How far is Tampa, FL from Lakeland, FL?
The driving distance from Tampa, FL to Lakeland, FL is about 34.9 miles (56.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 31.7 miles (51 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 29m 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 44m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Unincorporated community in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tampa and Lakeland.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tampa and Lakeland.
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1
Start on East Kennedy Boulevard
122 m · 17 sec · East Kennedy Boulevard
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2
Turn right onto North Ashley Drive
1748 ft · 49 sec · North Ashley Drive
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3
Take the ramp straight toward I 275
1164 ft · 29 sec
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4
Keep slight right to continue on I 275 North
843 ft · 21 sec
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5
Merge slight left
1.1 km · 1 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 4 East: Orlando
2472 ft · 42 sec
-
7
Continue straight
27.7 mi · 31 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward Lakeland
2222 ft · 54 sec
-
9
Turn straight onto Memorial Boulevard
3.4 mi · 6 min · Memorial Boulevard
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10
Continue on East Memorial Boulevard
1061 ft · 29 sec · East Memorial Boulevard
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11
Turn right onto North Massachusetts Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · North Massachusetts Avenue
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12
At the end of the road, turn left onto Lake Morton Drive
1039 ft · 32 sec · Lake Morton Drive
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13
Turn left onto East Walnut Street
129 m · 19 sec · East Walnut Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Walnut Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tampa 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.
I 4 East
Continue straight
27.7 mi · 00h 31m
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 Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Tampa and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Lakeland.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tampa to Lakeland?
The road trip is about 34.9 miles (56.2 km) and usually takes 00h 44m 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?
Seffner is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.5 miles from Tampa and 17.5 miles from Lakeland.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 31.7 miles (51 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.2 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 7:00 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.10 one way or $10.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Tampa and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Lakeland.
Stop Ideas Near Seffner
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 Seffner.
Union Station
Lakeland
Lakeland
Dade City, Florida
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tampa and Lakeland. Straight-line distance: 31.68 mi (50.98 km).
#1 Tampa
The third most populous city in Florida and the center of the Tampa metropolitan area.
| Population | 407,599 |
| Coordinates | 27.9475200, -82.4584300 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| 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: 56 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $5.10 | $10.20 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $5.65 | $11.31 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $6.02 | $12.04 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $5.35 | $10.70 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.