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Cheap train tickets from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$43.34
Avg. Price
$48.50
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
2
Daily Trips
2
Duration
Duration
6h 23m
Duration
5h 26m

Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland. The train trip from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland is usually about 5 hours and 22 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 53 minutes.

Distance173 mi (279 km)
Fastest train3h 53m
Lowest price$31.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Floridian
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland

(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Jerrod

July 27, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Silver Service

Pros: I enjoyed being able to relax and watch a movie on my phone while someone else did the driving. Cons: The Amtrak mobile website was difficult to us.

5.0

Glenn

June 26, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Silver Service

Pros: The whole experience was phenomenal. Better than 1st class on an swanky airline. Cons: None. Tips: Do it. It was a bargain and nice ride.

5.0

Thomas

December 26, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Silver Service

Pleasantly surprised with everything! It was a very pleasurable experience

5.0

Isis

May 20, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Silver Service

Pros: Nice. Cons: Niece. Tips: Nice.

5.0

Vannie

November 25, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Silver Service

Pros: Takes the stress of me driving the distance by myself. Gets to interact with people and also listen to my favorite music on my phone. Nice legroom to stretch, sit back and enjoy the ride. Tips: They definitely should try Amtrak.

What is the price of a train ticket from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland?

Over the past month, a train ticket between Fort Lauderdale and Lakeland cost $36.50, on average. This price makes taking the train a budget-friendly option to get to Lakeland. Booking your trip at least 24 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $92.35 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during March. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland, with the average price at just $29. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in December, when the average price goes up to $73. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$253020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland, book online with Wanderu at least 24 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $92.35 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland?

2 train services operate from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak17h 2m$41.58

Amtrak Floridian

13h 54m$104.21

  • 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 Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.

  • Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland start from $29, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Lakeland. Amtrak Floridian in Fort Lauderdale leaves from Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter . And in Lakeland trains arrive at Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St .

    From Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 3 hours and 54 minutes. If you are looking to get to Lakeland faster, Amtrak Floridian offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 53 minutes.

    If you are looking to travel to Lakeland on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Fort Lauderdale.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Fort Lauderdale and Lakeland is approximately 173 miles, or 279 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 53 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.

Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Fort Lauderdale to Lakeland. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Fort Lauderdale at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00am. 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale.

City Information

Fort Lauderdale

Nicknamed the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale offers vast stretches of white sand beaches at affordable prices, allowing the average traveler to enjoy fun under the sun with ease. Fort Lauderdale Beach is the premier destination for beach-goers and nature lovers, and it is noticeably less chaotic than its counterpart at Miami Beach, making it a perfect spot for a quiet and leisurely getaway. Another alternative is the nearby Las Olas Beach, which features clean and refreshing water. Nature lovers can also take an airboat tour to the famous Everglades and get up close to the alligators.

For shopping fans, Sawgrass Mills, a famous shopping outlet with 250 stores, will be a top choice. Don’t forget to take the time for a stroll around the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District and enjoy the setting sun as the day comes to a close.

The Fort Lauderdale Amtrak station is the main train station in the city, offering quick access to other cities in the state of Florida. In the center of town, not too far from the train station, you can find the Greyhound station which is the busiest bus travel hub in Fort Lauderdale. The principal airport in the area is the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport which, as its name suggests, is located right in between the two neighboring cities. However, it's also easy to get from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Airport for more flight options.

Lakeland

Lakeland, FL, US - LAK-0

Image credit: Dave Ouellette

Link to image attribution

Lakeland 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter - FLLAMT-0

Image credit: Phillip Pessar

Link to image attribution
Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter - FLLAMT-1

Image credit: Phillip Pessar

Link to image attribution
Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter - FLLAMT-2

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter

The Tri-Rail Station in Fort Lauderdale serves local Tri-Rail trains that travel throughout Florida and Amtrak trains to connect with the United States’ largest passenger rail system. Amtrak Silver Service trains stop in Fort Lauderdale along its New York to Miami route. The station features ample parking, indoor seating and restrooms, and two platforms with Mediterranean-style tiled roofs. Located adjacent to Interstate 95, it is easy to connect by highway to your final destination or head a few miles East into downtown Fort Lauderdale.

All train stations in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter

Where is the train station in Lakeland?

Main arrival station: Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St

Lakeland receives travelers from Fort Lauderdale at its two active train stations.

All train stations in Lakeland:

  • Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St

  • Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Lakeland by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

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