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La Crosse to Saint Paul train

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La Crosse - Saint Paul Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 2 daily trains from La Crosse to Saint Paul. Traveling by train from La Crosse to Saint Paul usually takes around 3 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 52 minutes.

Distance121 mi (195 km)
Fastest train2h 52m
Lowest price$23.08
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Builder
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from La Crosse to Saint Paul

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Jennifer

October 15, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: This was my first train trip in the Midwest and it was wonderful! Train left on time and even arrived early. Seats were plentiful and spacious. Various options for storing any luggage brought along. All employees were very friendly. I hope to make the trip home like this again!! I wish the times to return to la crosse were better. Cons: Cleaner bathrooms. Tips: They sort you based on where you are going so don’t pay extra for sitting upstairs if you’re not going far.

5.0

Abolade

July 16, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Quiet and peaceful. Cons: Availability/options.

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from La Crosse to Saint Paul was $25.07. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Saint Paul if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $611.75.

Average prices by travel date

$61$41$20MarApr

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from La Crosse to Saint Paul will range from $23 to $61. If you're planning to travel by train to Saint Paul in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from La Crosse you can find in the next 7 days is $24. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$102$81$61$41$20AMJJASONDJFM

Ticket prices for the train from La Crosse to Saint Paul often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $43,

If you're thinking of traveling from La Crosse to Saint Paul during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $91 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$272$217$163$109$543020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Saint Paul from La Crosse will be about C$611.75 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

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

2 train services operate from La Crosse to Saint Paul. 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:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak122h 2m$185.89
Amtrak Empire Builder22h 52m$29.84
  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from La Crosse to Saint Paul every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $23.

  • 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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from La Crosse to Saint Paul. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between La Crosse and Saint Paul is approximately 121 miles, or 195 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 52 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.

Trains from La Crosse to Saint Paul are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs La Crosse at 11:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in La Crosse twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Saint Paul with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Saint Paul to La Crosse.

City Information

La Crosse

La Crosse, WI - LSE-0

Image credit: Unsplash

La Crosse, WI - LSE-1

Image credit: Carl Wycoff

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La Crosse, WI - LSE-2

Image credit: Unsplash

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 favorite 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.

Saint Paul

St. Paul, MN - STP-0

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Paul, MN - STP-1

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Paul, MN - STP-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota, and is one of the Twin Cities, along with its neighbor 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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in La Crosse?

601 St Andrew St  - LSEAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 601 St Andrew St

The La Crosse Amtrak Station is located in the city's Lower Northside neighborhood 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, travelers can find a spacious indoor waiting area, as well as an information desk with brochures and guides for local attractions. In addition, since the station is located in a residential neighborhood, various restaurants and bars are in close proximity.

All train stations in La Crosse:

  • 601 St Andrew St

  • 10251 St Edwards Dr

  • Pacific Central Station

Where is the train station in Saint Paul?

Union Depot - STPAMT2-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Union Depot

Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood, 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.

Train stations in Saint Paul:

  • Union Depot

  • Minn-St Paul Airport - 4300 Glumack Dr

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