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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Gainesville. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Gainesville usually takes around 43 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 43 hours and 35 minutes.
Distance | 895 mi (1441 km) |
Shortest duration | 43h 35m |
Cheapest price | $310.00 |
Trips per day | 2 |
Most frequent service | Tornado Bus |
Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Gainesville?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Gainesville. 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 | 1d 19h 38m | $311.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 43 hours and 38 minutes to cover the 895 miles from Chicago to Gainesville. However, the fastest bus only takes 43 hours and 35 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.
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Gainesville. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 1:00pm and the last bus leaves at 1:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Gainesville, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Chicago to Gainesville. 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 Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL; ticket prices start at $328.00.
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: 3501 S California Ave
Most buses depart from the main station in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
3501 S California Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Gainesville?
Main arrival 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
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