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Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Jacksonville to Lakeland. Traveling by bus from Jacksonville to Lakeland usually takes around 6 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 159 mi (257 km) |
| Shortest duration | 4h 50m |
| Cheapest price | $38.48 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Jacksonville to Lakeland?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Jacksonville to Lakeland that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 3 | 7h 7m | $66.29 |
| Greyhound | 3 | 6h 15m | $49.20 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 3 trips per day from Jacksonville to Lakeland, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 3 bus trips from Jacksonville to Lakeland every day, with the average journey taking around 6 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Lakeland usually start from $38.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 6 hours and 17 minutes to cover the 159 miles from Jacksonville to Lakeland. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 50 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Because many passengers travel from Jacksonville to Lakeland at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Lakeland, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
The first bus leaves at 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 4:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Jacksonville to Lakeland, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Jacksonville to Lakeland every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Jacksonville to Lakeland; ticket prices start at $22.00.
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 does the bus leave from in Jacksonville?
Image credit: 5ivecanons Advertising Agency
Link to image attributionMain departure station: JTA Intercity Bus Terminal
The modern, light-filled Intercity Bus Terminal at 1111 W Forsyth Street in Jacksonville helps travelers reach destinations throughout Florida and the Southern United States. Bus service to and from Jacksonville’s primary station is operated by Red Coach, Greyhound, and Jefferson Lines. The station is located in the downtown business district and, as the city’s central transportation hub, includes connections to the Skyway monorail as well as rental bike services and taxi services. You’ll find a cafe and grill onsite so you can grab a meal or take snacks to go.
All bus stations in Jacksonville:
JTA Intercity Bus Terminal
Where does the bus arrive in Lakeland?
Main arrival station: 924 W Robson St
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Lakeland.
All bus stations in Lakeland:
924 W Robson St
Gow B. Fields Park & Ride @ US 98 N
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Lakeland to Jacksonville?
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