Lakeland's proximity to Interstate 4 adds to the magnetism of the City for residents, businesses and visitors alike. I-4 now boasts three travel lanes in both directions along the entire Polk County corridor. In addition to I-4, motorists have the additional options of using the In-town Bypass and the Polk Parkway. The In-town Bypass makes east and west bound traffic in and out of downtown Lakeland trouble-free. The Polk Parkway is a limited access toll road connected to I-4 that eases the access to the interstate for those in the southern part of the city.
Expansion of the Amtrak system brought the convenience of passenger rail service to Lakeland. The carrier’s station, located downtown overlooking Lake Mirror, enables passengers to board trains for Miami, Jacksonville, and beyond. Nearby Winter Haven is also home to a passenger boarding station.
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The public transit service provided by the Citrus Connection has something to offer everyone in our area, whether you ride or not. The fact is that an affordable, working mass transportation system is important to local commerce, life and progress. It gets people to work, medical appointments, shopping and recreation and it makes our communities safer and saves valuable resources—and all of that adds up to a boost in our area’s quality of life.
The Citrus Connection service is available Monday through Saturday. The buses routes in frequencies of 30 and 60 minutes covering the great majority of shopping centers, medical facilities, educational institutions and recreation centers in the local area. Direct connections can also be made to the neighboring communities of Bartow, Winter Haven and Auburndale. Route maps are available at www.ridecitrus.com for viewing and printing. A route finder called Find My Routes is available on line to assist you with travel plans.
The Lakeland Area Mass Transit Authority (d/b/a Citrus Connection) is approaching over two million rides annually on the fixed route buses and over 170,000 rides through the Handy Bus (Para Transit Service), providing door-to-door service for disabled citizens on a reservation basis.
The Citrus Connection is part of your life whether you are using one of the transit service or just realizing the value of transit in your community.
With over 100,000 aviation operations each year, the City of Lakeland owned and operated, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL) has one of the busiest contract Air Traffic Control towers in the country. Situated four miles southwest of the city’s commerce center, LAL provides service to general aviation aircraft as well as providing Commercial Air Service. Approximately 200 business and personal aircraft are based at the airport and over 1500 personnel are employed through airport businesses. General Aviation FBO facilities provide services for arriving and departing aircraft.
LAL is a reliever facility for both Tampa and Orlando International Airports. The airport can accept most large commercial and military aircraft including the Boeing 757. Instrument approaches are available for aircraft arrivals during inclement weather. Airport facilities include a beautiful Commercial Air Terminal and ramp, two runways and associated taxiways, offices, hangar space, on airport restaurant and hotel.