Population:                  95,447

Elevation:                    18.3 feet above sea level

Land Area:                   48.2 square miles

Location:                     Located in the north central section of Florida, near Interstate 75

Time Zone:                  Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Gainesville, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles).  Gainesville observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:

 It is a busy time of year when the University of Florida is in full session (and anytime the Florida Gators are playing a home football game).  Winter tends to be even busier as visitors from the north visit Gainesville while also visiting other areas in Florida.  With the exception of a few summer days, temperatures are quite pleasant.  Winter brings a midday high near 70 making it ideal for any of the many outdoor activities available.  Spring and fall bring a rise in temperature during the day but evenings are just cool enough for a relaxing dinner at one of the city’s many fine restaurants followed by a stroll through the area or on the University campus.  The heat and humidity rise in summer, making it the perfect time of year for a dip in the pool and a cool drink. 

How to Get There:

By Air

Gainesville Regional Airport

3880 N.E. 39th Avenue

Gainesville, Florida 32609

352-373-0249

This regional airport is served by some of the nationally recognized connection carriers for the major airlines as well as operating as a general aviation facility for private and corporate aircraft.

Ground Transportation

Many of the major car rental companies as well as taxi and limousine services are available at the airport and at select locations throughout the city.

By Car

Interstate 75 skirts Gainesville on the west, it links with major metropolitan centers such as Atlanta and the Tampa-St. Petersburg area. U.S. Routes 301 and 441 and State Route 26 join Gainesville with other communities in Alachua County and in northern Florida.

By Train

Amtrak

Located on the corner of SE 1^st Avenue and 1^st Street

800-USA-RAIL

Call for schedule and additional information

This service connects the Gainesville station with Amtrak's Palatka rail station, meeting southbound trains serving Orlando, West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami; and northbound trains to Savannah, Raleigh, Richmond, Washington, Philadelphia, and New York.

By Bus

Greyhound

516 SW 4TH Ave

Gainesville FL 32601

352-376-5252

Call for schedule and additional information

How to Get Around:

With so many things to see and do, both in the city as well as throughout the surrounding area, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car.

In addition, local area bus service is provided by the Regional Transit System (RTS), which also offers mini-bus transportation for people who are disabled.

352-334-2600.  Call for additional information

National Holidays:

New Year's Day, Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day, 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day, last Mon. in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve, Dec. 31