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Journey Information
There are 7 intercity buses per day from Lakeland to Tampa. Traveling by bus from Lakeland to Tampa usually takes around 48 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 40 minutes.
| Distance | 32 mi (51 km) |
| Shortest duration | 0h 40m |
| Cheapest price | $13.49 |
| Trips per day | 7 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Lakeland to Tampa?
Bus tickets for a trip from Lakeland to Tampa cost $13.49 on average. This is an excellent value for the trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average prices by travel date
Bus tickets from Lakeland to Tampa are expected to cost between $13 and $14 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to Tampa within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from $13. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 15 days in advance to save $2.20 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Lakeland to Tampa?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Lakeland to Tampa that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 6 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 0h 50m | $16.28 |
| Greyhound | 6 | 0h 49m | $13.78 |
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 Tampa, 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 6 bus trips from Lakeland to Tampa every day, with the average journey taking around 0 hours and 49 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Tampa usually start from $13.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 48 minutes to cover the 32 miles from Lakeland to Tampa. However, the fastest bus only takes 40 minutes. It's a short trip that goes by very quickly. 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.
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Lakeland to Tampa, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Lakeland to Tampa every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Lakeland to Tampa without transferring.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Lakeland to Tampa; ticket prices start at $13.00.
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.
Tampa
Sitting at the heart of the Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions and relaxing indulgences. Infused with a colorful mix of Cuban and Spanish cultural elements, the city of Tampa houses some of the most impressive historic buildings in the state, including the Henry B. Plant Museum, which boasts a permanent exhibition of Victorian-era artifacts. Animal lovers can also rejoice, as the city’s many aquariums and zoos will certainly melt your heart. Head down to the Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center for some heart-melting cuteness. And for animal lovers with a penchant for streaming docu-series, the Big Cat Rescue (yes, THAT one!) will be a great choice.
Most of the finest restaurants in town are concentrated around the Riverwalk area, which offers unrivaled views of the waterfront. Oystercatchers is reputed as one of the best establishments in town, so you should not miss out on it. Tampa’s cuisine features a very clear Cuban influence, and the best spot to try out these unique fusion dishes is at Ybor City.
The principal train station in the city is the Tampa Union Station, which is also a historic building. It is currently served by Amtrak. At the station, travelers can also take an Amtrak Thruway motorcoach to get to Orlando, Lakeland, Bradenton, etc. The main airport is Tampa International Airport, which is located just six miles west of downtown Tampa.
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 Tampa.
All bus stations in Lakeland:
924 W Robson St
Gow B. Fields Park & Ride @ US 98 N
Where does the bus arrive in Tampa?
Main arrival station: Tampa Bus Station
Located on Polk Street, the Greyhound Bus Terminal is Tampa’s main terminal for intercity bus service to cities such as Orlando, Miami, and Atlanta. Travelers on Greyhound will find ample parking in the surrounding area and a comfortable waiting room with restrooms and a small café inside. Conveniently located in the North Franklin St Historic District in downtown Tampa, the bus terminal is within a short walk of several dining options and connections to local public transit to travel within Tampa.
All bus stations in Tampa:
Tampa Bus Station
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