Cheap train tickets from St Paul to La Crosse
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from St Paul to La Crosse. Traveling by train from St Paul to La Crosse usually takes 2 hours and 47 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 121 mi (195 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 47m |
| Lowest price | $18.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
| Train lines | 2 |
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St Paul to La Crosse Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from St Paul to La Crosse?
There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from St Paul to La Crosse.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$50.88 | Avg. Price$29.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips6 |
Duration | Duration2h 47mFaster | Duration4h 55m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from St Paul to La Crosse (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
4.0
September 24, 2025 - Couples trip
Amtrak5.0
September 27, 2024 - Visiting friends
Amtrak4.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from St Paul to La Crosse:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from St Paul to La Crosse?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from St Paul to La Crosse was $19.67. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $70.80 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to La Crosse by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from St Paul to La Crosse will cost between $18 and $67. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to La Crosse by month
Ticket prices for the train from St Paul to La Crosse often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $24. If you're thinking of traveling from St Paul to La Crosse during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $55 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from St Paul to La Crosse on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about $70.80 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from St Paul to La Crosse?
There are multiple trains that travel from St Paul to La Crosse, including Amtrak Empire Builder, Amtrak Borealis. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 2h 47m | $61.13 |
| Amtrak Borealis | 1 | 2h 48m | $29.60 |
The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.
Amtrak Borealis train tickets from St Paul to La Crosse start from $18, and on average cost $29.60. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Borealis schedules to La Crosse. Amtrak Borealis in St Paul leaves from Union Depot. And in La Crosse trains arrive at 601 St Andrew St.
From St Paul to La Crosse train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 2 hours and 48 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to La Crosse on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Borealis scheduled trip per day, which will cost $18 for a one-way weekend reservation from St Paul.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from St Paul to La Crosse
There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from St Paul to La Crosse. You can also take a train for your return trip from La Crosse to St Paul. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from St Paul to La Crosse for $29.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
3
The distance between St Paul and La Crosse is approximately 121 miles, or 195 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 47 minutes, Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
DISTANCE (MI)
121
DISTANCE (KM)
195
The earliest train departs St Paul at 8:50am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:29am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
8:50am
LATEST TRAIN
11:29am
Trains from St Paul to La Crosse are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
St Paul
Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota, and is one of the Twin Cities, along with its neighbor across the Mississippi River, Minneapolis. As the seat of Minnesota's government, Saint Paul offers historic and cultural attractions which represent both the state and the American Midwest as a whole.
For a comprehensive introduction to the region's history, start your trip at the Minnesota History Center, just down the street from the grounds of the State Capitol building. There are museums in Saint Paul for all types of interests, including the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Schubert Club Musical Instrument Museum. For an extra dash of Saint Paul history, take a stroll down Summit Avenue, a stylish street of drool-worthy Victorian houses and mansions, including the home of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
If you're brave enough to visit Saint Paul during the freezing winters, you'll be rewarded with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a yearly event where you can explore ice palaces, watch live ice sculpting, and compete in city-wide scavenger hunts. Saint Paul is also one of the country's best cities for craft beer, so save time to taste some local ales or even brew your own beer at Vine Park Brewing Co.
Saint Paul is a hub for travel in the Midwest thanks in part to Amtrak's Empire Builder train service which stops at Saint Paul Union Depot. Bus service from stations throughout town and nearby Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport make it easy to travel to and from this saintly city.
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 train leave from in St Paul?
Main departure station: Union Depot
Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood, Union Depot has a remarkable history dating back to 1881. It remains the major transport hub of Saint Paul, as well as the designated station for Amtrak service in the Twin Cities. Besides the long-haul Empire Builder train, the station serves Jefferson Lines and Greyhound intercity buses and connects to local public transit. Within the Union Depot complex, you’ll find a coffee shop, restaurant, bike shop, rental car agency, and can even join a public tour to admire the architecture and learn about the station’s storied past.
All train stations in St Paul:
- Union Depot
Where does the train arrive in La Crosse?
Main arrival station: 601 St Andrew St
The La Crosse Amtrak Station is located in the city's Lower Northside neighborhood at 601 St Andrew St. The station was built in 1926, and even though it has undergone several renovations, many of the original elements – including the marble surfaces and wooden ticket counters – have been preserved. In fact, the station is on the National Register of Historic Places. The station serves as the only stop in La Crosse for Amtrak's Empire Builder train line. At the station, travelers can find a spacious indoor waiting area, as well as an information desk with brochures and guides for local attractions. In addition, since the station is located in a residential neighborhood, various restaurants and bars are in close proximity.
All train stations in La Crosse:
- 601 St Andrew St
Need a return trip from La Crosse to St Paul?
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