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Cheap train tickets from Tampa to Gainesville

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Tampa to Gainesville Train Schedule

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

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Tampa to Gainesville.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$88.65

Avg. Price

$237.00

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

2

Daily Trips

1

Duration

Duration

18h 14m

Duration

1d 17h 45m

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Tampa and Gainesville. The average train journey from Tampa to Gainesville takes 41 hours and 50 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 38 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance446 mi (718 km)
Fastest train38h 5m
Lowest price$131.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Price trends for trains from Tampa to Gainesville

Monthly avg. prices

$425$340$255$170$85DJFMAMJJASON

Which train should you take from Tampa to Gainesville?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Tampa to Gainesville. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak21d 17h 50m$259.77
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Tampa to Gainesville every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $131.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Tampa to Gainesville

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Tampa to Gainesville. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Tampa and Gainesville is approximately 446 miles, or 718 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 41 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 38 hours and 5 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 Tampa to Gainesville tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. 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 Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Tampa at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Tampa twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Tampa.

City Information

Tampa

Sitting at the heart of the Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions and relaxing indulgences. Infused with a colorful mix of Cuban and Spanish cultural elements, the city of Tampa houses some of the most impressive historic buildings in the state, including the Henry B. Plant Museum, which boasts a permanent exhibition of Victorian-era artifacts. Animal lovers can also rejoice, as the city’s many aquariums and zoos will certainly melt your heart. Head down to the Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center for some heart-melting cuteness. And for animal lovers with a penchant for streaming docu-series, the Big Cat Rescue (yes, THAT one!) will be a great choice.

Most of the finest restaurants in town are concentrated around the Riverwalk area, which offers unrivaled views of the waterfront. Oystercatchers is reputed as one of the best establishments in town, so you should not miss out on it. Tampa’s cuisine features a very clear Cuban influence, and the best spot to try out these unique fusion dishes is at Ybor City.

The principal train station in the city is the Tampa Union Station, which is also a historic building. It is currently served by Amtrak. At the station, travelers can also take an Amtrak Thruway motorcoach to get to Orlando, Lakeland, Bradenton, etc. The main airport is Tampa International Airport, which is located just six miles west of downtown Tampa.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Tampa?

Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave  - TPAAMT-0

Image credit: Michel Curi

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Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave  - TPAAMT-1

Image credit: Paul Sableman

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave

Opened in 1912, the Tampa Union Station is a historic train station that currently serves the Amtrak Silver Star train line, which runs from Miami to New York. The beautiful red brick station house features large windows and soaring ceilings. Located in the Channel District of Tampa, Union Station is close to several rental car agencies and has on-site and nearby parking available. Amtrak Thruway bus service stops at Union Station, and Greyhound bus service runs through a bus terminal only .5 miles away on Polk St.

All train stations in Tampa:

  • Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave

Where is the train station in Gainesville?

Main arrival station: 116 Industrial Blvd

Gainesville has one train station.

All train stations in Gainesville:

  • 116 Industrial Blvd

Get around town with Moovit

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Need a return trip from Gainesville to Tampa?

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