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Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Gainesville

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Washington DC to Gainesville Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington to Gainesville?

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Washington to Gainesville.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$110.98
Avg. Price
$113.75
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
4
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
22h 30m
Duration
19h 7m

Trip Summary

There is usually just one train option from Washington DC to Gainesville per day. The average train journey from Washington DC to Gainesville takes 19 hours and 7 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.

Distance707 mi (1138 km)
Fastest train19h 7m
Lowest price$98.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Gainesville?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Washington to Gainesville, FL was $98.00. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Gainesville if you book your train tickets at least 13 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $18.00.

Monthly avg. prices

$275$220$165$110$55MAMJJASONDJF
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Gainesville often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $146. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Gainesville during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $258 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Gainesville?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Washington to Gainesville. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak119h 7m$114.06
  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Washington to Gainesville every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $98.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington DC to Gainesville

While the train is the main method of transportation from Washington DC to Gainesville, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Washington DC and Gainesville is approximately 707 miles, or 1138 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 7 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 departing from Washington DC to Gainesville tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Washington DC at 1:00pm and arrives in Gainesville around 19 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Gainesville to Washington DC.

City Information

Washington DC

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.

D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.

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 is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main departure station: Union Station

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

All train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

Where is the train station in Gainesville?

Main arrival station: Gainesville Bus Stop

Gainesville’s bus terminal at 101 NE 23rd Ave is located a few miles north of downtown Gainesville, in a retail area including dollar stores and several takeout restaurants. Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway intercity buses operate trips from this station to cities like Orlando, Atlanta, and Miami. The station building has an information desk, restrooms, and vending machines for travelers’ convenience.

All train stations in Gainesville:

  • Gainesville Bus Stop

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