Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Gainesville has to offer.

Where to Eat in Gainesville

If you’re looking for affordable options, Bistro at the Oaks (2719 Tumbling Creek Rd) and Soco South Soastal Seafood (1701 Browns Bridge Rd) are great picks.

When to visit Gainesville

Gainesville in December
Estimated hotel price
$130
1 night at 3-star hotel
Gainesville in December
Estimated hotel price
$130
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 Canada, Air France, Aeromexico and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Gainesville departs from Washington, D.C. and takes around 1h 49m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Gainesville. The train journey from Gainesville to Greenville takes 3h 12m and costs around $40 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Birmingham, expect to pay about $32 for a 4h 36m 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 Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Atlanta.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Gainesville, including FlixBus, Greyhound and Bus. From Columbus, the bus ride to Gainesville takes 110 miles and will cost you around $53. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $49 for a journey of 150 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 Canada, Air France, Aeromexico and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Gainesville departs from Washington, D.C. and takes around 1h 49m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Gainesville. The train journey from Gainesville to Greenville takes 3h 12m and costs around $40 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Birmingham, expect to pay about $32 for a 4h 36m 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 Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Atlanta.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Gainesville, including FlixBus, Greyhound and Bus. From Columbus, the bus ride to Gainesville takes 110 miles and will cost you around $53. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about $49 for a journey of 150 miles. Gainesville’s bus station is located 1.7 miles from the city center.

Airports near Gainesville

PDKAtlanta De Kalb/Peachtree
ATLAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
CHAChattanooga Lovell Field

Airlines serving Gainesville

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,836 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,588 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,935 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,790 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (780 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,243 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,069 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,967 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,851 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,203 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Gainesville

Where to stay in Gainesville

Average rates range from around $270 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $1,354 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Super 8 by Wyndham Gainesville and Econo Lodge Gainesville.

Where to stay in popular areas of Gainesville

Most booked hotels in Gainesville

See all
Best Western Plus Lake Lanier Gainesville Hotel & Suites
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 651 reviews)
$134+
View
Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 296 reviews)
$180+
View
The Guest Lodge Gainesville
2 stars
Excellent (8, 763 reviews)
$123+
View
Econo Lodge Gainesville
2 stars
Good (7.2, 107 reviews)
$93+
View
Jameson Inn Oakwood
2 stars
Okay (5.9, 176 reviews)
$92+
View
Ramada by Wyndham Gainesville
3 stars
Okay (5.5, 1048 reviews)
$103+
View

Renting a car in Gainesville

Renting a car in Gainesville costs $59 per day, on average, or $177 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 2% more expensive than at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Gainesville is Premium (BMW X3 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Mazda Mazda3 or similar) are, on average, 48% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Gainesville costs $59 per day, on average, or $177 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 2% more expensive than at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Gainesville is Premium (BMW X3 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Mazda Mazda3 or similar) are, on average, 48% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Car rental agencies in Gainesville

Hertz

Hertz
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Gainesville Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Gainesville city guide for the best Gainesville travel tips. To help you organize your Gainesville trip ideas, this Gainesville visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.