Cheap bus tickets from La Crosse to Iowa City
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La Crosse to Iowa City Bus Schedule
Bus from La Crosse to Iowa City: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from La Crosse to Iowa City. Traveling by bus from La Crosse to Iowa City usually takes around 15 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 12 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 149 mi (239 km) |
| Shortest duration | 12h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $168.00 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |

What bus companies travel from La Crosse to Iowa City?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from La Crosse to Iowa City. 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 | 3 | 15h 28m | $168.00 |
Book Jefferson Lines from La Crosse to Iowa City from $168. There are 3 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from La Crosse to Iowa City and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Iowa City. In La Crosse, Jefferson Lines departs to Iowa City from 314 Jay St and one other station. In Iowa City, Jefferson Lines arrives at Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St .
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from La Crosse to Iowa City takes 15 hours and 28 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Iowa City in 12 hours and 5 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 4 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Iowa City.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from La Crosse to Iowa City
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 28 minutes to cover the 149 miles from La Crosse to Iowa City. However, the fastest bus only takes 12 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Iowa City at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 1:00pm and the last bus leaves at 1:00pm. To see the times for all buses from La Crosse to Iowa City, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in La Crosse?
Main departure 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
Where does the bus arrive in Iowa City?
Main arrival 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
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Iowa City to La Crosse?
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