UF: fly or drive?
Should you fly or drive to visit UF in Gainesville, Florida? The nearest airport is GNV (Gainesville Regional, 18 min from campus). Here's how to decide based on where you're coming from.
Fri, Nov 6 → Sun, Nov 8, 2026 · 2 nights · 2 adults
2 nights
2 adults
The short answer
It depends. Drive if you're under 4 hours away; fly if over 7. Between 4 and 7 hours, drive for two colleges (the car's flexibility wins) and fly for one (the time savings wins).
Nearest airport
Airport
GNV
Gainesville Regional
Drive to campus
18 min
without traffic
Backup airport
JAX
Jacksonville
Fly-in program
No
standard visit
Drive times from major metros
| From | Distance | Drive time | Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 1059 mi | 21 h 37 m | Fly |
| Chicago, IL | 1056 mi | 21 h 33 m | Fly |
| Atlanta, GA | 363 mi | 7 h 25 m | Either |
| Dallas, TX | 1038 mi | 21 h 11 m | Fly |
| Los Angeles, CA | 2499 mi | 50 h 59 m | Fly |
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Hotels in Gainesville
21 hotels within 3 mi of UF
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Flights to GNV
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