How To Visit Bates Motel At Universal Studios Hollywood

The Bates Motel is one of the most iconic landmarks in the 1959 thriller, Psycho.

This film was shot at Universal Studios in California, and can be visited by guests at the theme park.

While you are unable to go inside the Bates Motel, you can drive past the original facade that was used in the film when on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.

To go on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood you’ll need admission into the theme park. Alternatively, for those looking for a guided tour of everything the park has to offer, we recommend the slightly more expensive VIP Experience.

The Studio Tour lasts between 40 and 60 minutes in total, with the drive-by of Bates Motel lasting roughly 60 seconds.

Meanwhile, standby wait times for the ride average between 10 minutes and 120 minutes depending on the time of year you visit the park.

During peak times we recommend picking up Universal Express – a ticket that allows you to skip the line on the majority of the rides and attractions within the park.

This attraction is suitable for children of all ages, however, younger children may find the Bates Motel experience a little scary.

If you’re worried your little travellers might get scared then try sitting at the front of the tour bus rather than the back as when “Norman” comes towards you he heads to the back rather than the front.

Aside from the Bates Motel, you’ll also see facades from popular shows such as The Good Place & Desperate Housewives.

This is a real, live, working set so you may see some celebrities or pass filming for a TV show or upcoming blockbuster – although I’ve been on the ride a number of times and I’m still yet to see that happen (although I did catch Mario Lopez filming an advert at the front of the park once).

During the Studio Tour, there are also two different 3D showings;

• Fast & The Furious
• King Kong

You’ll be able to pick up your 3D glasses near the end of the queue for the ride (don’t forget to drop them off again in the buckets provided at the end).