How far is Bartow, FL from Lakeland, FL?
The driving distance from Bartow, FL to Lakeland, FL is about 12.4 miles (19.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 11.8 miles (19 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 39m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 19m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place in Polk County, Florida
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bartow and Lakeland.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bartow and Lakeland.
-
1
Start on Main Street
15 m · 5 sec · Main Street
-
2
Turn right onto Broadway Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · Broadway Avenue
-
3
Continue on Bartow Road
10.7 mi · 16 min · Bartow Road
-
4
Turn left onto East Lime Street
1939 ft · 1 min · East Lime Street
-
5
Turn left onto South Lake Avenue
82 m · 13 sec · South Lake Avenue
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6
Turn right onto East Walnut Street
85 m · 12 sec · East Walnut Street
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Walnut Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bartow and Lakeland.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Bartow Road
Continue on Bartow Road
10.7 mi · 00h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Bartow and Mostly Sunny near Lakeland.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bartow to Lakeland?
The road trip is about 12.4 miles (19.9 km) and usually takes 00h 19m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Highland City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 6.2 miles from Bartow and 6.2 miles from Lakeland.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 11.8 miles (19 km), while the road route adds roughly 0.6 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:50 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.83 one way or $3.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Bartow and Mostly Sunny near Lakeland.
Stop Ideas Near Highland City
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Highland City.
Lakeland
Lakeland
Winter Haven
Dade City, Florida
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bartow and Lakeland. Straight-line distance: 11.84 mi (19.05 km).
#1 Bartow
County seat of Polk County, Florida
| Population | 20,201 |
| Coordinates | 27.8964100, -81.8431400 |
| Altitude | 37 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lakeland
The most populous city in Polk County, Florida.
| Population | 115,283 |
| Coordinates | 28.0394700, -81.9498000 |
| Altitude | 60 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lakeland (-81.9498, 28.03947)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 20 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $1.83 | $3.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $2.02 | $4.04 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $2.15 | $4.31 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $1.91 | $3.83 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Florida · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.