Cheap coach tickets from Chicago to La Crosse

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Coach from Chicago to La Crosse: Journey Information

There are 5 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to La Crosse. Travelling by coach from Chicago to La Crosse usually takes around 21 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines coach can make the trip in 17 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance
226 mi (364 km)
Shortest duration
17h 20m
Cheapest price
£133.00
Trips per day
5
Most frequent service
Jefferson Lines
Coach lines
1

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Chicago to La Crosse Coach Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Chicago to La Crosse?

There are usually 5 daily train trips from Chicago to La Crosse.

Coach
Train
Avg. Price£134.53Avg. Price£60.36Cheaper
Daily Trips5Daily Trips5
Duration21h 57mDuration6h 19mFaster
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How much is a coach ticket from Chicago to La Crosse?

Coach tickets for a trip from Chicago to La Crosse cost about £133 when you book at the cheapest time, 4 days ahead. Coach tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the coach is often more affordable than flying to La Crosse. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find coach tickets at or below this price.

Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to La Crosse by travel date

£165£110£55NovNov

If you're planning to travel by coach from Chicago to La Crosse in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from £116 to £150. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 8 November 2026. If you’re looking to travel to La Crosse this week, coach tickets are available starting at £116.

Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to La Crosse by month

£150£120£90£60£30JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the coach from Chicago to La Crosse is usually cheapest in July, when the average ticket price is only £126. If you're planning to take the coach from Chicago to La Crosse during December, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £139. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

£150£120£90£60£3001020

Most coach companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your coach tickets as early as possible. Booking in advance is the best way to find cheap coach tickets, even if it’s only by a few days.

What coach companies travel from Chicago to La Crosse?

There is one intercity coach company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to La Crosse. Jefferson Lines connects the two cities by coach, it offers multiple scheduled coaches per day for you to choose from.

CoachDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Jefferson Lines521h 57m£134.53
  • Jefferson Lines is a well-established intercity coach company with service to some of the Midwest’s top travel destinations. As one of the United States’ largest coach service providers, Jefferson Lines is beloved by students, commuters, and vacationers in America’s heartland. Travel with Jefferson Lines is comfortable thanks to reclining seats, individual climate controls, toilets, and free WiFi. You can even check the status of your trip with their coach tracker tool. The carrier provides safe, affordable, and reliable service from Chicago to La Crosse with ticket prices as low as £133.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Chicago to La Crosse

There are 5 scheduled coaches that travel from Chicago to La Crosse every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which coach you take, you will have to transfer coaches at least once during your journey. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to La Crosse; ticket prices start at £23.

Trips per day

5

Direct trips

0

The coach takes an average of 21 hours and 57 minutes to cover the 226 miles from Chicago to La Crosse. However, the fastest coach only takes 17 hours and 20 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

Distance (mi)

226

Distance (km)

364

The first coach leaves at 11:45 and the last coach leaves at 21:15. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago to La Crosse, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest coach

11:45am

Latest coach

9:15pm

With many people travelling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for coach travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.

Most crowded

Wednesday

Least crowded

Friday

City Information

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban holiday destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transport hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

La Crosse

La Crosse, WI - LSE-0La Crosse, WI - LSE-1La Crosse, WI - LSE-2

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 coach or train, and regional flights operate out of the La Crosse Municipal Airport.

Station Information

Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Most coaches depart from the main station in Chicago.

All coach stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Where does the coach arrive in La Crosse?

Main arrival station: 314 Jay St

Coaches to La Crosse stop at Jay Street in front of the Grand River Station. The aptly-named grand building features arching ceilings, marble decoration, and amenities like seating and vending machines inside. The station is conveniently located in downtown La Crosse with easy access to surrounding hotels, restaurants, and a car hire company across the street. Coach lines, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines, connect La Crosse to Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and beyond.

Coach stations in La Crosse:

  • 314 Jay St
  • University of WI

Need a return trip from La Crosse to Chicago?

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