- 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 Oct 01
$105
Average ticket price on Oct 01
$105
Fastest journey on Oct 01
6 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Oct 01
6 h 35 m
Buses on Oct 01
1
Distance
257 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, FL to Lakeland, FL will cost around $105 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $105.
On Thu, Oct 01, we found 1 buses from Jacksonville, FL to Lakeland, FL, including 1 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 01 the direct buses cover the 257 km distance in an average of 6 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 35 m .
On Thu, Oct 01 the slowest buses will take 6 h 35 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
The table below shows live departures for Jacksonville, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:05 AM Jacksonville, FL | 6h35 | 8:40 AM Lakeland, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Jacksonville, FL to Lakeland, FL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€34) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:40, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 159 miles (257 km) distance in 3h 40m.
Distance 159 miles (257 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€34) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 3:40 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 days |
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 Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, FL to Lakeland, FL buses use the Jacksonville, JTA Intercity Bus Terminal Bay 6 - 1111 W. Forsyth St to Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway station pair. Use this guide to compare Jacksonville, FL and Lakeland, FL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Jacksonville, JTA Intercity Bus Terminal Bay 6 - 1111 W. Forsyth St is 1 km from Jacksonville city centre. Public transport options include:
Jacksonville, JTA Intercity Bus Terminal Bay 6 - 1111 W. Forsyth St has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Jacksonville, JTA Intercity Bus Terminal Bay 6 - 1111 W. Forsyth St. ATMs are available at Jacksonville, JTA Intercity Bus Terminal Bay 6 - 1111 W. Forsyth St.
Ticket office support is available at Jacksonville, JTA Intercity Bus Terminal Bay 6 - 1111 W. Forsyth St.
Available at Jacksonville, JTA Intercity Bus Terminal Bay 6 - 1111 W. Forsyth St: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Jacksonville, JTA Intercity Bus Terminal Bay 6 - 1111 W. Forsyth St: Wheelchair accessible entrances.
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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