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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from North Charleston to Ocala. Traveling by train from North Charleston to Ocala usually takes 14 hours and 13 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
Distance | 284 mi (457 km) |
Fastest train | 14h 13m |
Lowest price | $67.00 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from North Charleston to Ocala?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects North Charleston 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 | 14h 13m | $83.00 |
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 North Charleston to Ocala every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $67.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between North Charleston and Ocala is approximately 284 miles, or 457 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 13 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.
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from North Charleston to Ocala. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves North Charleston at 7:00pm and arrives in Ocala around 14 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.
City Information
North Charleston
Image credit: Mobilus In Mobili
Link to image attributionImage credit: Warren LeMay
Link to image attributionImage credit: North Charleston
Link to image attributionNorth Charleston is a promising travel destination with quirky landmarks and fun activities for all travelers. To explore the city’s rich history, the H.L. Hunley Museum offers everything you need. Featuring the first successful combat submarine in the world as well as other Civil War-era relics, the museum will keep you enthralled for a whole morning. Other notable museums include the Greater Charleston Naval Memorial as well as the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. For fans of cultural activities, don’t pass up the chance to enjoy an event at the North Charleston Coliseum, which is one of the largest venues in South Carolina. If you enjoy staying away from a crowd and exploring nature, a walk around Riverfront Park will be what you need.
Though North Charleston might not feature a lively food scene like Charleston does, the city’s staples will still satisfy hungry travelers. Nigel’s Good Food is a local favorite and a good place to start your food tour. Chill-N-Grill is a great spot to grab some fresh seafood.
The city’s transportation center is located on Gaynor Ave. Travelers can catch Southeastern Stages buses here. Travelers can also catch Amtrak trains passing through the city at this station. North Charleston is served by Amtrak’s Palmetto and Silver Meteor lines. The main airport is the Charleston International Airport.
Ocala
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Image credit: Forest Service, USDA
Link to image attributionImage 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 North Charleston?
Main departure station: 4565 Gaynor Ave
The Amtrak Station in North Charleston is an intermodal transportation hub offering both intercity bus services and train services for travelers into and out of the Charleston area. The station opened in 2018 and offers modern amenities like charging ports along with vending machines and restrooms. Amtrak’s Palmetto service from Savannah to New York and Silver Meteor service from Miami to New York both stop in North Charleston. Southeastern Stages provides bus service from this station to destinations throughout the South.
All train stations in North Charleston:
4565 Gaynor Ave
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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