- 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.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Tampa, 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 Tampa, FL to Lakeland, FL will cost around €10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €9.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 2 buses from Tampa, FL to Lakeland, FL, including 2 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 51 km distance in an average of 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 45 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 45 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.

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Buses from Tampa, FL to Lakeland, FL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €6 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:20, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 31 miles (51 km) distance in 35m.
Distance 31 miles (51 km) |
Average bus duration 43m |
Cheapest ticket price €6 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 35m |
First bus 4:20 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Tampa, FL to Lakeland, FL.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price €11 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €10 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €10 |
The table below shows live departures for Tampa, FL to Lakeland, FL buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:45 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 0h50 | 2:35 PM Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
![]() | 2:35 AM Tampa, FL | 0h45 | 3:20 AM Lakeland, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, November 2 | |||||
FlixBus | 10:35 PM Tampa, Marion Transit Center | 0h45 | 11:20 PM Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
![]() | 3:35 AM Tampa, FL | 0h45 | 4:20 AM Lakeland, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Lakeland, FL.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tampa, 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 Tampa, FL to Lakeland, FL buses use the Tampa, Marion Transit Center to Lakeland, US Hwy 98 N / Pyramid Parkway station pair. Use this guide to compare Tampa, FL and Lakeland, FL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Tampa, Marion Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Tampa, Marion Transit Center. ATMs are available at Tampa, Marion Transit Center.
Ticket office support is available at Tampa, Marion Transit Center.
Available at Tampa, Marion Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tampa, Marion Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
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.
Check bus stations information for Tampa, FL and Lakeland, FL, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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