Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to La Crosse
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Chicago to La Crosse Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to La Crosse?
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to La Crosse.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceDKK 1,208.78 | Avg. PriceDKK 525.43 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration17h 9m | Duration6h 25m |
Bus from Chicago to La Crosse: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Chicago to La Crosse. Traveling by bus from Chicago to La Crosse usually takes around 17 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 16 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 226 mi (364 km) |
| Shortest duration | 16h 55m |
| Cheapest price | DKK 1,158.55 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |

What bus companies travel from Chicago to La Crosse?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago 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.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 17h 4m | DKK 1,167.61 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Chicago to La Crosse from DKK 1,159. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Chicago to La Crosse and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to La Crosse. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines departs to La Crosse from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St . In La Crosse, Jefferson Lines arrives at University of WI and one other station.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Chicago to La Crosse takes 17 hours and 4 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to La Crosse in 16 hours and 55 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 about traveling by bus from Chicago to La Crosse
The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 3 minutes to cover the 226 miles from Chicago to La Crosse. However, the fastest bus only takes 16 hours and 55 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.
Because many passengers travel from Chicago to La Crosse at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 9:00pm and the last bus leaves at 9:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to La Crosse, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Chicago 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.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to La Crosse; ticket prices start at DKK 200.64.
City Information
Chicago



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 vacation 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 neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation 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 bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
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 Chicago?

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Most buses depart from the main station in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the bus arrive in La Crosse?
Main arrival station: University of WI
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in La Crosse.
All bus stations in La Crosse:
University of WI
314 Jay St
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Need a return trip from La Crosse to Chicago?
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