5.0
It’s only my second trip. I have nothing to compare it to. But, I enjoyed it.
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There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Lakeland to Fort Lauderdale.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$53.56 | Avg. Price$53.45 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration7h 1m | Duration6h 4m |
2 trains operate daily from Lakeland to Fort Lauderdale. The train trip from Lakeland to Fort Lauderdale is usually about 6 hours and 1 minute long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 12 minutes.
| Distance | 173 mi (279 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 12m |
| Lowest price | $31.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Floridian |
| Train lines | 2 |

Average score for trains from Lakeland to Fort Lauderdale
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
It’s only my second trip. I have nothing to compare it to. But, I enjoyed it.
Over the past month, a train ticket between Lakeland and Fort Lauderdale cost $36.50, on average. This price makes taking the train a budget-friendly option to get to Fort Lauderdale. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $47.58 more.
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Lakeland to Fort Lauderdale, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $47.58 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
2 train services operate from Lakeland to Fort Lauderdale. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 7h 59m | $41.86 |
Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 4h 12m | $88.32 |
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 Lakeland to Fort Lauderdale every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Lakeland to Fort Lauderdale start from $29, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Fort Lauderdale. Amtrak Floridian in Lakeland leaves from Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St . And in Fort Lauderdale trains arrive at Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter .
From Lakeland to Fort Lauderdale train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 4 hours and 12 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Fort Lauderdale on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Lakeland.
The distance between Lakeland and Fort Lauderdale is approximately 173 miles, or 279 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 12 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 Lakeland to Fort Lauderdale are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Lakeland at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. 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 Lakeland 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale to 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.



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.
There are two stations in Lakeland where you can board the train to Fort Lauderdale.
Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St
Lakeland Amtrak Station - 600 E Main St

Image credit: Phillip Pessar
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Phillip Pessar
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionThe 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.
Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter
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