 90 km/h. The Human (sit-down) track is milder but still fun and family-friendly.

Pros:

• The Cylon track is one of the best inverted coasters in Asia, offering a thrilling and smooth ride experience.
• Unique dual coaster concept with two different ride styles.
• Recently updated trains with two-seater cars for better views.

Cons:

• The Human side can feel underwhelming and less thrilling compared to the Cylon.
• Security checks can be time-consuming.
• It can be intense for those not used to roller coasters.

Location: Sci-Fi City

2. Revenge of the Mummy 

Step into a spooky, immersive Egyptian tomb filled with curses, fire effects, and animatronics. 

What to love: An indoor roller coaster that combines dark ride elements with high-speed thrills, including backwards sections and special effects simulating a mummy’s curse. It offers a cinematic experience with a spooky atmosphere.

Pros:

• Unique combination of storytelling and coaster thrills.
• Great for fans of horror-themed rides.
• Well-themed with impressive practical effects.

Cons:

• It can be intense for younger or sensitive riders.
• Some may find the ride short.

Location: Ancient Egypt

3. Transformers: The Ride 3D 

Though found in other Universal locations, this was the first-ever version of the ride, meaning Singapore got the original installation before Hollywood or Orlando.

What to love: This is a highly immersive 3D dark ride combining motion simulation with stunning visual effects and a compelling storyline. It places riders in the middle of an epic battle between Autobots and Decepticons, praised for its realism and excitement.

Pros:

• Cutting-edge 3D effects and immersive experience.
• Suitable for most ages who enjoy action-packed rides.
• Popular and often considered the best ride in the park by many visitors.

Cons:

• Wait times can be long during peak periods.
• Some guests may experience motion sickness due to the simulation.

Location: Sci-Fi City

4. Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure 

Unlike the traditional boat rides in other Universal parks, USS features a rapids-style experience, making it more thrilling and suited for Singapore’s tropical climate.

What to love: A water rapids ride through the Jurassic Park area, featuring animatronic dinosaurs and a thrilling drop at the end. It’s a fun adventure ride that strikes a balance between excitement and family appeal.

Pros:

• Great for cooling off in Singapore’s heat.
• Engaging dinosaur theming.
• Suitable for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Cons:

• Riders can get very wet.
• Lines can be long during busy days.

Location: The Lost World

5. Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey 

A mild suspended coaster with enjoyable twists and turns, great for families.

What to love: A suspended roller coaster themed around Puss in Boots, offering moderate thrills with smooth turns and drops. It’s fun for families and those who want a coaster without extreme intensity.

Pros:

• Smooth ride experience.
• Ideal for families and kids seeking mild thrills.
• Attractive theming.

Cons:

• Less intense than Battlestar Galactica or Revenge of the Mummy.
• It may feel short to coaster enthusiasts.

Location: Far Far Away

6. Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase 

This ride offers a nice break from intense rides, accompanied by heartwarming entertainment.

What to love: A gentle dark ride perfect for young children and families, featuring beloved Sesame Street characters on a fun space adventure. It’s colourful, entertaining, and a good break from intense rides.

Pros:

• Family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
• Charming and well-themed for kids.
• Short wait times generally.

Cons:

• Not thrilling for older guests.
• Simple ride mechanics.

Location: New York

Must-See Shows & Entertainment

• WaterWorld Stunt Show: A Hollywood-level live-action performance based on the movie “Waterworld,” featuring thrilling jet ski chases, explosive stunts, intense fight scenes, and spectacular pyrotechnics, including a dramatic seaplane crash. The show lasts approximately 20 minutes and features a “Soak Zone” where audience members can be splashed by water effects, creating an exciting and immersive experience.
  
• Lights, Camera, Action! – A Steven Spielberg-produced attraction that showcases an immersive experience that simulates a Category 4 to 5 hurricane hitting New York City, using a combination of live actors, video projections, and practical effects such as wind, rain, fire, and moving set pieces. The pre-show features Spielberg introducing the art of soundstage special effects, effectively giving a stylised “behind-the-scenes” glimpse into Hollywood movie magic rather than a literal behind-the-scenes tour.

Universal Studios Singapore Map Guide

The park is designed in a circular layout, making it easy to navigate. Key zones include: The park is divided into the following seven themed zones:

1. Hollywood – Main entrance, dining, and shopping areas.
2. New York – Features street performances and Transformers: The Ride 3D.
3. Sci-Fi City – Home to Battlestar Galactica and other futuristic attractions.
4. Ancient Egypt – Themed after the Mummy franchise, featuring Revenge of the Mummy.
5. Lost World – Features Jurassic Park rides and WaterWorld.
6. Far Far Away – A fairy tale land with Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey and Shrek attractions.
7. Madagascar – Family-friendly rides based on the Madagascar movies.

