A Sports Fan's Travel Guide to Ocala, Florida

Welcome to Ocala, Florida—the Horse Capital of the World and a central hub for sports enthusiasts across the Sunshine State! While Ocala is globally renowned for its equestrian roots, its strategic location in Marion County places it perfectly between the major sporting arenas of Gainesville, Orlando, and Tampa. Whether you are a local fan group looking to catch a Gators game, a travel ball team heading to a tournament at the Rotary Sportsplex, or an equestrian group attending the World Equestrian Center, Charter Bus Rental Company Ocala is here to handle the logistics. We specialize in providing reliable, comfortable, and efficient charter bus rentals for sports teams and fans alike. Skip the caravan of cars and the headache of parking fees; let us drive while you focus on the win. Here is your ultimate guide to navigating the sports scene in and around Ocala with a private bus rental.

A few of the companies we’ve worked with

Disney logo
Coca Cola logo
Walmart logo
Fedex logo
Pepsi logo
Aramark logo

World-Class Equestrian Events at the World Equestrian Center

You simply cannot talk about sports in Ocala without mentioning the crown jewel of the region: The World Equestrian Center (WEC). Located at 1750 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482, this sprawling facility is the largest equestrian complex in the United States. It hosts world-class dressage, show jumping, and hunter/jumper competitions year-round. If you are a fan group or an equestrian club planning to attend a major event like the Winter Spectacular Show Series, a charter bus is the absolute best way to travel. The complex is massive, and navigating the parking lots with multiple vehicles can be a chore.

When you book a bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Ocala, we can drop your group off right near the Grand Arena or the designated spectator entrances. Our buses offer plenty of undercarriage storage, which is perfect if you are bringing along coolers for a long day at the shows, or even personal riding gear if you are competing. Inside the bus, your group can enjoy climate-controlled comfort—a must-have during those warm Florida afternoons. With onboard WiFi, you can check the competition schedules and live scoring before you even arrive at the gates. Let us handle the traffic on FL-40 while you prepare to witness equestrian excellence.

Cheer on the Florida Gators in Nearby Gainesville

Ocala is prime territory for the Gator Nation. Located just about 45 minutes south of the University of Florida, Ocala is the perfect launching point for a game day trip to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, affectionately known as "The Swamp." The stadium is located at 157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611. On game days, traffic on I-75 North can be gridlocked, and finding parking in Gainesville can cost a fortune and involve a long hike to the stadium. Instead of splitting up your alumni group or fan club into separate cars, rent a charter bus from Charter Bus Rental Company Ocala.

A private bus rental allows you to start the tailgating party the moment you leave your driveway. You can load up the under-bus storage bays with tents, grills, folding chairs, and coolers. Once onboard, enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow fans without the stress of navigating the crowded college town streets. Your driver can drop you off as close to the stadium as road closures allow and will be waiting to take you home safely after the fourth quarter. Whether it’s a SEC football showdown, a basketball game at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center, or a baseball game at Condron Family Ballpark, we have the perfect transportation solution for Gator fans in Ocala.

Professional Sports Day Trips to Orlando

One of the biggest advantages of living in or visiting Ocala is its central location. You are just a short drive away from world-class professional sports in Orlando. Whether you want to see the Orlando Magic hit the court at the Kia Center (formerly Amway Center) located at 400 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801, or catch an Orlando City SC soccer match at the Inter&Co Stadium (655 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32805), a charter bus makes the trip effortless. The drive down Florida’s Turnpike is smooth when you are relaxing in a reclining seat with plenty of legroom.

Booking a charter bus for an Orlando sports outing is ideal for corporate groups, bachelor parties, or family reunions based in Ocala. You avoid the stress of downtown Orlando traffic and the high cost of multi-car parking. Plus, with a driver at the wheel, everyone in your group can enjoy a few beers or cocktails at the game without worrying about designating a driver for the ride back to Marion County. We can even schedule a stop at Disney Springs or CityWalk for a post-game celebration dinner before heading back home. With Charter Bus Rental Company Ocala, your sports road trip is fully customizable to your schedule.

Tampa Bay Sports Action from Ocala

If you prefer the Gulf Coast teams, Tampa is also easily accessible from Ocala via I-75 South. We frequently transport fan groups to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play at Raymond James Stadium (4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607) or to catch the Tampa Bay Lightning on the ice at Amalie Arena (401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602). For baseball fans, a trip to see the Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg is a summer tradition. These trips can take roughly an hour and a half to two hours, which is a long time to be cramped in a small car.

On a Charter Bus Rental Company Ocala motorcoach, the journey to Tampa becomes part of the fun. Utilize the onboard PA system to hype up the crowd with team chants, or use the flat-screen TVs to watch pre-game analysis and highlights. If you are organizing a trip for a large group, such as a company outing or a youth group, keeping everyone together on one bus ensures that no one gets lost in the Tampa traffic or arrives late for kickoff. We handle the logistics of drop-off and pickup, navigating the busy stadium loops so you don't have to. Enjoy the game and leave the driving to us.

