Arriving in Gainesville
Airports top>>
The Gainesville Regional Airport does not have direct International flights. You will have to get a connecting flight from a major city (Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, or Jacksonville) to the Gainesville Airport. Taxicabs are available at the airport terminals. Please allow at least $15-20 for cab fare and tips.
For Gainesville Regional Airport information, call (352) 373-0249.
Transportation Services top>>
If you cannot get a connecting flight to Gainesville, there are several shuttle services that will pick you up at the airport. Reserve early, as space is limited for most of these services.
- Go-Transport:. http://www.go-transport.com. Service from Orlando International Airport to Gainesville.
Renting a Car top>>
There are several major car rental companies that offer car rentals. If you do not arrive at the Gainesville airport and rent a car to drive to Gainesville, be sure to ask the car return (drop-off) location in Gainesville. Each company has specific rental requirements. Please contact the company for more information:
- Hertz- http://www.hertz.com or
1-800-654-3131. Gainesville drop-off located at Gainesville Regional Airport.
You must be at least 25 years old, have your own credit card and a valid
driver's license from your country.
- Avis- http://www.avis.com or
1-800-831-2847. Gainesville drop-off located at the Sheraton Hotel and
Gainesville Regional Airport. You must be at least 25 years old, have your
own credit card and a valid international driver's license.
- National Car Rental- http://www.nationalcar.com or
1-800-227-7368. Gainesville drop-off located at Gainesville Regional Airport.
If you are not 25 years old but are 21-24, you can rent a car for an additional
per day fee. You must have a credit card, international driver's license
and your passport.
- Enterprise Rent-a-Car- http://www.enterprise.com or 1-800-736-822.
Gainesville Drop off located at the University Centre Hotel. Minimum age
is 21 years old. You must have a credit card, an international driver's
license and your home country license.
- Budget Rent-a-Car- 1-800-527-7000 Gainesville drop-off at Gainesville Regional Airport. Minimum age is 21 with an additional per day fee of $20 or more. You must have a driver's license notarized in English.
Bus Service top>>
Greyhound Bus Lines offers nationwide and city-to-city bus service. The Gainesville Greyhound bus station is located at 516 SW 4th Ave. For fare information and reservations visit www.greyhound.com.
Regional Transit System, or RTS, is the City of Gainesville's public transportation system. With your Gator 1 card, you can ride the RTS buses for free. Bus schedules are available at the International Center. Bus routes are also available online at http://www.go-rts.com.
Rail Service top>>
Amtrak Rail Lines, the nation's largest passenger train service, does not offer direct trains into Gainesville. The closest train station is located at the Waldo depot on State Road 24 (approximately 30 miles/48.3km from Gainesville). For reservation information visit http://www.amtrak.com or call 1-800-872-7245.
Hotel Accommodations List top>>
If you are not able to move into your dorm room or apartment when you arrive or have not found an apartment, you will need to stay in a hotel. The following is a list of hotels located close to the university campus. All rates listed are approximate and may vary depending on the day of the week of your arrival and special events. In addition to this list, you can also use online hotel guides such as http://www.flausa.com, http://www.priceline.com or http://www.orbitz.com. Just be sure to verify that the hotel's location is near the UF campus or offers a shuttle service.
- Reitz Union Hotel
Reitz Union, University of Florida
Phone: (352) 392-2151 Fax: (352) 846-2199
www.union.ufl.edu/hotel email: ruhotel@union.ufl.edu.
Rates: check with Hotel for pricing. Continental breakfast included.
The hotel is located inside the Reitz Union on the UF campus.
- Rush Lake Motel
1410 SW 16th Ave.
Phone: (888) 787-4525 or (352) 373-5000 Fax: (352) 375-7484
Rates: for single room (1 person) $38, double room (2 persons) $42. You must mention you are affiliated with the University of Florida for this rate.
- University Centre Hotel
1535 W. Archer Road
Phone: (352) 371-3333 Fax: (352) 371-3712
http://www.uchotel.com email: ucreservations@aol.com
Rates: $65 for a double room
This hotel provides a free shuttle service to campus.
- Holiday Inn-University Center
1250 W. University Avenue
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com
email: HIGNVUC@mindspring.com
Phone: (352) 376-1661 Fax: (352) 336-8716
Rates: Approximately $75
Hotel is centrally located at the intersection of Univ. Ave.& 13th St.
- University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center
1714 SW 34th Street
Phone: (352) 371-3600
http://www.ufhotel.com
Rates $109 and up
The University's newest and largest hotel has 251 rooms.
- Paramount Plaza Hotel and Conference Center
2900 SW 13th St.
http://www.paramountplaza.com
Phone: (352) 377-4000 Fax: (352) 371-1159
Rates: Approximately $69 and up.
The Paramount offers free shuttle service to the UF campus and the Gainesville Regional Airport.
Weather in Gainesville top>>
www.weather.com/weather/local/USFL0163
What to expect when you arrive:
Fall Semester (Aug.-Dec.): You will be in Gainesville during a very hot, humid, and rainy time of the year. Temperatures average as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C). This temperature can feel much hotter due to the Florida humidity. The temperatures may be warmer and more humid than those in your country. The temperatures and the humidity start to drop around October and November when the average temperature is 62-70°F (16-21°C).
Spring Semester (Jan.-May): Gainesville can also be quite cold (for Florida!)
during the winter, with low temperatures in the 20's (-6°C) during a
cold snap. The temperatures begin to warm up by March.