When you think road trip, you probably imagine getting in your car and hitting the open road. Yet there’s an even easier way to take a road trip across the state, and it gives you the opportunity to take in every bit of the scenery instead of having to watch the road in front of you. The tips below can help you plan a great Florida road trip by bus or train.

Start in Gainesville

First, look for the most economical way to make this journey, whether you are going from north to south or the opposite direction. If you are looking for buses from Gainesville, FL to Miami, you can check out a booking site like Wanderu. You can find the best deals by with the top bus and train carriers throughout the state and country. You can register for free and compare prices, then purchase your ticket. Getting started with a night or two in Gainesville will give you the chance to soak up the vibe of this cool college town, visit the Florida Museum of Natural History or the Ichetucknee Springs State Park, or just enjoy the food and nightlife.

Orlando and the Space Coast

Heading south to the central part of the state, you’ve got some exciting destinations. There’s Orlando, home of Disney World and Universal Studios Florida, but if theme parks aren’t your thing, keep going to the east. Less than an hour away is the famous Space Coast, named for the Kennedy Space Center that’s located there. If you’re more interested in beaches than rockets, there are plenty to choose from, including Cocoa Beach, but if it’s a slice of space history you want to see or even a launch, this is the right place. Even if nothing is going on while you’re there, you can take a tour and check out the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Miami

Finally, you’re at your destination, the hot, hip, happening city of Miami. It’s like nowhere else in the country, and you’ll never run out of things to do there. Go to South Beach for the glamor, Little Havana for the food and the downtown waterfront to book a boat cruise, shop or visit a museum. One unique and unmissable Miami sight is the outdoor gallery known as Wynwood Walls, a series of outdoor murals on shops and warehouses that embody the free-spirited energy of the city. If that’s not enough outdoor art for you, you can also book an Art Deco walking tour to look at some of the city’s best architecture. There are all types of music in Miami as well, from jazz and salsa to hip-hop, dance, electronica and much more.

What to Bring

What should you bring on the road trip with you to ensure a fun and comfortable journey? You’ll need to consider the people you are traveling with, surviving road trips with kids will mean a totally different packing list than a spontaneous girl’s trip will. But regardless, you should take a pillow and a blanket so you can sleep on the road and stay warm if the air conditioning is cranked too high. Bring some entertainment as well, such as movies, music and your favorite podcasts and headphones to listen to them. Take snacks and water as well just as you would for a road trip in your car.