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Des Moines to La Crosse bus

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Des Moines - La Crosse Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 2 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to La Crosse. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to La Crosse usually takes around 15 hours and 10 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 15 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance194 mi (312 km)
Shortest duration15h 5m
Cheapest price$156.00
Most frequent serviceJefferson Lines
Bus lines1

Price trends for buses from Des Moines to La Crosse

Monthly average prices

$125$100$75$50$25AMJJASONDJFM

What bus companies travel from Des Moines to La Crosse?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Des Moines to La Crosse. Jefferson Lines is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Jefferson Lines215h 11m$156.00
  • Book Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to La Crosse from $156. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to La Crosse and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to La Crosse. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines departs to La Crosse from 1641 E. Euclid Ave. . In La Crosse, Jefferson Lines arrives at University of Wisconsin and one other station.

    An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to La Crosse takes 15 hours and 11 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to La Crosse in 15 hours and 5 minutes .

    On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to La Crosse.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 10 minutes to cover the 194 miles from Des Moines to La Crosse. However, the fastest bus only takes 15 hours and 5 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

The busiest and least busy days to travel on this route tend to change frequently from week to week. Weather, holidays, local events, and other factors can affect how crowded the bus is on any given day.

The first bus leaves at 11:00pm and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Des Moines to La Crosse, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are usually only 2 buses per day from Des Moines to La Crosse. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip.

City Information

Des Moines

Des Moines, IA, US - DSM-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa and the most populous city in the state. It has been named the third-largest insurance capital in the world because of its relevance in the US insurance industry. Des Moines is home to historic landmarks, especially in the East Village area. These include the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol building. Art lovers can visit the Des Moines Art Center, which has notable contemporary collections, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a pedestrian space with public attractions. Des Moines also has spots for outdoor adventures, like the Blank Park Zoo, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Living History Farms.

Des Moines offers diverse places for entertainment, like the Praire Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel, and the Salisbury House & Gardens, a concert venue in a 1920s manor. In the heart of the city is Downtown Des Moines, which has different attractions and entertainment venues, festivals and concerts, shopping spots, sports teams, restaurants, bars, and breweries.

It's very easy to access Des Moines when you're traveling by bus. Over a hundred neighboring cities offer bus lines to the city, powered by companies like Jefferson Lines, Tornado Bus, Burlington Trailways, and El Expreso Bus. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority also provides bus routes throughout the city.

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.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Des Moines?

Main departure station: 1641 E. Euclid Ave.

Most buses depart from the main station in Des Moines.

All bus stations in Des Moines:

  • 1641 E. Euclid Ave.

Where does the bus arrive in La Crosse?

Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in La Crosse.

All bus stations in La Crosse:

  • University of Wisconsin

  • 314 Jay St

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