If you’re like me and absolutely hate wasting time in long lines—especially under Beijing’s summer sun—then getting the Express Pass might just be the smartest move you make for your trip. I’ve visited Universal Studios Beijing multiple times with friends and family, and trust me, those extra minutes you save skipping queues can be the difference between a chill lunch and a hangry meltdown by 3 PM.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how the Universal Express Pass works in 2025, which version is worth it (because yes, there are different types), how much it costs depending on the day, and whether you should buy in advance. I’ll also share real-life tips from my own visits—like how to make the most of it if you’re traveling with kids, or planning to hit all the coasters without sprinting across the park.
What is an Express Pass?
The Express Pass ( called “环球优速通” in Chinese) lets you skip the regular lines and use a shorter Express entrance on participating rides. It’s similar to Universal’s express systems in other countries. In Beijing, almost all the major rides and even some shows have Express access. Using an Express Pass can cut a 90-minute wait down to 5-10 minutes in many cases – great if you’re short on time or patience.
Types of Express Passes
Universal Studios Beijing offers 5 Express Pass options:
- Universal Express – Set 14: Skip the regular queue once for all participating attractions. Essentially it covers everything once.
- Universal Express – Set 5: Skip the regular queue for 5 select attractions of your choice
- Universal Express – Set 3: Skip the regular queue for 3 select attractions of your choice
- Universal Express Single Attraction: You can buy an express for just one specific ride. These are sold on the day inside the park (or on the app) and prices vary by ride and demand (usually around ¥160–¥190 RMB for one ride express). This can be useful if there’s just one must-do ride with a crazy line (e.g. you came late and Harry Potter Forbidden Journey is 2 hours – grab a single Express for it).
- VIP Experience: This is the top-tier product – a guided tour with unlimited front-of-line access to rides, plus behind-the-scenes perks. It’s very pricey but comes with a personal guide and some exclusive experiences. Unless you really want the red-carpet treatment (or hate planning), the normal Express pass options usually suffice.
The Set 3, Set 5, and Set 14 are often sold as date-specific passes you buy along with your ticket (you can also buy day-of if not sold out). Prices depend on season/crowds – for example, a Set 5 might be ~¥720 RMB on a holiday. The Set 14 (all rides) can run close to ¥1000 RMB on peak days sometimes approaching the cost of your ticket again! On quieter days, they may lower prices or not sell every option. Always check the official site or app for the exact offerings on your date.
You can purchase Universal Express through official app, at the park entrance or at third-party provider like Klook for a discounted price!
Do You Need It?
This is the big question. If you visit on a busy holiday or only have one day and it’s a weekend, I highly recommend budgeting for at least a 3-pack or 5-pack Express. It can mean the difference between doing 4–5 rides versus 10+ rides in a day.
For instance, during Golden Week I bit the bullet and got the 5-pack – I skipped 90-min lines at Jurassic World Adventure, Decepticoaster, Minion Mayhem, plus two more, saving easily 6+ hours of waiting. Totally worth it that day. On a normal weekday, though, I skip Express Pass. If average waits are under 30 min, you don’t really need it – just rides smartly.
Where to Buy?
It’s best to purchase Express Passes online in advance (along with your ticket) because they can sell out on popular dates. The official app, or WeChat mini-program offers them. Third-party sites like Klook also sell Express Passes, also in bundles with tickets.
If you’re unsure and want to wait, you can also buy same-day inside the park at dedicated Express Pass kiosks or via the app (assuming availability). I once decided at 2pm to buy a single-attraction express for Transformers: Battle for the AllSpark because its line stayed over 80 minutes; I just used the app, paid with Alipay, and got a QR code instantly to scan at the ride.
The price of an Express Pass varies depending on the date of your visit, the type of pass you choose. You can purchase Express Passes 30 days in advanced via Klook!
Which rides are included in the Express Pass?
Universal Express Single Attraction
You have the opportunity to select from 14 attractions and experience exclusive priority access once.
