Grab your luggage, exit arrivals at Lakeland, FL Airport (LAL-Lakeland Linder Regional), and collect your rental car. Which one you drive off in depends on where you’re headed. If you’ll be spending a good deal of time driving in downtown Lakeland, around 5 miles from the terminal, select something zippy and small. A compact car that’s easy to maneuver will be perfect for those busy city streets. But with loads of things to see, like the scenic coral reefs of the surrounding region, you may want to make a few pit stops. A bigger vehicle, like a full-size car or an SUV, will make lengthier road trips more comfortable.