How to Get from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios (Fastest and Easiest Ways)

HS entrance

If you’re planning to hop from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios, the good news is: it’s easy.

You’ve got a few great options depending on your vibe: a peaceful boat ride, a scenic Skyliner trip through the sky, or a quick and quiet walk along the water.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, getting between these two parks is simple and actually pretty fun. Let’s break it down.

Quick Guide: How to Get from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios

  • Walking (INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY): You can walk from EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance (near World Showcase) to Hollywood Studios. It’s about 1.2 miles and takes around 20–30 minutes.
  • Bus (FRONT OF EPCOT): Direct buses from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios are rare, usually only available if the Skyliner and boats are shut down due to weather.
  • Boat (INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY): Friendship Boats travel from EPCOT’s International Gateway to Hollywood Studios. It’s slow but super scenic; great if your feet need a break.
  • Disney Skyliner (INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY): Hop on the Skyliner at the International Gateway, transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort, and then board the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios.
  • Minnie Vans (EITHER FRONT OR THE INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY): Book a Minnie Van via the Lyft app. It can pick you up near the front of EPCOT or the Beach Club (close to International Gateway) and take you straight to Hollywood Studios.
  • Rideshare (EITHER FRONT OR THE INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY): Uber or Lyft can pick you up at the front of EPCOT or near the Beach Club and drop you at Hollywood Studios. Not our favorite for this route, but it works.
  • Monorail: No Monorail service between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Related: How to Get from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT

Ways to Get from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT

Walking Path (Exit EPCOT at the International Gateway)

If you’re up for a stroll, walking from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios is one of the most peaceful ways to park hop.

  • Distance: About 1.2 miles
  • Time: Roughly 20–30 minutes
  • Route: Exit EPCOT through the International Gateway near the World Showcase, follow the signs toward the BoardWalk, walk along Crescent Lake past the resorts, and continue to Hollywood Studios.

Pros:

  • No waiting, you just start walking.
  • Super scenic along the water and resorts.
  • A great way to get some extra steps in (or walk off that festival food).

Cons:

  • It can feel long in the Florida heat and humidity.
  • Some sections don’t have a lot of shade.

Do we recommend it?

  • Yes, if you don’t mind walking and the weather isn’t miserable. It’s a calm, relaxing way to get between parks without relying on transportation.

Disney Skyliner (Exit EPCOT at the International Gateway)

The Disney Skyliner is one of the coolest (and most scenic) ways to travel between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, even if it does involve a quick transfer.

  • Board at the EPCOT Skyliner station near the International Gateway entrance.
  • Transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort.
  • Ride the Skyliner line straight to Hollywood Studios.
disney skyliner map disney transportation getting around walt disney world

Pros:

  • Fast, fun, and gives you incredible aerial views.
  • You usually don’t have to wait too long, even during busy times.
  • Stroller-friendly (no need to fold if it fits inside).

Cons:

  • Weather-dependent (won’t run in strong winds, lightning, or heavy rain).
  • Short waits can turn into longer ones at peak times (like park close).

Do we recommend it?

  • Absolutely. It’s quick, relaxing, and adds a little extra Disney magic to your park hopping.

Friendship Boats (Exit EPCOT at the International Gateway)

If you’re not in a hurry and want to kick back, the Friendship Boats offer a chill (but slower) way to get from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios.

  • Board at the dock near the EPCOT International Gateway entrance.
  • Float past resorts like BoardWalk, Yacht Club, Swan, and Dolphin.
  • Disembark at the boat dock right outside Hollywood Studios.

Pros:

  • Relaxing and seated the whole way.
  • Scenic views of Crescent Lake and the resort areas.
  • Great if your feet need a break after all that EPCOT walking.

Cons:

  • Slower than walking or taking the Skyliner (because of multiple stops).
  • Sometimes chilly or windy on the water.

Do we recommend it?

  • Yes, if you’re not in a rush and want to recharge a little between parks.

Rideshare

If you want a faster, door-to-door option without waiting around, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are easy to grab at EPCOT. You can grab one at the front of the park OR if you’re in the World Showcase, you can exit at the International Gateway and walk to the Beach Club and pick one up from there.

Pros:

  • Fast and flexible. You just call one whenever you’re ready to leave.
  • Ideal if you’re short on time or the weather is gross.

Cons:

  • Costs extra compared to free Disney transportation.
  • Surge pricing can kick in during busy times (like park closing).

Do we recommend it?

  • Yes, especially if you’re tired, running late, or just want to skip the lines and get moving quickly.

Minnie Vans

If you want a little extra Disney magic with your rideshare, Minnie Vans are a fun (but pricey) option.

You can request one through the Lyft app once you’re on Disney property. A friendly Cast Member will pick you up and drop you off right at the front entrance of Hollywood Studios, no long walks, no extra stops.

Pros:

  • Drop-off is closer than regular rideshares.
  • Car seats are available (and included) if you need one.
  • Driven by Disney Cast Members who know the property inside and out.

Cons:

  • Way more expensive than Uber or Lyft (sometimes 3–4x the price).
  • Availability can be limited during peak times.

Do we recommend it?

  • Maybe but only if you need a car seat, want that Cast Member service, or just want to splurge a little.

Bus (Only if Skyliner/Boats Are Down)

Normally, there’s no direct Disney bus from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios.

BUT if bad weather shuts down the Skyliner and the Friendship Boats (like during storms or super high winds), Disney usually steps in with buses between the two parks.

Pros:

  • Free.
  • A backup plan when the weather’s not cooperating.

Cons:

  • Only runs if the Skyliner and boats are down.
  • Might have longer wait times compared to normal buses.

Do we recommend it?

  • Only if you have to.

Monorail

There’s no Monorail line that connects EPCOT to Hollywood Studios.

If you’re at EPCOT’s front entrance, you can catch the Monorail, but it only travels between EPCOT and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) near Magic Kingdom.

It won’t help you get to Hollywood Studios.

Do we recommend it?

  • Nope. The Monorail doesn’t connect these parks at all. Stick to walking, Skyliner, or boats for this route.

Final Thoughts: EPCOT to Hollywood Studios

When it comes to park hopping, this route is one of the easiest — and one of the most fun.

  • If you want the fastest and most scenic way?
    Hop on the Skyliner.
  • If you want a peaceful walk (and a few extra steps)?
    Take the walking path.
  • If you just want to sit and relax for a bit?
    Grab a seat on a Friendship Boat.

No matter which you choose, you’ll be soaking up the Hollywood Studios vibes (and maybe planning your next ride on Tower of Terror) in no time.

Planning more park-to-park travel? Check out our full guide on Disney World transportation for tips on getting everywhere.

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