Guides › Florida › Lakeland, Florida
City guide

Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. Located along I-4 east of Tampa and southwest of Orlando, it is the most populous city in Polk County.

Type CityPopulation 112,641

Why go

  • City in Florida, United States.
  • Served by Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL).

History

Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. Located along I-4 east of Tampa and southwest of Orlando, it is the most populous city in Polk County. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 112,641. Lakeland is a principal city of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area and is often included as part of the Tampa Bay area.

Airports

Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) 5.8 mi to the centre
Lakeland, FL, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Winter Haven Regional Airport - Gilbert Field (GIF) 12 mi to the centre
Winter Haven, FL, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Bartow Executive Airport (BOW) 13 mi to the centre
Bartow, FL, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (ZPH) 17 mi to the centre
Zephyrhills, FL, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Plant City Municipal Airport 13 mi to the centre
Plant City, FL, US
Outdoor
Market World Airport 8.4 mi to the centre
Auburndale, FL, US
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping →
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map © OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL); 12 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Lakeland, Florida. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach