- Must visit
Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College
Museum on the Florida Southern College campus featuring rotating exhibitions and a notable collection of contemporary and modern art.
Cheapest price on Sep 30
$42
Average ticket price on Sep 30
$52
Fastest journey on Sep 30
4 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 30
5 h 54 m
Buses on Sep 30
4
Distance
278 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
On Wed, Sep 30, we found 4 buses from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL, including 4 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 30 the direct buses cover the 278 km distance in an average of 5 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Wed, Sep 30 the slowest buses will take 6 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:55AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:55AM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $88 |
The table below shows live departures for Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:55 AM Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4h40 | 7:35 AM Lakeland, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:35 PM Fort Lauderdale, FL | 6h20 | 6:55 PM Lakeland, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:45 PM Fort Lauderdale, FL | 6h15 | 7:00 PM Lakeland, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:35 PM Fort Lauderdale, FL | 6h20 | 7:55 PM Lakeland, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $35 (€29) by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 172 miles (278 km) distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Lakeland, FL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lakeland, FL trip today.
Museum on the Florida Southern College campus featuring rotating exhibitions and a notable collection of contemporary and modern art.
Historic home museum preserving local pioneer life, period furnishings, and one of Lakeland’s best-known collections of regional history.
Specialized museum sharing the story of Lakeland’s role in air cargo history through exhibits, artifacts, and educational displays.
Picturesque downtown lakefront with a promenade, Hollis Garden, public art, and frequent events. Ideal for walking and photography.
Formal botanical garden beside Lake Mirror with terraces, fountains, and plantings that make it a relaxing stop near downtown attractions.
Historic downtown district with shops, murals, architecture, and event spaces. A practical base for walking between Lakeland highlights.
Florida barbecue often features slow-smoked pork with a sweet-tangy sauce. It reflects the region’s Southern smokehouse traditions found across Central Florida.
Fresh Gulf shrimp are commonly fried, grilled, or blackened in Lakeland area seafood spots. It is a Florida staple tied to the state’s coastal catch.
Crisp grouper sandwich is a classic Florida fish dish, usually served fried or grilled on a bun. It is popular statewide for showcasing local Gulf seafood.
Historic market and lunch counter known for Cuban sandwiches, deli classics, and old Florida character in a traditional setting.
Polished downtown restaurant serving seasonal New American dishes and craft cocktails in a stylish but approachable setting.
Casual local favorite for smoked meats, barbecue plates, and Southern sides with a relaxed Florida smokehouse feel.
Moderate for U.S. travel. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Miami or Orlando resorts, while car use and limited transit can add costs.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars; $1-2 is common.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lakeland, FL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL buses use the Fort Lauderdale, NW 22nd Ave to Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway station pair. Use this guide to compare Fort Lauderdale, FL and Lakeland, FL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Fort Lauderdale, NW 22nd Ave is 2 km from Fort Lauderdale city centre. Public transport options include:
Fort Lauderdale, NW 22nd Ave has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Fort Lauderdale, NW 22nd Ave. ATMs are available at Fort Lauderdale, NW 22nd Ave.
Ticket office support is available at Fort Lauderdale, NW 22nd Ave.
Available at Fort Lauderdale, NW 22nd Ave: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Fort Lauderdale, NW 22nd Ave: Wheelchair accessible entrance and platforms.
Fort Lauderdale, Terminal Drive (Airport Terminal 1) is 5 km from Fort Lauderdale city centre. Public transport options include:
Fort Lauderdale, Terminal Drive (Airport Terminal 1) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options are available within Terminal 1.
Free public Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. ATMs are aTMs are located throughout the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Fort Lauderdale, Terminal Drive (Airport Terminal 1).
Available at Fort Lauderdale, Terminal Drive (Airport Terminal 1): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Fort Lauderdale, Terminal Drive (Airport Terminal 1): The terminal is fully accessible with elevators and assistance services.
Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway is 5 km from Lakeland city centre. Public transport options include:
Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway. ATMs are available at Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway.
Available at Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway: Standard accessibility features available.
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