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Cheap bus tickets from Gainesville to Ocala

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Gainesville to Ocala Bus Schedule

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Bus from Gainesville to Ocala: Journey Information

There is one daily bus from Gainesville to Ocala. Traveling by bus from Gainesville to Ocala usually takes around 35 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.

Distance34 mi (55 km)
Shortest duration0h 35m
Cheapest price€41.25
Trips per day1
Most frequent serviceTornado Bus
Bus lines1

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Price trends for buses from Gainesville to Ocala

Average bus ticket prices from Gainesville to Ocala by month

€23€18€14€9€5AMJJASONDJFM

What bus companies travel from Gainesville to Ocala?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Gainesville to Ocala. Tornado Bus is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Tornado Bus10h 36m€42.30
  • 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 35 minutes to cover the 34 miles from Gainesville to Ocala. 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.

Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Ocala, book your ticket for the last day of the week.

There is usually only one bus per day from Gainesville to Ocala. It leaves the station in Gainesville at 10:00am each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.

There is usually only one bus per day from Gainesville to Ocala. Fortunately, this happens to be a direct bus, meaning that you do not have to get on a different bus at any point during your trip.

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: 3509 SW Williston Rd

The station at 3509 SW Williston Rd is a small bus stop where Tornado buses pick up passengers in Gainesville. It is located in front of a Circle K convenience store, allowing travelers to wait in safety for their buses. Between the convenience store’s offerings and the nearby deli, you can stock up on snacks or a quick meal before your trip. The station is about 5 miles southwest of downtown Gainesville; if your destination is near the University of Florida, the city’s bustling Main Street, or one of the surrounding golf courses, you may want to open up a rideshare app to continue onward from the Circle K station.

All bus stations in Gainesville:

  • 3509 SW Williston Rd

Where does the bus arrive in Ocala?

Main arrival station: 4185 W Silver Springs Blvd

All buses from Gainesville arrive at one main station in Ocala.

All bus stations in Ocala:

  • 4185 W Silver Springs Blvd

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