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How to Get From EPCOT to Magic Kingdom?

Walt Disney World runs like a small city, with public transportation carrying travelers from one place to another. 

With several transport options available, guests often need clarification about the most efficient or cost-effective ways to get around the sprawling 25,000-acre (10,117-hectare) property.

Conveniently, Disney World offers visitors a few different routes from EPCOT to the Magic Kingdom.

The Walt Disney World Monorail is the best way to get from EPCOT to Magic Kingdom, but parkgoers can also use buses, cars, taxis, ferries, or Uber to travel between them. Unfortunately, at this time, there are no walking paths between the two parks. 

The following explains the free and paid transportation options available from EPCOT to Magic Kingdom.

Is There Free Transportation From EPCOT to Magic Kingdom?

Photo of Walt Disney Monorail System and people walking around the theme park.

EPCOT and Magic Kingdom are about 4 miles (6.4 km) apart, and the best ways to travel between them for free are by Monorail, Disney Buses, or via Water Transportation. 

It takes 45 mins to an hour to get between the parks, and the route often requires a transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).

There are currently no walking paths between the two, so it’s difficult to get from one park to the other on foot. 

It is possible to take the Disney Skyliner from EPCOT, but getting to Magic Kingdom requires transferring to a bus at a Disney Resort Hotel, which can add a significant amount of time to the trip. 

Parkgoers can figure out the best route for them using the My Disney Experience App or by asking a Cast Member for assistance. 

Walt Disney World Monorail

The Walt Disney World Monorail System is the best way to travel between EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom. 

The monorail is free for Disney guests, and accessing the stops is easy and convenient.

Visitors can enjoy plenty of space on the monorail cars throughout most of the year; however, during peak seasons, they can get crowded.

Fortunately, the monorail runs frequently, so no one has to wait long for the next train to arrive.

The Monorail System starts running thirty minutes before the Magic Kingdom opens for Early Theme Park Entry and stops one hour after the parks close. 

Monorail Routes Between EPCOT and Magic Kingdom

There are three monorail routes that service Magic Kingdom and the surrounding area. 

To get from EPCOT to the Magic Kingdom, guests must take the EPCOT Monorail from EPCOT to the Transportation and Ticket Center. 

From the TTC, riders take the Express Monorail to the Front Entrance of the Magic Kingdom. 

The trip takes about 40 mins, including the transfer at the TTC.

Guests going from EPCOT to Magic Kingdom but want to shop or eat at Polynesian Village Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, or the Contemporary Resort can take the Resort Monorail from the TTC before heading to Magic Kingdom on the same line.

Walt Disney World Bus Service

The Walt Disney World Bus Service runs from Disney Resorts and Hotels to the theme parks and shopping centers. 

Some buses also connect a few of the theme parks, but not all parks are linked by bus. 

Disney Buses are free for Disney Hotel guests and non-resort guests with a valid park ticket, and all buses are air-conditioned and accessible.

Unfortunately, there is no direct bus route between EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom; however, visitors can take a bus from EPCOT to Animal Kingdom or one of the Disney Hotels, then transfer to another that stops at Magic Kingdom. 

Because of the route, the ride from EPCOT to Magic Kingdom takes at least an hour.

The Disney Buses start running 45 minutes before the parks open and stop one hour after they close. 

Typically, the buses arrive every 20 minutes, but at busier times of day (like opening and closing), they may run every five to ten minutes. 

Walt Disney World Water Transportation

When traveling from EPCOT, guests can take the monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center and then hop on a Ferryboat to the Front Entrance of the Magic Kingdom. 

Magic Kingdom Ferryboats arrive every 15 minutes to carry visitors across the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering a fun alternative for guests who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. 

​​The hours of operation vary and are subject to water and weather conditions.

Are There Paid Transportation Options From EPCOT to Magic Kingdom?

Paid transportation options from EPCOT to Magic Kingdom include driving a car, catching a taxi or Uber, or booking a ride in a Minnie Van. 

The cost varies depending on the time of year and the number of customers on a given day.

Getting From EPCOT to Magic Kingdom by Car

Walt Disney World guests can drive their own vehicle or rental car from the EPCOT parking lot to the Magic Kingdom parking lot at the Transportation and Ticket Center. 

This five-minute drive is a quick and easy way to travel.

Once in the Magic Kingdom parking lot, guests can walk or catch a tram to the Front Entrance of the park. 

They can also walk to the TTC to catch a ride on the Express Monorail or a Ferryboat.

Self-Parking at Disney World is $25 per day for Standard parking and $45 to $50 per day for Preferred parking. 

Luckily, once guests pay for parking at one park, their parking passes are valid at all four theme parks throughout the day.

Getting From EPCOT to Magic Kingdom by Uber or Taxi

Guests headed to Magic Kingdom from EPCOT cannot take an Uber or taxi directly between park entrances – however, parkgoers looking for a quicker way to get from EPCOT to the Transportation and Ticket Center can. 

After arriving at the TTC, visitors will have to take the Monorail or a Ferry to the gates of Magic Kingdom.

The drive between EPCOT and the TTC only takes approximately five minutes but could be longer in heavy traffic. 

The costs vary depending on demand, and visitors should be aware of surge pricing during busy periods.

Getting From EPCOT to Magic Kingdom by Minnie Van Service

Minnie Vans are a chauffeur service driven by Cast Members and offered by Disney at an additional cost. 

These cute vehicles stand out as they have Minnie Mouse’s polka dots all over them. 

Guests book and pay for their rides through the Lyft App, and pickup/drop-off locations are the same as for an Uber.

The cost of a Minnie Van varies, depending on how many people are booking rides. 

Accessible Minnie Vans are available, and each Minnie Van comes with two car seats.

Conclusion

On its 25,000-acre (10,117-hectare) property, Walt Disney World hosts four theme parks, two water parks, shopping centers, on-site Disney resorts, and non-Disney hotels. 

With so many activities, amenities, and places to visit, Disney World offers several complimentary transportation options, including the Monorail, buses, the Skyliner, and water transportation.

The best way to travel from EPCOT to the Magic Kingdom is by using the Monorail – it’s the most direct route and takes the least amount of time. 

Other free options include Disney Buses and Ferry Boats, but these are far less efficient for traveling from EPCOT to the Magic Kingdom.

People who don’t mind paying for transportation from EPCOT to Magic Kingdom can drive a car, order a Minnie Van, or book an Uber or taxi. 

While these paid options may reduce the travel time from EPCOT to the TTC, guests will still have to take the Monorail or Ferry to get to Magic Kingdom.