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Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Lakeland to Ocala. Traveling by bus from Lakeland to Ocala usually takes around 5 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 80 mi (129 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $28.48 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Lakeland to Ocala?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Lakeland to Ocala that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 7h 5m | $64.26 |
| Greyhound | 2 | 5h 34m | $41.59 |
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 2 trips per day from Lakeland to Ocala, 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 2 bus trips from Lakeland to Ocala every day, with the average journey taking around 5 hours and 34 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Ocala usually start from $28.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 35 minutes to cover the 80 miles from Lakeland to Ocala. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 5 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.
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Lakeland to Ocala, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Lakeland to Ocala every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Lakeland to Ocala; ticket prices start at $53.00.
City Information
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.
Ocala
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Forest Service, USDA
Link to image attribution
Image credit: National Forests in Florida
Link to image attributionOcala is where the Florida of theme parks and Gulf of Mexico beaches gives way to the other Florida where traditional southern charm continues to make itself known. Located in the north of the state, just shy of the Florida panhandle, Ocala was established in 1849.
Formerly rich in plantations and citrus fruit orchards, today Ocala is a gateway to Florida's natural landscapes, such as the Rainbow Springs State Park and the Ocala National Forest.
One of the state's largest areas of protected forest, the Ocala National Forest spans a mesmerizing 600 square miles of unspoiled woodland crossed by almost innumerable rivers, footpaths, mountain biking tracks, and horse trails. Learn how to bring your bike on the bus or train with you to save money on renting one there.
But that's not to say central Ocala is free of attractions. The Ocala Historic District contains a blend of residential and non-residential buildings worth exploring. For example, The Appleton Museum of Art has a collection stretching from pre-Columbian tribal objects to the latest in modernism.
If all this has you checking out tickets to Ocala, you'll be happy to hear the city is well served by both bus and train routes. You can catch a bus to anywhere from Tallahassee to Houston, while trains connect the area to places like Winter Haven and Baltimore.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Lakeland?
Main departure station: 924 W Robson St
Lakeland has two bus stations with service to Ocala.
All bus stations in Lakeland:
924 W Robson St
Gow B. Fields Park & Ride @ US 98 N
Where does the bus arrive in Ocala?
Main arrival station: 3873 SW State Rd 200
All buses from Lakeland arrive at one main station in Ocala.
All bus stations in Ocala:
3873 SW State Rd 200
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Ocala to Lakeland?
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