Lakeland sits on I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, about 35 miles (55 km) east of Tampa and 55 miles (90 km) southwest of Orlando. By car, it is a straightforward drive from either city — 40–50 minutes from Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is the most convenient gateway. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is farther but still under an hour in normal traffic.
Amtrak stops in Lakeland on the Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes between New York and Miami; the station is near the downtown. Greyhound and FlixBus connect Lakeland to Tampa and Orlando, making it accessible without a car, though a car is useful for reaching the Florida Southern College campus and Circle B Bar Reserve.