Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL train

Wed, Apr 15
+ Add return
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL

Showing times and prices for Apr 16

Cheapest price

$271

Average price

$271

Fastest journey

1 d 13 h 10 m

Average duration

1 d 13 h 10 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

1438 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL will cost around $271 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $271.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Gainesville, FL on Thu, Apr 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Apr 16 the direct trains cover the 1438 km distance in an average of 1 d 13 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 13 h 10 m .

On Thu, Apr 16 the slowest trains will take 1 d 13 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Amtrak
    12:40 AM37h10
    Chicago, IL
    1:50 PMGainesville, FL
    $2711One-way
    0 transfers

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 $215. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $215, and a flight costs an average of $400.

Distance: 893 miles (1438 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

$383

Average price

$400

Average price

$218

Average price

Cheapest

37h 40m

Average total duration

37h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 1m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 1m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

25h 30m

Average total duration

25h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, April 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak12:40 AM Chicago, IL
37h10
1:50 PM Gainesville, FL0 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.

Wed
Apr 15
Thu
Apr 16
Fri
Apr 17
Sat
Apr 18
Sun
Apr 19
Mon
Apr 20
Tue
Apr 21

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL

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Icon of train

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 $314 (€250) but you can travel from only $215 (€171) 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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $215 (€171)
Distance
893 miles (1438 km)
Average train duration
37h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
$314 (€250)
Trains per day
1
Fastest train
37h 10m
First train
6:40 PM
Last train
8:00 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $215 (€171)

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $314 (€250), while the average price is around $383 (€305).
The train from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL runs once a day and takes approximately 37h 10m.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL leaves at 6:40 PM.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL is 893 miles (1438 km).
The last train from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL leaves at 8:00 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL is by bus, with a cost of around $215 (€171).
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL offers varying scenery, including urban landscapes, Midwestern fields, and Southern woodlands, but is not typically highlighted as one of the more scenic routes in the U.S.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL is not feasible as the journey duration is 37h 10m. Trains operate only once per day on this route.
In Gainesville, FL, you can explore the vibrant local art scene at the Gainesville Artwalk, enjoy the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, or spend a day at Lake Wauburg with activities like boating and picnicking. Discover history at the Haile Homestead and catch a performance at the Hippodrome Theatre. For sightseeing, visit the Florida Museum of Natural History, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art.
To fully experience Gainesville, FL, including its attractions like the University of Florida campus, the Florida Museum of Natural History, and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, plan for a 2 to 3-day visit.
No, you cannot take the train from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor Gainesville, FL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Gainesville, FL, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas like downtown and near the University of Florida campus. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi or ride-share drivers and ticket scams for local events. It's important to use authorized transportation services and stay in well-lit, populated areas at night to enhance personal safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL

Chicago
Gainesville
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Gainesville.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Gainesville, FL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Gainesville, FLChicago, IL to Gainesville, FL train

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