5.0
Pros: The not having to drive. Loved the train! Cons: Some healthy food options.
Cheap train tickets from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala. Traveling by train from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala usually takes 7 hours and 27 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 245 mi (394 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 27m |
| Lowest price | $44.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala?
The average price for a train ticket from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala is $44.00, Considering the distance of the route, this is an excellent deal. By booking your trip at least 11 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $60.60 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $58. If you're planning a trip from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala during October, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $96 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Which train should you take from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Fort Lauderdale to Ocala. 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.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 7h 27m | $88.86 |
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 Fort Lauderdale to Ocala every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $44.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala
While the train is the main method of transportation from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala, 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 Fort Lauderdale and Ocala is approximately 245 miles, or 394 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 27 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Fort Lauderdale to Ocala on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Fort Lauderdale at 11:00am and arrives in Ocala around 7 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 Ocala to Fort Lauderdale.
City Information
Fort Lauderdale
Nicknamed the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale offers vast stretches of white sand beaches at affordable prices, allowing the average traveler to enjoy fun under the sun with ease. Fort Lauderdale Beach is the premier destination for beach-goers and nature lovers, and it is noticeably less chaotic than its counterpart at Miami Beach, making it a perfect spot for a quiet and leisurely getaway. Another alternative is the nearby Las Olas Beach, which features clean and refreshing water. Nature lovers can also take an airboat tour to the famous Everglades and get up close to the alligators.
For shopping fans, Sawgrass Mills, a famous shopping outlet with 250 stores, will be a top choice. Don’t forget to take the time for a stroll around the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District and enjoy the setting sun as the day comes to a close.
The Fort Lauderdale Amtrak station is the main train station in the city, offering quick access to other cities in the state of Florida. In the center of town, not too far from the train station, you can find the Greyhound station which is the busiest bus travel hub in Fort Lauderdale. The principal airport in the area is the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport which, as its name suggests, is located right in between the two neighboring cities. However, it's also easy to get from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Airport for more flight options.
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 Fort Lauderdale?
Image credit: Phillip Pessar
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Phillip Pessar
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter
The Tri-Rail Station in Fort Lauderdale serves local Tri-Rail trains that travel throughout Florida and Amtrak trains to connect with the United States’ largest passenger rail system. Amtrak Silver Service trains stop in Fort Lauderdale along its New York to Miami route. The station features ample parking, indoor seating and restrooms, and two platforms with Mediterranean-style tiled roofs. Located adjacent to Interstate 95, it is easy to connect by highway to your final destination or head a few miles East into downtown Fort Lauderdale.
All train stations in Fort Lauderdale:
Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter
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.
All train stations in Ocala:
Central Transfer Station
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