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

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If you’re planning to hop between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, the good news is: it’s super easy. Whether you want a relaxing boat ride, a peaceful walk, or a scenic Skyliner trip through the sky, you’ve got lots of ways to get there.

Let’s break it all down so you can pick the best route for your day.

We’re going to go into greater detail down below, but if you’re looking for a quick answer, here are all the different ways you can get between the 2 parks:

Quick Guide: How to Get from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT

  • Walking (INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY): You can walk from Hollywood Studios to the International Gateway entrance at EPCOT. It’s about 1.2 miles and usually takes 20–30 minutes.
  • Bus (FRONT OF EPCOT): Direct buses between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT are rare. They usually only run if weather shuts down the Friendship Boats and Skyliner. If running, the bus will drop you off at the front of EPCOT.
  • Boat (INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY): Friendship Boats run between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT’s International Gateway. It’s not fast, but it’s a scenic and relaxing ride.
  • Disney Skyliner (INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY): One of our favorite ways to get from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT! Hop on the Skyliner, transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort, and ride straight to the International Gateway entrance.
  • Minnie Vans (EITHER FRONT OR THE INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY): You can book a Minnie Van to drop you off either at Disney’s Beach Club (near the International Gateway) or at the front of EPCOT. Convenient, but pricey and not our top recommendation.
  • Rideshare (EITHER FRONT OR THE INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY): Like Minnie Vans, Uber or Lyft can also drop you at either entrance. It works, but honestly, free options are better for this route.
  • Monorail: N/A from Hollywood Studios

Now let’s dive deeper into each option so you can figure out which one fits your day best.

Which Entrance at EPCOT Are You Going To?

Before we dive into the details, one important thing to know:
EPCOT has two entrances.

Most free transportation options from Hollywood Studios will drop you at the International Gateway. If you need the front entrance, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Ways to Get from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT

Walking Path (International Gateway Entrance)

If you don’t mind adding a mile or so to your day, the walking path is one of the most peaceful ways to get from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT.

  • Distance: About 1.2 miles
  • Time: Roughly 20–30 minutes
  • Route: Follow the signs past the buses, along the water, through the Boardwalk area, and into EPCOT’s International Gateway.

Pros:

  • No wait time — just start walking.
  • Scenic and usually quiet.
  • Great if you need to stretch your legs (or walk off a few cocktails).

Cons:

  • Hot and sweaty in summer.
  • No shade on big sections of the path.

Do we recommend it?

  • Yes but only if you don’t mind the steps and it’s not brutally hot out.

Disney Skyliner (International Gateway Entrance)

The Skyliner is hands-down one of the best Disney transportation inventions ever. And it’s a super fun (and fast!) way to hop from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT.

  • Board the Skyliner outside Hollywood Studios.
  • Transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort to the EPCOT Skyliner Line.
  • Exit at the EPCOT International Gateway entrance.
disney skyliner map disney transportation getting around walt disney world

Pros:

  • Fast, scenic, and seriously fun.
  • No stroller folding required (as long as it fits).
  • A great chance to sit down and plan your EPCOT game plan mid-ride.

Cons:

  • Weather-dependent (won’t run if it’s too windy or stormy).
  • Can get long lines at peak times (but usually moves fast).

Do we recommend it?

  • Big YES, especially for first-timers or anyone wanting a fun way to travel between parks.

Friendship Boats (International Gateway Entrance)

If you’re in no rush and just want to chill, the Friendship Boats offer a peaceful (but slow) option.

  • Board at the dock outside Hollywood Studios.
  • Make a few stops at resorts around Crescent Lake (Swan/Dolphin, Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club).
  • End at EPCOT’s International Gateway.

Pros:

  • Beautiful views along Crescent Lake.
  • Relaxing, seated ride — perfect if your feet are tired.

Cons:

  • Takes longer due to multiple stops.
  • Can get chilly on the water if it’s windy.

Do we recommend it?

  • Yes, if you’re not in a hurry and want to rest your feet.

Rideshare (Front Entrance or Beach Club)

Need to get to the front of EPCOT (or just want the fastest way)?
Uber or Lyft can drop you:

  • At the front entrance of EPCOT.
  • Or at Disney’s Beach Club Resort (short walk to the International Gateway).

Pros:

  • Fast and flexible.
  • Great if you’re short on time (or patience).

Cons:

  • Costs extra.
  • May have surge pricing at park closing times.

Do we recommend it?

  • Yes, but mostly if you really need to be at the front of EPCOT quickly.

Minnie Vans (Front Entrance or Beach Club)

Minnie Vans are Disney’s private rideshare service. Same deal as Uber/Lyft, but polka-dotted and driven by Disney Cast Members.

You can request a Minnie Van in the Lyft app.

  • Drop-off at the front of EPCOT.
  • Or ask to be dropped at the Beach Club for International Gateway access.
epcot minnie van

Pros:

  • Can drop you closer to the entrance than regular rideshare.
  • Drivers are Cast Members (so extra Disney magic).
  • Car seats included if you need them.

Cons:

  • More expensive than regular Uber/Lyft.
  • Can be tricky to get one during peak times.

Do we recommend it?

  • Maybe, but only if you need a car seat or want that Cast Member experience.

Bus (Front of EPCOT – Only if Skyliner/Boats are Down)

In normal weather, there’s usually no direct bus from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT.
BUT if the Skyliner and boats are down (because of storms or maintenance), Disney often runs buses between the two parks.

  • Drops you at the front entrance.

Pros:

  • Free.
  • Shelter from rain/wind.

Cons:

  • Only available when the Skyliner/boats are closed.
  • You may have to wait longer for a bus.

Do we recommend it?

  • Only if the weather wipes out your better options.

Monorail

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

(If you really want to ride the Monorail, you’ll need to get yourself to the Transportation and Ticket Center or EPCOT front entrance first.)

Final Thoughts: Hollywood Studios to EPCOT

Out of all the park-to-park hops at Disney World, this one is one of the easiest.

You can float, stroll, glide, or grab a quick car ride, and you’ll be soaking up the vibes of EPCOT before you know it.

  • If you want the fastest and most scenic route?
    • Take the Skyliner.
  • If you want a peaceful stroll and don’t mind the steps?
    • Walk the path.
  • If you just want to sit down and relax?
    • Hop on a Friendship Boat.

Whichever you choose, you’ve got some great options, and you’ll be sipping a Violet Sake or grabbing a pretzel 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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