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Cheap bus tickets from Gainesville to Ocala

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Gainesville to Ocala Bus Schedule

Bus from Gainesville to Ocala: Journey Information

There are 3 intercity buses per day from Gainesville to Ocala. Traveling by bus from Gainesville to Ocala usually takes around 45 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 35 minutes.

Distance34 mi (55 km)
Shortest duration0h 35m
Cheapest price$13.08
Trips per day3
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines2

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How much is a bus ticket from Gainesville to Ocala?

Bus tickets for a trip from Gainesville to Ocala cost $13.77 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

Average bus ticket prices from Gainesville to Ocala by month

$103$83$62$41$21JFMAMJJASOND
Bus tickets from Gainesville to Ocala are at their cheapest average price in July. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around $14. On the other hand, traveling on this route during December might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for December trips cost $101, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

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 2 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US20h 48m$15.64
Tornado Bus20h 35m$121.38
  • 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 2 trips per day from Gainesville to Ocala, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Tornado Bus is a Texan bus company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their bus service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their buses offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, restrooms, and power outlets.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Gainesville to Ocala

The bus takes an average of 45 minutes to cover the 55 kilometers 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.

With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.

The first bus leaves at 10:00am and the last bus leaves at 6:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Gainesville to Ocala, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Gainesville to Ocala every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Gainesville to Ocala without transferring.

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

Ocala, FL - OCA-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Ocala, FL - OCA-1

Image credit: Forest Service, USDA

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Ocala, FL - OCA-2

Image credit: National Forests in Florida

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Ocala 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: Ocala Bus Stop

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Ocala.

Bus stations in Ocala:

  • Ocala Bus Stop

  • 4185 W Silver Springs Blvd

Get around town with Moovit

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