Cheap bus tickets from La Crosse to Chicago
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La Crosse to Chicago Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from La Crosse to Chicago?
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from La Crosse to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$188.36 | Avg. Price$97.51 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration17h 6m | Duration6h 9m |
Bus from La Crosse to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from La Crosse to Chicago. Traveling by bus from La Crosse to Chicago usually takes around 17 hours and 6 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 | $179.00 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from La Crosse to Chicago
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
What bus companies travel from La Crosse to Chicago?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from La Crosse to Chicago. 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 6m | $187.28 |
Book Jefferson Lines from La Crosse to Chicago from $179. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from La Crosse to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Chicago. In La Crosse, Jefferson Lines departs to Chicago from 314 Jay St and one other station. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from La Crosse to Chicago takes 17 hours and 6 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Chicago 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 Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from La Crosse to Chicago
The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 6 minutes to cover the 226 miles from La Crosse to Chicago. 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.
Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in Chicago. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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 bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 12:00pm and the last bus leaves at 12:00pm. To see the times for all buses from La Crosse to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from La Crosse to Chicago. 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 La Crosse to Chicago; ticket prices start at $31.00.
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.
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.
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 Chicago?

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
All buses from La Crosse arrive at one main station in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
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