5.0
Pros: Nice bus! Not Crowded. Cons: ________. Tips: Be sure to get back on the bus within the designated time at the Wawa. Be responsible!!
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There is usually just one train option from West Palm Beach to Gainesville per day. The average train journey from West Palm Beach to Gainesville takes 7 hours and 25 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
Distance | 246 mi (395 km) |
Fastest train | 7h 25m |
Lowest price | $50.00 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
Average score for trains from West Palm Beach to Gainesville
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: Nice bus! Not Crowded. Cons: ________. Tips: Be sure to get back on the bus within the designated time at the Wawa. Be responsible!!
The average price for a train ticket from West Palm Beach, FL to Gainesville, FL is $50.00, By booking your trip at least 15 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 $24.00 more.
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects West Palm Beach 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.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 1 | 7h 26m | $73.33 |
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 West Palm Beach to Gainesville every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $50.
The distance between West Palm Beach and Gainesville is approximately 246 miles, or 395 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 25 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 from West Palm Beach to Gainesville are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves West Palm Beach at 12:00pm and arrives in Gainesville 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 Gainesville to West Palm Beach.
Unlike its sister Palm Beach, which has long been associated with the ultra-lux lifestyle, West Palm Beach offers a treasure trove of away-from-the-shore entertainments and cultural activities. West Palm Beach houses some of the most vibrant art communities in the state, so art lovers should not miss the chance to visit the local Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, or the Norton Museum of Art. The city’s vicinity to nature allows travelers to get up close and personal with wildlife at venues such as McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, the Lion Country Safari, or Okeeheelee Park.
For food aficionados, West Palm Beach is an affordable destination that can stand toe-to-toe against Palm Beach’s restaurant scene. The principal dishes in the area revolve mostly around seafood, especially groupers and shrimps. Restaurants worth trying out include Tin Fish or Bimini Twist.
West Palm Beach station, a historic destination in the city, is served by Amtrak as well as various bus carriers. There are daily long-distance trains and buses running through this station, offering access to cities as far as New York. The main airport in the city is the Palm Beach International Airport, which is located just west of the city.
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.
Image credit: Phillip Pessar
Link to image attributionImage credit: Phillip Pessar
Link to image attributionImage credit: Phillip Pessar
Link to image attributionThe Amtrak Station in West Palm Beach is the main train station in the city, with service on the Tri-Rail commuter rail and Amtrak Silver Service. Opened in 1921, the station boasts a unique Spanish Revival design and a sweet pastel pink facade. Thanks to recent improvements, the station was beautified with additional trees, new sidewalks, and an added pizzeria for passengers to grab a quick bite. As the hub for travel in and out of West Palm Beach, this station is also a bus stop for FlixBus and Greyhound buses.
205 S Tamarind Ave
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.
Gainesville Bus Stop
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