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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Alexandria to Ocala per day. The average train journey from Alexandria to Ocala takes 18 hours and 55 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 18 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 725 mi (1167 km) |
| Fastest train | 18h 25m |
| Lowest price | US$147.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Alexandria to Ocala?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Alexandria to Ocala. 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 | 18h 55m | US$220.88 |
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 Alexandria to Ocala every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$147.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Alexandria and Ocala is approximately 725 miles, or 1167 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 25 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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Alexandria to Ocala. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Alexandria at 1:00pm and arrives in Ocala around 18 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 Ocala to Alexandria.
City Information
Alexandria
Alexandria is a charming, historic city in Virginia, located just a few miles south of Washington, D.C., on the Potomac River. Alexandria's Old Town entrances visitors with its preserved brick sidewalks and 18th-century homes and buildings; you'll feel transported to the era of the city's founding in 1749. This quarter, especially along King Street, features boutiques, restaurants, and antique shops in quaint, intimate settings.
Thanks to its vicinity to the capital, Alexandria boasts a unique food scene with many high-class restaurants for you to enjoy. The most popular local establishments include The Warehouse, Chart House, and Chadwicks. You can even dine in Gadsby's Tavern, a favorite of some of the nation's founders in the 1780s, and learn more about early American life in the adjacent Gadsby's Tavern Museum.
Washington, D.C. and all its travel connections are only a water taxi away, but the city is also well-served by transportation options directly out of Alexandria. Intercity Amtrak routes regularly arrive at Alexandria Union Station, including the Northeast Regional, Silver Service, Crescent, Cardinal, and Carolinian. The two nearest airports to the city are the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Washington Dulles International Airport.
Ocala
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Forest Service, USDA
Link to image attribution
Image 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 is the train station in Alexandria?
Main departure station: 110 Callahan Dr
There is one train station in Alexandria.
All train stations in Alexandria:
110 Callahan Dr
Where is the train station in Ocala?
Main arrival station: Central Transfer Station
The Central Transfer Station on First Ave in Ocala is a bus stop for Amtrak Thruway buses and local SunTran buses. Buses pull up to the lot adjacent to the red brick building near the train tracks; however, the building does not have a waiting area for passengers, and you will board the bus from the curb. The bus stop is right next to Tuscawilla Art Park and Tuscawilla Lake, so if you have time to kill, walk around the park grounds and check out the unique sculptures scattered throughout. You can also grab coffee or tea from Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar across the street.
Train stations in Ocala:
Central Transfer Station
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Need a return trip from Ocala to Alexandria?
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