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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Jacksonville to Lakeland. The train trip from Jacksonville to Lakeland is usually about 4 hours and 48 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Silver Service train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 159 mi (257 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 40m |
| Lowest price | £17.64 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Silver Service |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Jacksonville to Lakeland?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Jacksonville and Lakeland cost £24.06, on average. This price makes taking the train a budget-friendly option to get to Lakeland. Booking your trip at least 23 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around £23.26 more.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Lakeland from Jacksonville will be about £23.26 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Jacksonville to Lakeland?
2 train services operate from Jacksonville to Lakeland. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 4h 57m | £36.09 |
| Amtrak Silver Service | 1 | 4h 40m | £40.43 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Jacksonville to Lakeland every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £16.
The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Jacksonville to Lakeland start from £18 and the average train journey lasts about 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Jacksonville and Lakeland is approximately 159 miles, or 257 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Jacksonville to Lakeland are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Jacksonville at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 09:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Jacksonville twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Lakeland faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Lakeland to Jacksonville.
City Information
Jacksonville
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Jacksonville, or simply "Jax," is the largest city by area in the continental United States. Located in the northeastern corner of Florida, this sunny city along the St Johns River also boasts 22 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, coastal cuisine, and many historic neighborhoods to explore.
Natural beauty is king in Jacksonville, and where better to soak in some of the Sunshine State's outdoor wonders than the beach? Try Little Talbot Island for beachcombing or fishing, Big Talbot Island for exploring wetlands and marshes, and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park for surfing. If you don't have the patience for birdwatching in the wild, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will let you get up-close and personal with over 2,400 animals.
To take a break from the sun's rays, head indoors to one of Jacksonville's many eclectic museums. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens combines European-inspired gardens with an impressive collection of fine art, while the Museum of Science and History is worth a stop for its planetarium alone. On Saturdays, you wouldn’t want to miss the Riverside Arts Market where artisans and farmers set up stalls along the river, and you can catch live music, food trucks and even free yoga.
Jacksonville is easily accessed by air, train, or bus, and connects Florida to locations throughout the South. Amtrak's Jacksonville train station is located in the northern outskirts of the city, and most bus service in and out of Jacksonville conveniently departs from the JTA Intercity Bus Terminal in the heart of downtown.
Lakeland
Image credit: Dave Ouellette
Link to image attributionLakeland is a city between Tampa and Orlando. It is known for its rich history and architectural sites, especially the Florida Southern College, which has buildings designed by the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright. History and art lovers in Lakeland can visit the Polk Museum of Art and check out the collection of artifacts and contemporary paintings. The Munn Park Historic District in Lakeland is another city highlight, boasting early 1900s architecture and a wide range of antique shops.
Downtown Lakeland offers explosive nightlife with a wide range of breweries and taprooms. If you're interested in something new, the city has seen a massive growth of kava bars in its area. The city is also known for its annual Lakeland Festival of Light, where you can join people to light up the mountain.
It is easy to visit Lakeland from other cities by train and bus. Amtrak and FlixBus US provide daily trips from tens of other cities to the town. The Lakeland Area Mass Transit District provides public transportation within the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Jacksonville?
Image credit: Ryan Crierie
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 3570 Clifford Ln
When traveling to and from Jacksonville by train, you’ll pass through the city’s Amtrak station at 3570 Clifford Lane. Located northwest of the city center, Jacksonville’s Amtrak station has a large seating area, clean restrooms, and free onsite parking. Several fast food options are within a half mile, or grab a snack from one of the station’s vending machines for a quicker bite. If you’re headed to downtown Jacksonville, you can connect to a local bus line from the station, or a rideshare or taxi can get you to the business district and waterfront in about 15 minutes.
All train stations in Jacksonville:
3570 Clifford Ln
Where is the train station in Lakeland?
Main arrival station: 600 E Main St
Lakeland has one train station.
Train stations in Lakeland:
600 E Main St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Lakeland to Jacksonville?
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