Gainesville travel guide

Gainesville Tourism | Gainesville Guide

You're Going to Love Gainesville

With a population of 33,804, Gainesville is a must-see destination in Georgia, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Gainesville deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Gainesville

If you’re looking for affordable options, Bistro at the Oaks (2719 Tumbling Creek Rd) and Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern - GA (312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy) are great picks.

When to visit Gainesville

Gainesville in February
Estimated hotel price
$127
1 night at 3-star hotel
Gainesville in February
Estimated hotel price
$127
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Gainesville in July, when the average temperature is 77 °F, and the highest can go up to 87.8 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 32 °F, with an average temperature of 41 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in March, when precipitation is around 5.8″. In contrast, October is usually the driest month of the year in Gainesville, with an average rainfall of 3.4″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Gainesville

Plane

Although Gainesville doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Atlanta De Kalb/Peachtree (PDK), which is located 40 miles from Gainesville. Atlanta De Kalb/Peachtree is the most popular, with regular flights from Air France, Aeromexico, Delta and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Gainesville departs from Orlando and takes around 1h 37m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Gainesville. The train journey from Gainesville to Greenville takes 3h 12m and costs around $34 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Charlotte, expect to pay about $51 for a 5h 48m trip. The train station in Gainesville is called Gainesville, and is located 0.7 miles from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Gainesville is to pick up a car rental from Atlanta, which is about 49 miles from Gainesville. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Kyte, among others, in Atlanta.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Gainesville, including Megabus, RedCoach and FlixBus. From Charlotte, the bus ride to Gainesville takes 270 miles and will cost you around $42. From Jacksonville, the ticket costs about $28 for a journey of 365 miles. Gainesville’s bus station is located 1.7 miles from the city center.

Plane

Although Gainesville doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Atlanta De Kalb/Peachtree (PDK), which is located 40 miles from Gainesville. Atlanta De Kalb/Peachtree is the most popular, with regular flights from Air France, Aeromexico, Delta and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Gainesville departs from Orlando and takes around 1h 37m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Gainesville. The train journey from Gainesville to Greenville takes 3h 12m and costs around $34 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Charlotte, expect to pay about $51 for a 5h 48m trip. The train station in Gainesville is called Gainesville, and is located 0.7 miles from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Gainesville is to pick up a car rental from Atlanta, which is about 49 miles from Gainesville. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Kyte, among others, in Atlanta.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Gainesville, including Megabus, RedCoach and FlixBus. From Charlotte, the bus ride to Gainesville takes 270 miles and will cost you around $42. From Jacksonville, the ticket costs about $28 for a journey of 365 miles. Gainesville’s bus station is located 1.7 miles from the city center.

Airlines serving Gainesville

Lufthansa
Good (4,669 reviews)
KLM
Good (858 reviews)
SWISS
Good (925 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,491 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,602 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,303 reviews)
Air France
Good (978 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,560 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (475 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,939 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,127 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,482 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,791 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Finnair
Good (880 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,168 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
LOT
Good (683 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (916 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Gainesville

Average rates range from around $295 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $1,196 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Gainesville

Most booked hotels in Gainesville

Best Western Plus Lake Lanier Gainesville Hotel & Suites
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 487 reviews)
$144+
Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 178 reviews)
$171+
The Guest Lodge Gainesville
2 stars
Good (7.8, 586 reviews)
$115+
Econo Lodge
2 stars
Good (6.8, 93 reviews)
$103+
Super 8 by Wyndham Gainesville
2 stars
Good (6.6, 133 reviews)
$102+
Ramada by Wyndham Gainesville
3 stars
Okay (5.9, 553 reviews)
$95+

Renting a car in Gainesville

Renting a car in Gainesville costs $60 per day, on average, or $120 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 3% more expensive than at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Gainesville (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Gainesville is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini rental cars (Fiat 500 or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Gainesville costs $60 per day, on average, or $120 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 3% more expensive than at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Gainesville (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Gainesville is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini rental cars (Fiat 500 or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Car rental agencies in Gainesville

Hertz

Hertz
Find car rentals in Gainesville