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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Gainesville to Ocala. Traveling by bus from Gainesville to Ocala usually takes around 47 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 35 minutes.
Distance | 34 mi (55 km) |
Shortest duration | 0h 35m |
Cheapest price | $9.49 |
Trips per day | 5 |
Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Gainesville to Ocala?
Bus tickets for a trip from Gainesville to Ocala cost $9.49 on average. This is an excellent value for the trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Monthly average prices
What bus companies travel from Gainesville to Ocala?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Gainesville to Ocala that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.
Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
FlixBus US | 4 | 0h 48m | $11.90 |
Tornado Bus | 2 | 0h 35m | $45.00 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 4 trips per day from Gainesville to Ocala, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 47 minutes to cover the 34 miles from Gainesville to Ocala. However, the fastest bus only takes 35 minutes. It's a short trip that goes by very quickly. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Because many passengers travel from Gainesville to Ocala at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 4:00am and the last bus leaves at 9:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Gainesville to Ocala, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Gainesville
Blessed with amazing natural landmarks and a vibrant cultural life, Gainesville offers a whole new Florida experience that is far from the decadence often associated with the state. If you wish to explore creative works made by local artists, head over to the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, which features great exhibitions that dive into the life of many inventors and entrepreneurs. Another great museum to visit is the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art. For those who want to marvel at the city’s natural landmarks, go for a hiking trip along the trails of Alfred A. Ring Park, or the Barr Hammock Preserve.
Gainesville’s local favorite is the 4 Rivers Smokehouse, which offers delicious briskets. For some of the freshest local dishes, head over to Alpin Bistro.
The main bus station in Gainesville is the Greyhound Bus Terminal located on NE 23rd Ave, which welcomes buses from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston and beyond. There is no rail service to Gainesville. However, the city is part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway bus service, which operates out of the same station. The main airport is the Gainesville Regional Airport, which lies in the northeast part of the city.
Ocala
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Forest Service, USDA
Link to image attributionImage credit: National Forests in Florida
Link to image attributionOcala is where the Florida of theme parks and Gulf of Mexico beaches gives way to the other Florida where traditional southern charm continues to make itself known. Located in the north of the state, just shy of the Florida panhandle, Ocala was established in 1849.
Formerly rich in plantations and citrus fruit orchards, today Ocala is a gateway to Florida's natural landscapes, such as the Rainbow Springs State Park and the Ocala National Forest.
One of the state's largest areas of protected forest, the Ocala National Forest spans a mesmerizing 600 square miles of unspoiled woodland crossed by almost innumerable rivers, footpaths, mountain biking tracks, and horse trails. Learn how to bring your bike on the bus or train with you to save money on renting one there.
But that's not to say central Ocala is free of attractions. The Ocala Historic District contains a blend of residential and non-residential buildings worth exploring. For example, The Appleton Museum of Art has a collection stretching from pre-Columbian tribal objects to the latest in modernism.
If all this has you checking out tickets to Ocala, you'll be happy to hear the city is well served by both bus and train routes. You can catch a bus to anywhere from Tallahassee to Houston, while trains connect the area to places like Winter Haven and Baltimore.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Gainesville?
Main departure station: Rosa Parks Downtown Station
Gainesville has two bus stations with service to Ocala.
All bus stations in Gainesville:
Rosa Parks Downtown Station
3509 SW Williston Rd
Where does the bus arrive in Ocala?
Main arrival station: 3873 SW State Rd 200
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Ocala.
All bus stations in Ocala:
3873 SW State Rd 200
4185 W Silver Springs Blvd
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- Gainesville, FL to Ocala, FL