++The cheapest and fastest busesfrom Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FLShowing times and prices for Jul 17
Cheapest price
$166
Average price
$192
Fastest journey
23h 0m
Average duration
26h 7m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1441 km
Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL train
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $130. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $130, and a flight costs an average of $371.
Distance: 893 miles (1438 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$376 Average price | $478 Average price | $180 Average price Cheapest | $202 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
37h 40m Average total duration 37h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 35m Average total duration Fastest 6h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 27h 15m Average total duration 26h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL:
A bus is $196 (€161) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL costing on average $376 (€309).
A bus is $299 (€245) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL costing on average $478 (€393).
Other travel options to Gainesville, FL take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 45m.
Train takes on average 37h 10m.
Tickets start at around $376 (€309) compared to roughly $202 (€166) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-174.02 (€-142.90). The journey takes 37h 10m versus 15h 52m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL trains for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 11:40 PM Chicago, IL | 37h10 | 12:50 PM Gainesville, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Jul 18
Jul 19
Jul 20
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Jul 24
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL
USAUSA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 37h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $261 (€215) but you can travel from only $130 (€107) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 18:40, the last at 20:00. The fastest train covers the 893 miles (1438 km) distance in 37h 10m.
Distance 893 miles (1438 km) |
Average train duration 37h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $261 (€215) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 37h 10m |
First train 6:40 PM |
Last train 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Gainesville, FL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL
Most Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL trains use the Union Station to Gainesville, Rosa Parks Regional Transit System Downtown Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Gainesville, FL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Gainesville, FL leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Gainesville, FL and Chicago, IL
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