Cheap train tickets from Seattle to La Crosse
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Seattle to La Crosse. Travelling by train from Seattle to La Crosse usually takes 1 day, 19 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 1 day, 16 hours and 42 minutes.
- Distance
- 1513 mi (2434 km)
- Fastest train
- 40h 42m
- Lowest price
- $336.70
- Trains per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Empire Builder
- Train lines
- 2
Millions of travellers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travellers are saying about Wanderu:
Seattle to La Crosse Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Seattle to La Crosse:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Seattle to La Crosse?
In the last month, train tickets from Seattle to La Crosse cost about $410 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Seattle and La Crosse, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $67.76 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Seattle to La Crosse by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Seattle to La Crosse will cost between $203 and $433. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Seattle to La Crosse by month
Ticket prices for the train from Seattle to La Crosse often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only $246. If you're thinking of travelling from Seattle to La Crosse during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $757 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Seattle to La Crosse on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time, you can save about $67.76 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Seattle to La Crosse?
2 train services operate from Seattle 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 | 1 | 47h 42m | $477.81 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 40h 42m | $410.05 |
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 Seattle to La Crosse
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Seattle to La Crosse. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from La Crosse to Seattle.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
The distance between Seattle and La Crosse is approximately 2,434 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 19 hours and 2 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 16 hours and 42 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
1513
Distance (km)
2434
The earliest train departs Seattle at 9:55 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 4:55 p.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
9:55am
Last train
4:55pm
Trains from Seattle to La Crosse are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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
Tuesday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Seattle



Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveller. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best vacation destination in Washington.
Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.
Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.
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 Seattle?
Main departure station: King Street Station

King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service in Seattle. Greyhound buses use the bus station at 503 S Royal Brougham Way, near Lumen Field. King Street Station has connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighbourhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travellers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, washrooms, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.
All train stations in Seattle:
- King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
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 Seattle?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.




