Lakeland, FL Station (LAK/LKL)
Located on the northern shore of Lake Mirror in central Florida, Lakeland, FL Amtrak Station (station codes LAK and LKL) is a key stop on Amtrak’s long-distance passenger network. Unlike many stations, Lakeland’s single depot serves two booking codes because trains stop here before and after detouring to Tampa — making it uniquely positioned on the Amtrak station list for service flexibility.
Lakeland’s rail connection blends modern travel convenience with deep Florida railroad history, making it a practical gateway for regional and cross-country journeys.
Station Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Station Name | Lakeland, FL Amtrak Station |
| Station Codes | LAK (Northbound), LKL (Southbound) |
| Location | 600 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801 |
| Phone | +1 (888) 929-3161 (Amtrak support) |
| Owner | City of Lakeland |
| Platform | 1 Side Platform |
| Tracks | 1 |
| Parking | Short-term parking available |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible, restrooms available |
History of the Station
The roots of rail travel in Lakeland go back to the 1880s, when the first South Florida Railroad depot opened downtown, helping establish Lakeland as a strategic Central Florida hub. That building later burned down and was rebuilt several times as rail demand grew.
By the mid-20th century, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and later the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad managed passenger service through the area. After Amtrak took over national passenger operations in 1971, Lakeland continued to be served by key routes.
In 1998, a new depot was constructed at its current Lake Mirror site, anchoring Amtrak service back in Lakeland’s downtown and providing easy access to local attractions, shops, and public transit.
Station Facilities & Amenities
Lakeland Amtrak Station offers travelers a range of amenities to make trips comfortable and convenient:
- Enclosed waiting area with seating
- Restrooms for passengers
- Accessible platform and wheelchair services
- Parking access (short-term, fees may apply)
- Ticket office & passenger assistance (hours vary seasonally)
- Citrus Connection bus connections nearby for local transit
🚫 Note: Wi-Fi is generally not available at the station.
Routes & Train Service
Main Amtrak Route
Amtrak Floridian — The primary long-distance train serving Lakeland connects passengers across Florida and beyond. The train stops at Lakeland before and after its Tampa detour, allowing flexible booking northbound (LAK) and southbound (LKL).
Travel Options from Lakeland
Lakeland is part of the broader Amtrak station list accessible for trains across the southeastern United States. Popular travel corridors include:
- Lakeland ↔ Orlando — short trips around ~1 hour
- Lakeland ↔ Fort Lauderdale/Miami — longer coastal routes
- Lakeland ↔ Jacksonville or up north — part of extended Floridian schedules
Travelers can also link to other destinations by combining rail and Amtrak Thruway buses when direct trains are unavailable.
Tips for Booking Amtrak Tickets
Amtrak Tickets Deals & Discounts
To get the best deals on Amtrak tickets, consider:
- Booking early (20–30 days ahead often yields lower prices)
- Using seasonal Amtrak Coupons Codes
- Signing up for Amtrak newsletters or loyalty programs
- Checking for student, military, or senior discounts
(Availability may vary by route and date.)
Auto Train reservations may be booked separately for routes that allow vehicle transport — although Lakeland does not serve the Auto Train directly, support is available through Amtrak customer support.
Amtrak Customer Support: +1 (888) 929-3161
How to Navigate the Station
Getting There
Most visitors arrive by car or local bus services. The station is walkable from Lakeland’s downtown cultural district and Lake Mirror area.
Parking Info
Short-term parking is available on site. Overnight parking may not be permitted — check with station personnel before leaving your vehicle.
Local Transit
Lakeland’s Citrus Connection buses stop within a short walk, making connections to residential and commercial areas easier.
Ridership & Impact
In recent years, the Lakeland station has seen steady usage, with tens of thousands of passengers boarding or disembarking annually. The station’s central location supports both local economic activity and tourism.
