Lowest Prices
We partner with the top coach & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
Best Travel Options
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Winston-Salem to Ocala. Traveling by train from Winston-Salem to Ocala usually takes around 25 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 24 hours and 3 minutes.
| Distance | 490 mi (789 km) |
| Fastest train | 24h 3m |
| Lowest price | €105.44 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Winston-Salem to Ocala?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Winston-Salem to Ocala. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 1d 1h 34m | €105.44 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Winston-Salem to Ocala every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €105.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Winston-Salem and Ocala is approximately 490 miles, or 789 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 34 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 24 hours and 3 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.
Trains from Winston-Salem to Ocala are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Winston-Salem at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 09:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Winston-Salem twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 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.
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 Winston-Salem?
Main departure station: Winston-Salem State University (PART bus stop)
The bus stop next to Union Station and near Winston-Salem State University is ideal for all college students, Winston-Salem residents, and any passengers wanting a break on the way to Raleigh, Charlotte, or Fayetteville. There's not much to see or do at the stop itself, but there is a Chick-fil-A, Subway, and more restaurants on the university campus.
All train stations in Winston-Salem:
Winston-Salem State University (PART bus stop)
Transp Ctr - 100 W 5th St
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
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Ocala to Winston-Salem?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book coaches and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more