Cheap train tickets from St Paul to La Crosse

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from St Paul to La Crosse. Travelling by train from St Paul to La Crosse usually takes 2 hours and 41 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Borealis train can make the trip in 2 hours and 28 minutes.

Distance: 121 mi (195 km)
Fastest train: 2h 28m
Lowest price: CHF 15.03
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak Empire Builder
Train lines: 2

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

St Paul to La Crosse Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from St Paul to La Crosse?

There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from St Paul to La Crosse.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 32.05	Avg. PriceCHF 27.14Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips5
Duration	Duration2h 41mFaster	Duration5h 1m

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from St Paul to La Crosse (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.5

4.0

Sandra

September 24, 2025 - Couples trip

Amtrak

Pros: We did enjoy the scenery of our trip and that was the main purpose of, we wanted to see the trip with the views from the train , we travel by car to Lacrosse quite often and really enjoyed the train ride, we just took the train to Lacrosse and jumped back on the return train . Cons: This was our 1st train ride ever and the only disappointment was that we had to sit on the train for an hour with no air conditioning due to they had trouble connecting with the main car I believe , it was quite warm and very stuffy I wish they would had let us get off onto the platform, we were not concerned about the hour delay because we are retired and had no one waiting for us at the other end or anywhere we had to be. Tips: Just expect the unexpected 🤭🤭

5.0

Thomas

September 27, 2024 - Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: I enjoyed the conductor and the spaciousness Cons: The bathroom was clogged the entire trip and it smelled horrid the entire trip Tips: Don't sit next to the bathroom

4.0

Kong

September 26, 2024 - Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Seat was comfortable. Cons: Should have seating charts so can pay for window seats or when traveling in pairs can have that option to sit together instead of asking individuals to move.

5.0

Thomas

September 7, 2019 - Solo travel

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Easy to get on and the announcements were laced with humor which was a nice change. Cons: It's tough being that you share the rails with large freight trains, but making up the time was welcomed.

There are several train options that can take you from St Paul to La Crosse:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from St Paul to La Crosse?

In the last month, train tickets from St Paul to La Crosse cost about CHF 17 when booked at the cheapest time. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 35.64 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from St Paul to La Crosse by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from St Paul to La Crosse will cost between CHF 17 and CHF 54. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from St Paul to La Crosse by month

Ticket prices for the train from St Paul to La Crosse often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only CHF 20. If you're thinking of travelling from St Paul to La Crosse during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 36 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from St Paul to La Crosse on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 35.64 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from St Paul to La Crosse?

2 train services operate from St Paul to La Crosse. Amtrak Empire Builder usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak Borealis	1	2h 28m	CHF 19.29
Amtrak Empire Builder	2	2h 47m	CHF 38.33

Amtrak Borealis train tickets from St Paul to La Crosse start from CHF 15.03, and on average cost CHF 19.29. Daily, Amtrak Borealis runs one schedule to La Crosse. Amtrak Borealis in St Paul leaves from Union Depot. And in La Crosse trains arrive at 601 St Andrew St.
From St Paul to La Crosse train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 2 hours and 28 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to La Crosse on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Borealis scheduled trip per day, which will cost CHF 15.03 for a one-way weekend reservation from St Paul.
The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from St Paul to La Crosse

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from St Paul to La Crosse. You can also take a train for your return trip from La Crosse to St Paul. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from St Paul to La Crosse for CHF 24.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between St Paul and La Crosse is approximately 195 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 41 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 28 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Distance (mi)

121

Distance (km)

195

The earliest train departs St Paul at 8:50 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 11:49 a.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

8:50am

Last train

11:49am

Trains from St Paul to La Crosse are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

St Paul

Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota, and is one of the Twin Cities, along with its neighbour across the Mississippi River, Minneapolis. As the seat of Minnesota's government, Saint Paul offers historic and cultural attractions which represent both the state and the American Midwest as a whole.

For a comprehensive introduction to the region's history, start your trip at the Minnesota History Center, just down the street from the grounds of the State Capitol building. There are museums in Saint Paul for all types of interests, including the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Schubert Club Musical Instrument Museum. For an extra dash of Saint Paul history, take a stroll down Summit Avenue, a stylish street of drool-worthy Victorian houses and mansions, including the home of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

If you're brave enough to visit Saint Paul during the freezing winters, you'll be rewarded with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a yearly event where you can explore ice palaces, watch live ice sculpting, and compete in city-wide scavenger hunts. Saint Paul is also one of the country's best cities for craft beer, so save time to taste some local ales or even brew your own beer at Vine Park Brewing Co.

Saint Paul is a hub for travel in the Midwest thanks in part to Amtrak's Empire Builder train service which stops at Saint Paul Union Depot. Bus service from stations throughout town and nearby Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport make it easy to travel to and from this saintly city.

La Crosse

A busy college town blessed with lush and beautiful green zones, La Crosse is one of the best places to just chill out and unwind. The city's star attraction is the Grandad Bluff, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city and the Mississippi River. Hiking up the hill will certainly be a challenge, but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile. While staying in the city, don't miss out on the chance to go on a cruise aboard the La Crosse Queen, a replica paddle steamer, and unwind while enjoying the sunset. For some family fun, head over to the Children's Museum of La Crosse.

La Crosse does have a pretty reputable food scene, with a strong focus on beers and cheese curds. For an upscale dining experience with the best local dishes, The Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern is a local favourite that has a stellar reputation. Or head to the Dublin Square Irish Pub & Eatery for a combination of good foods and drinks.

La Crosse is easily accessible by bus or train, and regional flights operate out of the La Crosse Municipal Airport.

Station Information

Where is the train station in St Paul?

Main departure station: Union Depot

Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul’s Lowertown neighbourhood, Union Depot has a remarkable history dating back to 1881. It remains the major transport hub of Saint Paul, as well as the designated station for Amtrak service in the Twin Cities. Besides the long-haul Empire Builder train, the station serves Jefferson Lines and Greyhound intercity buses and connects to local public transit. Within the Union Depot complex, you’ll find a coffee shop, restaurant, bike shop, rental car agency, and can even join a public tour to admire the architecture and learn about the station’s storied past.

All train stations in St Paul:

Union Depot

Where is the train station in La Crosse?

Main arrival station: 601 St Andrew St

The La Crosse Amtrak Station is located in the city's Lower Northside neighbourhood at 601 St Andrew St. The station was built in 1926, and even though it has undergone several renovations, many of the original elements – including the marble surfaces and wooden ticket counters – have been preserved. In fact, the station is on the National Register of Historic Places. The station serves as the only stop in La Crosse for Amtrak's Empire Builder train line. At the station, travellers can find a spacious indoor waiting area, as well as an information desk with brochures and guides for local attractions. And although the station is in a residential neighbourhood, various restaurants and bars are close by.

All train stations in La Crosse:

601 St Andrew St

Need a return trip from La Crosse to St Paul?

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