Available attractions:
- Bumblebee Boogie
- Carousel of Kung Fu Heroes
- Decepticoaster
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Flight of the Hippogriff™
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
- Jurassic World Adventure
- Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrior
- Lanterns of Legendary Legends
- Lights Camera Action！
- Loop-Dee Doop-Dee
- Super Swirly
- Transformers: Battle for the AllSpark
- Flying Over the Jurassic
Universal Express – Set 3
You get to choose 2 out of 3 selected attractions plus 1 out of 6 selected attractions.
2 out of 3 selected attractions:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
- Jurassic World Adventure
- Transformers: Battle for the AllSpark
1 out of 6 selected attractions
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrior
- Lights Camera Action！
- Carousel of Kung Fu Heroes
- Super Swirly
Universal Express – Set 5
You get to choose 2 out of 3 selected attractions plus 1 out of 6 selected attractions.
2 out of 3 selected attractions:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
- Jurassic World Adventure
- Transformers: Battle for the AllSpark
3 out of 6 selected attractions
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrior
- Lights Camera Action！
- Carousel of Kung Fu Heroes
- Super Swirly
Universal Express -Set 14
This option lets you skip all of the selected attractions:
- Bumblebee Boogie
- Carousel of Kung Fu Heroes
- Decepticoaster
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Flight of the Hippogriff™
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
- Jurassic World Adventure
- Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrior
- Lanterns of Legendary Legends
- Lights Camera Action！
- Loop-Dee Doop-Dee
- Super Swirly
- Transformers: Battle for the AllSpark
- Flying Over the Jurassic
How to use Express Pass?
Using Express Pass is very easy. Just follow these steps:
- Buy your Express Pass through official app, third-party provider like Klook for a discount, or at the park. You will receive a QR code that you can scan at the entrance of each attraction.
- For Set 3 and Set 5, choose which attractions you want to use your Express Pass for. You can only use it once per attraction, so plan wisely.
- When you approach a ride, look for the “Express” entrance (usually marked with a red or orange sign). A staff member will scan your code and let you through to the shorter queue. It’s one-time use per ride (unless you have the unlimited VIP tour).
- Enjoy your ride!
Is it Worth It?
It comes down to your personal situation. If you only have one day and it’s peak season, Express Pass is worth it to ensure you see everything. If you have two days or a light crowd day, you can probably skip it and strategize instead.
I’ve done it both ways – during one visit in deep winter, rides were walk-on so my Express Pass would have been pointless. In another visit over a busy May holiday, Express was a sanity-saver that let us enjoy the park rather than spend all day in queues.
One nice thing: Universal Beijing sometimes sells afternoon/evening Express at a cheaper rate after a certain time. So if you rope-drop and do many rides in the morning, then see lines swelling, you could buy a late-day Express for remaining rides at a discount. Keep an eye on the app for any “after 4pm Express” deals.
Tips and tricks for using the Express Pass
Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your Express Pass:
- Buy your Express Pass in advance. The prices may increase or sell out as the date gets closer, so it’s better to secure your spot early.
- Check the park map and schedule. Some attractions may have different operating hours or temporary closures, so make sure you check the park map and schedule before you go.
- Arrive early and start with the most popular rides. The park opens at 9:00 am, but you can enter as early as 8:30 am with your Express Pass. This is a great opportunity to beat the crowds and enjoy some of the most popular rides before they get busy.
- Use your Express Pass strategically. Don’t waste your Express Pass on rides that have short or no lines. Save it for the ones that have long waits or high demand.
- Have fun! The Express Pass is a great way to enhance your experience at Universal Studios Beijing. You can enjoy more rides, save time, and have more fun!
Bottom Line: If in doubt and crowd levels seem high, it’s safer to buy an Express bundle upfront. It’s an investment in your enjoyment. If you arrive and find lines are short, hey, more time to re-ride favorites or take in shows at leisure.
Universal Beijing Experss Pass Q&A
Does Universal Express include admission?
No, Universal Experss Pass and Park Tickets are sold seperately. You can buy discounted tickets or bundle deal from our affiliate partner Klook.
Is there a price different for child?
No, the price is the same for child and adult. Child over 3 years old needs to purchase Universal Express Pass.
