Gainesville to Ocala bus
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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Gainesville to Ocala. Traveling by bus from Gainesville to Ocala usually takes around 56 minutes, but the fastest El Expreso Bus bus can make the trip in 30 minutes.
| Distance | 34 mi (55 km) |
| Shortest duration | 0h 30m |
| Cheapest price | €5.59 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Buses from Gainesville to Ocala
- El Expreso Bus: 1 daily buses from €88
- FlixBus US: 1 daily buses from €6
- Tornado Bus: 1 daily buses from €88
How much is a bus ticket from Gainesville to Ocala?
€13.17 is the average price of a bus ticket from Gainesville to Ocala. This is currently one of the best deals in bus travel. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in June. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just €7 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Gainesville to Ocala in October, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to €42 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
What bus companies travel from Gainesville to Ocala?
There are 3 bus lines from Gainesville to Ocala available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. Each of these companies only runs one bus per day. The following table helps you compare your available choices:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Expreso Bus | 1 | 1h 12m | €87.31 |
| FlixBus US | 1 | 0h 50m | €8.50 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1h 15m | €87.31 |
El Expreso Bus, a sub-brand of Tornado Bus Company, operates intercity bus trips in the United States, plus several routes that cross the border into Mexico. The carrier’s professional and helpful staff are often fluent in both English and Spanish. El Expreso buses feature comfortable seats, onboard restrooms, power outlets, and free WiFi. The average ticket price for a Gainesville to Ocala trip is €87 on El Expreso Bus, and they usually make the trip in just 1 hours and 12 minutes.
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 1 trips per day from Gainesville to Ocala, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
The bus takes an average of 56 minutes to cover the 55 kilometers from Gainesville to Ocala. However, the fastest bus only takes 30 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Ocala at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
The first bus leaves at 03:00 and the last bus leaves at 03:00. 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 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 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: 3801 SW College Road
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Ocala.
Bus stations in Ocala:
3801 SW College Road
4185 W Silver Springs Blvd
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