Walking from Hollywood Studios to Epcot (Photos + Map)

Guests have options when traveling between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. One of those options is to take the walking path. Surprisingly, the walking path averages about the same time it takes the boats. If you walk at a steady pace, you might even beat the boat, depending on your timing. However, it is a long walk, with almost 100% of it in direct sunlight. So you’ll want to consider the weather, time of day, and whether or not you’re up to it.

Below, we’ll take a photo walk from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Epcot. Along the way, we’ll pass Disney’s Boardwalk and take in the views of stunning Crescent Lake. This is the most straightforward way to reach Epcot. However, if you like, you can also walk around the opposite side of the lake past the Beach and Yacht Club. Both routes are direct and will get you to the same place. In the map below, you can see where we veer right at the Boardwalk. You could continue straight across the bridge and keep along the water to end up in the same place. It is a 1.1-mile walk between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

a map of the walk between Hollywood Studios and Epcot that shows the distance — The distance and stats for the walk between Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

It took 25 minutes to walk between the parks. However, note that I paused occasionally to take a few photos. From Hollywood Studios, the walking path begins at the far left side of the bus stop. When you exit the park, you’ll pass the Skyliner station and then stay to the left. You’ll see the pathway near bus stops 1-8.

The beginning of the walking path from Hollywood Studios to Epcot near the bus stop.

A closer look at the sidewalk with the waterway to the left of it.

You can see how the walkway is in direct sun.

The walkway from Hollywood Studios to Epcot is in direct sunlight.

Now and then, you’ll briefly encounter minimal shade.

A shade tree provides a brief relief from the sun on the sidewalk.

We’ll approach the overpass that travels under Buena Vista Drive.

You'll walk under a bridge of the road ahead.

This spot always feels like you walked into an air-conditioned room.

The sidewalk continues under the overpass or bridge above.

Here is a look back at how far we’ve gone.

The distance we've already walked from Hollywood Studios to the overpass.

Here’s the continuation of the walkway ahead of us with the Swan Hotel in the backdrop.

A look at the path ahead of u with the Swan Hotel sitting in the distance.

Around this area, the Skyliner turn station is to the right.

The Skyliner turn station travels along this part of the walking path.

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts are visible in the distance.

The Swan and Dolphin Resorts sitting across the walkway in the distance.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn comes into view on your immediate right.

A sign that shows a directional pointing back to Hollywood Studios and another pointing to the Boardwalk.

If you’re staying at Disney’s Boardwalk, you can take any of these small staircases to access the resort or return to your room. You’ll have to wind your way around the pool area. We have a separate article with pictures of the shortcut from the Boardwalk to Hollywood Studios.

Related: Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review

small sets of staircases that lead up to Disney's Boardwalk

We’ll continue toward the bridge. If you’re staying at the Swan and Dolphin or the Swan Reserve, you’d take the bridge on your left to return to your hotel.

A bridge that crosses the lake with the Dolphin Hotel behind it.

Because I had half my senses this afternoon, I thought to pause here and take a screenshot of how far I had walked. Therefore, we have the following distances:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the Swan and Dolphin Bridge (0.65 miles)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn (0.65 miles)

shows where we stopped on the map to check the distance we had traveled — A stopping point at the Swan and Dolphin or the Boardwalk Inn.

If you stay at Disney’s Beach Club or Yacht Club, you will continue straight across an upcoming bridge. You will be at the Yacht Club Resort in approximately five minutes. It’s a 6-minute walk from the Yacht Club to the International Gateway at Epcot.

Related: Disney’s Yacht Club Review

the sidewalk that leads up to the bridge that continues to the left for Swan and Dolphin or the right for Yacht and Beach Club

Since we are going to Disney’s Boardwalk, we’ll take a hard right before the pair of bridges.

the hard right turn that leads to the Boardwalk up ahead

We have reached the Boardwalk!

the entrance to Disney's Boardwalk where a pebble walkway meets an actual wooden Boardwalk.

This is a beautiful area and a favorite place to enjoy. However, there is some confusion about the Boardwalk. While it’s a fun area, you won’t find a ton of stuff to do here. It is more lively in the evening when entertainers are available.

a view of the Boardwalk with it's bright red and yellow colors

The views of the Beach and Yacht Club in the distance are remarkable.

views of Disney's Beach Club and Yacht Club across the lake from the Boardwalk

Disney’s Boardwalk isn’t too shabby, either.

Disney's Boardwalk traditional area with The Boardwalk sign

We’ll continue along the Boardwalk.

a view of the lake from the walkway from Hollywood Studios to Epcot via the Boardwalk

We’ll pass by the Friendship Boats. The boats are a pleasant alternative, but they do make a couple of extra stops on the route. If you’re worn out at this point, Epcot is the next stop past the Boardwalk.

the Promenade Pier boat dock with guests waiting to board

Here is another look back at how far we’ve come. It’s always interesting to see the distance.

A view of the Boardwalk after you've crossed most of it.

As we exit the Boardwalk, we’ll pass this gazebo area. It’s a beautiful venue.

a gazebo with pink roses along the walkway to Epcot

Then, you’ll walk up an incline to cross the bridge to Epcot.

an incline that leads to the bridge by Epcot's International Gateway

It’s not that steep. But if you’ve been walking for a while in the hot sun, you might get out of breath.

At the top of the bridge, you can look to the left toward the Beach and Yacht Club. The Beach Club is the pretty blue building on the right.

Related: Disney’s Beach Club Review

a blue building with green grass in front of it

On the right side of the bridge, we get our first glimpse of Epcot.

the canal leading into the International Gateway at Epcot

We’ll take a hard right to access the International Gateway.

a sidewalk sloping down to Epcot's entrance

Similar to Hollywood Studios, we’ll pass the Skyliner station for Epcot.

the Skyliner station and boat dock for Epcot's International Gateway

The Skyliner is another option for traveling between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. So, for a quick recap, you can walk, take the Skyliner (requires a transfer), or take the FriendShips between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Walking is the most direct route.

guests joining a line to board the Skyliner

On the right-hand side of the International Gateway, you’ll see the Friendship Boat dock.

the Friendships dock at Epcot with the Skyliner over it

At this point, you’ll go through security as you enter the park. Overall, it took 25 minutes and was a 1.1-mile walk from Hollywood Studios to Epcot via Disney’s Boardwalk.

a map showing the total distance of 1.1 miles from Hollywood Studios to Epcot via the Boardwalk

Hopefully, this photo tour of the walk between Epcot and Hollywood Studios gave you an idea of what to expect. This is one of our favorite places to walk at Walt Disney World. However, remember, if it looks as though a potential rain or thunderstorm is approaching the area, you do not want to get caught up here in the rain. It could be a considerable distance before you reach a place to shelter.

For more information on getting around Walt Disney World, check out our entire list of Disney World Transportation Guides. Some of our other popular articles include:

In the comments:

Would you enjoy walking from Hollywood Studios to Epcot during your vacation? Did you find this article helpful? Please leave us a comment and share your thoughts or experiences.