Introduction
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 11,481, Gainesville is a must-see destination in Virginia, 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, Uncle Julio's - Gainesville (13920 Promenade Commons St.) and Out Of the Blue (5005 Wellington Rd) are great picks.

When to visit Gainesville

Gainesville in December
Estimated hotel price
$99
1 night at 3-star hotel
Gainesville in December
Estimated hotel price
$99
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Gainesville

Plane

When flying to Gainesville, you’ll arrive at Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), which is located 14 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Gainesville departs from Atlanta and takes around 1h 40m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Gainesville, followed by Acela. The train journey from Gainesville to Baltimore takes 0h 37m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $19 for a 1h 53m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Gainesville is to pick up a car rental from Washington, D.C., which is about 32 miles from Gainesville. You’ll find branches of Turo and Alamo, among others, in Washington, D.C..

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Gainesville, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, Washington Deluxe and CoachRun. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Gainesville takes 170 miles and will cost you around $29. From New York, the ticket costs about $40 for a journey of 195 miles.

Plane

When flying to Gainesville, you’ll arrive at Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), which is located 14 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Gainesville departs from Atlanta and takes around 1h 40m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Gainesville, followed by Acela. The train journey from Gainesville to Baltimore takes 0h 37m and costs around $6 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $19 for a 1h 53m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Gainesville is to pick up a car rental from Washington, D.C., which is about 32 miles from Gainesville. You’ll find branches of Turo and Alamo, among others, in Washington, D.C..

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Gainesville, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, Washington Deluxe and CoachRun. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Gainesville takes 170 miles and will cost you around $29. From New York, the ticket costs about $40 for a journey of 195 miles.

Airports near Gainesville

FDKFrederick
FMEFort Meade Tipton

Airlines serving Gainesville

KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,837 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,934 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,245 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,069 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,968 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,851 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,203 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (967 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,292 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (852 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,922 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (254 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Gainesville

Most booked hotels in Gainesville

See all
Salamander Resort And Spa
5 stars
Excellent (9.6, 96 reviews)
$755+
View
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Gainesville Haymarket
2 stars
Excellent (9.1, 67 reviews)
$192+
View
The Westin Washington Dulles Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 1220 reviews)
$153+
View
Hampton Inn Gainesville-Haymarket
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 330 reviews)
$144+
View
Hyatt Regency Dulles
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1577 reviews)
$141+
View
Holiday Inn Washington-Dulles International Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1016 reviews)
$107+
View

Renting a car in Gainesville

Renting a car in Gainesville costs $86 per day, on average, or $259 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, 32% more expensive than at Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl.

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 Mini (Dodge Grand Caravan or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Kia Soul or similar) are, on average, 52% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Gainesville costs $86 per day, on average, or $259 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, 32% more expensive than at Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl.

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 Mini (Dodge Grand Caravan or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Kia Soul or similar) are, on average, 52% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Find car rentals in Gainesville

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.