Cheap bus tickets from Gainesville to Columbia
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Gainesville to Columbia Bus Schedule
Bus from Gainesville to Columbia: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Gainesville to Columbia. Traveling by bus from Gainesville to Columbia usually takes around 18 hours and 48 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 18 hours and 34 minutes.
| Distance | 310 mi (499 km) |
| Shortest duration | 18h 34m |
| Cheapest price | $285.00 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Tornado Bus |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Gainesville to Columbia?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Gainesville to Columbia. Tornado Bus is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tornado Bus | 2 | 18h 49m | $293.00 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Gainesville to Columbia
The bus takes an average of 18 hours and 48 minutes to cover the 310 miles from Gainesville to Columbia. However, the fastest bus only takes 18 hours and 34 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. 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, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 5:00pm and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Gainesville to Columbia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Gainesville to Columbia. Both of these are direct buses, meaning that you do not have to worry about transferring buses at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Gainesville, FL to Columbia, SC; ticket prices start at $88.00.
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.
Columbia
As the capital city of South Carolina, Columbia offers plenty of historic attractions and exciting activities that will keep tourists of all ages satisfied. Sitting at the heart of the city is the South Carolina State Museum, which boasts the most impressive collection of permanent and changing exhibits in the state, as well as in the Southeast. One of the top highlights of the museum is its amazing planetarium that has a height of 55 feet. If you are traveling with kids, EdVenture should certainly be on your list. The museum’s prime attraction is a giant 10-year-old with his own fake digestive tracts and vertebrae, allowing kids to explore anatomy with ease. Nature lovers should not miss out on the chance to enjoy an outdoor day at Lake Murray, which features a vast range of activities such as boating, fishing, paddling, etc.
Columbia features an exciting food scene that is brimming with new talents. For an amazing lunch, The Gourmet Shop and their famous chicken salad will be a great choice. If you wish to enjoy a dinner with wine, Lula Drake is the place to be.
Columbia’s principal bus station is located 710-A Buckner Rd on the outskirts of the city. The main Amtrak train station is located on Pulaski St in the heart of downtown near the University of South Carolina campus. Columbia is served by Amtrak’s Silver Service line. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the main airport and it is located five miles southwest of the city.
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 Columbia?
Main arrival station: 7400 Wilson Blvd
All buses from Gainesville arrive at one main station in Columbia.
All bus stations in Columbia:
7400 Wilson Blvd
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