Best Route to Maximise Your Visit

To make the most of your time, follow this suggested route:

1. Start with high-demand rides – Begin at Battlestar Galactica and Transformers: The Ride 3D in Sci-Fi City before crowds build up.
2. Head to Ancient Egypt – Ride Revenge of the Mummy early in the day.
3. Explore The Lost World – Try Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure and catch the WaterWorld Stunt Show.
4. Enjoy Family-Friendly Zones – Visit Far Far Away and Madagascar in the afternoon when the sun is at its peak.
5. Catch the Evening Parade – Wrap up your visit with the Hollywood Dreams Parade before exiting through the main entrance.

Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Singapore

Planning ahead can significantly enhance your experience at Universal Studios Singapore. While the park is compact, strategising your visit based on peak times, weather conditions, and dining options can help you avoid long waits and make the most of your day. Here’s everything you need to know before stepping into the park.

Best Time to Visit

Choosing the right day to visit can make or break your experience. USS experiences fluctuating crowd levels throughout the year, and knowing when to go can save you from excessive wait times.

Off-Peak vs. Peak Seasons

• Off-Peak: The best time to visit is on weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) outside school and public holidays. Crowds are lighter, and wait times are shorter.
• Peak Seasons: Avoid weekends, public holidays, school holidays (June, September, December), and festive periods like Chinese New Year and Christmas. These periods see heavy crowds, longer wait times and higher ticket prices.

Ideal Times to Enter the Park

Even if you choose a low-crowd day, timing your entry correctly can make a huge difference in how many rides you get to experience before queues build up. Arriving at the right time also helps you avoid Singapore’s midday heat, allowing you to enjoy the park comfortably.

• Early Entry Advantage: Arrive at least 30 minutes before opening to be among the first inside. This helps you get ahead on popular rides like Battlestar Galactica and Transformers: The Ride 3D.
• Late Afternoon Strategy: If visiting on a busy day, arriving in the late afternoon can sometimes mean shorter queues as families with young children start leaving.

Dining & Food Options

USS offers a variety of dining choices, from quick bites to themed restaurants. While meals inside the park can be pricey, knowing where to eat and what’s worth trying ensures you get the best value for your money. Whether you’re looking for a classic theme park burger, a plant-based option, or a must-try dessert, there’s something for everyone.

Where to Eat Inside the Park

Universal Studios Singapore offers a variety of food options across different zones:

• Mel’s Drive-In (Hollywood) – Classic American burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
• StarBot Café (Sci-Fi City) – Asian-inspired dishes like rice bowls and noodles.
• Discovery Food Court (The Lost World) – Local favourites like Hainanese chicken rice and laksa.
• Goldilocks (Far Far Away) – Famous for its crispy fried chicken meals.
• Oasis Spice Café (Ancient Egypt) – Middle Eastern cuisine, including kebabs and curry dishes.

Budget-Friendly Dining Choices

• Bring Your Own Snacks – Outside food is not allowed, but small snacks and a water bottle are permitted.
• Eat Outside the Park – Consider dining at Malaysian Food Street or VivoCity’s food court before or after your visit.
• Look for Meal Deals – USS often has meal promotions that bundle food with tickets or Express Passes.

Other Places to Visit in Singapore

After exploring Universal Studios Singapore, there’s plenty more to see nearby and across the city. Here are just a few ideas to extend your adventure:

S.E.A. Aquarium: Located within Resorts World Sentosa, this is one of the largest aquariums in the world, making it a great destination for families or marine life enthusiasts.

Sentosa Beaches: Relax at Palawan or Siloso Beach after a full day at the park.

Gardens by the Bay: A quick MRT ride away, this iconic nature park features the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and the famous Supertree Grove.

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark: For sweeping views of the city skyline, head to this architectural marvel located near the central business district.

Planning a longer stay? Check out our full list of must-visit places in Singapore to discover more attractions beyond Sentosa Island.

Plan Your Visit to Universal Studios Singapore (USS)

To get the most out of your trip to USS, aim to arrive right when the park opens, typically at 11:00 AM, so you can maximise your time before the crowds build up. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends or school holidays. For popular rides like Battlestar Galactica or Transformers, head there early or use a Universal Express Pass to save time.

Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the queues and check for seasonal promotions or bundle deals with Sentosa attractions. Download the official app to view ride wait times, show schedules, and park maps on the go.

Wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and pack light. Lockers are available for bags, especially for rides that don’t allow loose items.