- 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 20
$94
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$94
Fastest journey on Sep 20
3 h 53 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
3 h 53 m
Trains on Sep 20
1
Distance
278 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 trains from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 278 km distance in an average of 3 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 53 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 53 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.
40
40Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $57 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 23m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, while a train costs an average of $88.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$88 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL:
A bus is $31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL costing on average $88.
Other travel options to Lakeland, FL take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 52m.
Tickets start at around $88 compared to roughly $53 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-35.16. The journey takes 3h 53m versus 3h 24m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:43 PM Fort Lauderdale, FL | 3h53 | 8:36 PM Lakeland, FL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:45, the last at 14:33. The fastest train covers the 172 miles (278 km) distance in 3h 53m.
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average train duration 3h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 53m |
First train 7:45 AM |
Last train 2:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Lakeland, FL by train. 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 train, 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 trains use the Fort Lauderdale Amtrak to Lakeland station pair. Use this guide to compare Fort Lauderdale, FL and Lakeland, FL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Fort Lauderdale Amtrak is 2 km from Fort Lauderdale city centre. Public transport options include:
Fort Lauderdale Amtrak has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Fort Lauderdale Amtrak.
Ticket office support is available at Fort Lauderdale Amtrak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Fort Lauderdale Amtrak. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Fort Lauderdale Amtrak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Fort Lauderdale Amtrak: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Fort Lauderdale Amtrak: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale/Downtown Las Olas Area, Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, Riverside Hotel.
Lakeland has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Lakeland.
Available at Lakeland: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lakeland: Wheelchair accessible entrances and platforms.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need