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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Winston-Salem to Gainesville. The train trip from Winston-Salem to Gainesville is usually about 22 hours and 34 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 22 hours and 33 minutes.
| Distance | 462 mi (743 km) |
| Fastest train | 22h 33m |
| Lowest price | $124.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Winston-Salem to Gainesville?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Winston-Salem to Gainesville. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 22h 34m | $124.00 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Winston-Salem to Gainesville every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $124.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Winston-Salem and Gainesville is approximately 462 miles, or 743 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 34 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 22 hours and 33 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Winston-Salem to Gainesville on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Winston-Salem at 10:00am and arrives in Gainesville around 22 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Gainesville to Winston-Salem.
City Information
Winston-Salem
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Ranked as one of the top places to live in the United States, Winston-Salem resulted from the merging of two separate towns in 1913.
The city's oldest and most visually arresting areas are found in what was once simply Salem, a town with a history going back to 1753. You can admire many of the original Moravian-style buildings at Old Salem Museums & Gardens and in the historic districts of West End and Ardmore.
Downtown also has some notable structures, including 100 North Main Street – the tallest office building in the region.
Meanwhile, the main strip when it comes to nightlife is Fourth Street, where bars and restaurants see a steady stream of patrons until long after dark. The presence of no less than six higher education institutions in the city ensures the scene remains fresh and vibrant.
Winston-Salem can be reached from over 175 other U.S. cities. Daily buses depart and arrive from the city's three bus terminals throughout the day, with destinations that include Raleigh, Richmond, and New York City. In addition, Amtrak operates passenger train services via the station at High Point. Its three lines span the region from New York to New Orleans.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Winston-Salem?
Image credit: Warren LeMay
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Transp Ctr - 100 W 5th St
The Winston-Salem Transportation Center is on the corner of 5th Street & Trade Street, smack in the middle of the city. It's also commonly called the Greyhound bus station, since the carrier provides a lot of service across North Carolina and its neighboring states. There are plenty of great restaurants in the area, like Butcher & Bull Steakhouse, Downtown Thai & Pho, and Downtown Deli and Cafe, if you want to fill up before your trip. Or, if you want to stretch your legs, Bailey's Park is only a few blocks away and frequently has live music and events.
All train stations in Winston-Salem:
Transp Ctr - 100 W 5th St
Winston-Salem State University (PART bus stop)
Where is the train station in Gainesville?
Main arrival station: Gainesville Bus Stop
Gainesville’s bus terminal at 101 NE 23rd Ave is located a few miles north of downtown Gainesville, in a retail area including dollar stores and several takeout restaurants. Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway intercity buses operate trips from this station to cities like Orlando, Atlanta, and Miami. The station building has an information desk, restrooms, and vending machines for travelers’ convenience.
All train stations in Gainesville:
Gainesville Bus Stop
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Need a return trip from Gainesville to Winston-Salem?
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