Golf Outings in the Horse Capital

Ocala isn't just about horses; it also boasts some incredible golf courses that attract players from all over the state. If you are organizing a golf tournament, a charity outing, or just a weekend trip with a large group of buddies, let us handle the transportation. Courses like the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club (8300 NW 31st Lane Rd, Ocala, FL 34482) and Candler Hills Golf Club (8137 SW 90th Terrace Road, Ocala, FL 34481) offer championship-level play in beautiful settings.

Transporting a large group of golfers presents a unique challenge: golf bags are bulky and heavy. A standard SUV or minivan simply cannot accommodate four people and four sets of clubs comfortably. A minibus or charter bus from Charter Bus Rental Company Ocala solves this problem instantly. Our buses feature spacious luggage compartments that can easily hold dozens of golf bags, shoes, and coolers. Your group can travel in air-conditioned comfort, perhaps enjoying a beverage after the 18th hole while your driver takes you to a local steakhouse like Mark's Prime Steakhouse or back to your hotel. We make golf outings seamless and sophisticated.

Local Team Travel & Tournaments

For coaches and athletic directors in Marion County, organizing travel for away games and tournaments is a major responsibility. Whether you are with the College of Central Florida Patriots or a high school team from Vanguard, Forest, or West Port, Charter Bus Rental Company Ocala provides safe and reliable team transportation. We also service youth travel leagues heading to the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex (5220 SE Maricamp Rd, Ocala, FL 34480) or the Big Sun Youth Soccer League fields.

Traveling on a yellow school bus can be hot, loud, and uncomfortable, especially for athletes who need to rest before a competition. Our modern charter buses offer reclining seats, individual climate control, and a smooth ride that allows players to sleep, study, or mentally prepare for the game. With ample under-bus storage, there is plenty of room for football pads, baseball bat bags, soccer nets, and uniforms. We can schedule the bus to stay with your team throughout the tournament, providing a cool, dry place for athletes to rest between matches. Give your team the professional treatment they deserve with a private charter bus rental.

Drag Racing History & Action

Motorsports fans know that Ocala is home to a unique piece of racing history: the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, located at 13700 SW 16th Ave, Ocala, FL 34473. This is a fantastic destination for car clubs, mechanical engineering student groups, or racing fan clubs. A charter bus rental allows your group to visit the museum together, exploring the history of the sport before heading out to a live race.

Just north of Ocala is the Gainesville Raceway (11211 N County Rd 225, Gainesville, FL 32609), home of the historic NHRA Gatornationals. This event draws massive crowds, and parking can be miles away from the track. By renting a bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Ocala, your group can enjoy door-to-door service. We can drop you near the entrance gates and pick you up when the nitro settles. Whether you are interested in the history of the sport or the high-octane action of the drag strip, we provide the transportation solution that keeps your group together and on schedule.

Book Your Ocala Sports Transportation Today

At Charter Bus Rental Company Ocala, we are passionate about connecting sports fans and athletes to the events they love. We understand the local layout of Marion County and the best routes to the major stadiums in Orlando, Tampa, and Gainesville. Our 24/7/365 reservation team is ready to assist you in finding the best charter bus to meet your needs. If you’d like a free, personalized quote for your next sports trip, we’re ready to help and we’d love to earn your business! You can reach us by calling 904-898-1880. You can also use our online quote tool for instant online charter bus pricing in under 30 seconds. Don't let traffic and parking ruin your game day experience—book your bus today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ocala Sports Transportation

Absolutely. One of the main benefits of renting a full-size charter bus (typically 56-passenger models) is the massive amount of storage space available. These buses feature large undercarriage luggage bays that are perfect for storing bulky items like football pads, baseball equipment bags, golf clubs, soccer goals, and coolers. Inside the cabin, there are overhead bins for smaller personal items like backpacks and duffel bags. If you are renting a smaller minibus, storage space may be more limited, so be sure to discuss your equipment needs with your reservation agent when you call 904-898-1880 to ensure we match you with the right vehicle.

We recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your game schedule is finalized. For major events like the Gatornationals, UF Football games, or large tournaments at the World Equestrian Center, demand for buses is extremely high. Ideally, you should aim to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure the best availability and pricing. However, we understand that playoffs and last-minute trips happen. Our team is available 24/7 to try and accommodate short-notice requests, though vehicle choices may be more limited closer to the date.

Yes, the bus and driver can stay with your group for the duration of your tournament. This gives you the flexibility to shuttle between the hotel and the sports complex, or to go out for team dinners in the evenings. When booking a multi-day trip, please keep in mind that you will be responsible for providing the driver's hotel accommodation for each night of the trip. Our reservation specialists can help you factor this into your budget and itinerary when you call for a quote.

Yes, Charter Bus Rental Company Ocala provides long-distance transportation to destinations all across the state. If your Ocala-based team is playing a tournament in Georgia, Alabama, or anywhere else in the U.S., we can take you there. Long-distance charter buses are equipped with comfortable reclining seats, restrooms, and entertainment systems to make long hours on the road fly by. We can plan the route, manage driver shifts for safety on very long hauls, and ensure your team arrives rested and ready to compete.