Cheap bus tickets from Iowa City to La Crosse
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Iowa City to La Crosse Bus Schedule
Bus from Iowa City to La Crosse: Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Iowa City to La Crosse. Traveling by bus from Iowa City to La Crosse usually takes around 15 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 13 hours,
| Distance | 149 mi (239 km) |
| Shortest duration | 13h 0m |
| Cheapest price | $168.00 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |

What bus companies travel from Iowa City to La Crosse?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Iowa City to La Crosse. Jefferson Lines connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 4 | 15h 3m | $168.00 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Iowa City to La Crosse from $168. There are 4 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Iowa City to La Crosse and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to La Crosse. In Iowa City, Jefferson Lines departs to La Crosse from Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St . In La Crosse, Jefferson Lines arrives at University of WI and one other station.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Iowa City to La Crosse takes 15 hours and 3 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to La Crosse in 13 hours and 0 minutes .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Iowa City to La Crosse
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 3 minutes to cover the 149 miles from Iowa City to La Crosse. However, the fastest bus only takes 13 hours. 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 first bus leaves at 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 1:00am. To see the times for all buses from Iowa City to La Crosse, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Iowa City

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Pixabay
The old capital city of Iowa, Iowa City, is a historic area with plenty of quaint old buildings and beautiful landmarks. The most notable attraction is the Old Capitol Building in the middle of the University of Iowa's campus. The building's first floor is a museum dedicated to the state's history so that you can brush up on your Hawkeye State knowledge (we'll get you started: the Iowa state rock is the geode!). For more history and culture, hit up Plum Grove, the home of the first Governor of Iowa, and the University of Iowa Art Museum.
Thanks to its lively cultural scene, Iowa City's food scene is vibrant and diverse. One of the must-try establishments in the city is Short's Burger and Shine, which features a wide variety of burgers made from locally sourced meat. In addition, the Hamburg Inn No. 2 is an award-winning restaurant, with visitors including many past presidents.
Bus service to Iowa City arrives right downtown for easy access to Iowa City's highlights. Although there is a small municipal airport in Iowa City, most commercial flights will depart from nearby Cedar Rapids Airport or even from Des Moines, about 100 miles away.
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 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 Iowa City?
Main departure station: Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
The Burlington Trailways Station in Iowa City is part of the Court St Transportation Center near downtown. Buses usually board outside the multi-story parking garage on Court Street. The station includes a large indoor waiting area with seating, restrooms, and even a charging station for your devices. You can walk to three hotels, a sushi restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, a Starbucks, and a bar in the immediate area, so you definitely won't have to travel hungry or thirsty. Greyhound and Burlington Trailways buses depart from this station and connect Iowa City to Des Moines, Chicago, Omaha, and more cities throughout the Midwest.
All bus stations in Iowa City:
Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
Where does the bus arrive in La Crosse?
Main arrival station: 314 Jay St
Buses 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 rental car agency across the street. Bus lines, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines, connect La Crosse to Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and beyond.
All bus stations in La Crosse:
314 Jay St
University of WI
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