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Cheap train tickets from St Paul to La Crosse

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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St Paul to La Crosse Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Saint Paul to La Crosse?

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Saint Paul to La Crosse.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
£21.78
Avg. Price
£15.62
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
4
Daily Trips
2
Duration
Duration
4h 36m
Duration
2h 36m

Trip Summary

You can pick from 3 daily train trips between St Paul and La Crosse. The average train journey from St Paul to La Crosse takes 2 hours and 41 minutes, but some Amtrak Borealis train trips are as short as 2 hours and 28 minutes.

Distance121 mi (195 km)
Fastest train2h 28m
Lowest price£13.52
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Builder
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Saint Paul to La Crosse

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.5

4.0

Sandra

September 24, 2025- Couples trip

Amtrak

Pros: We did enjoy the scenery of our trip and that was the main purpose of, we wanted to see the trip with the views from the train , we travel by car to Lacrosse quite often and really enjoyed the train ride, we just took the train to Lacrosse and jumped back on the return train . Cons: This was our 1st train ride ever and the only disappointment was that we had to sit on the train for an hour with no air conditioning due to they had trouble connecting with the main car I believe , it was quite warm and very stuffy I wish they would had let us get off onto the platform, we were not concerned about the hour delay because we are retired and had no one waiting for us at the other end or anywhere we had to be. Tips: Just expect the unexpected 🤭🤭.

5.0

Thomas

September 27, 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: I enjoyed the conductor and the spaciousness. Cons: The bathroom was clogged the entire trip and it smelled horrid the entire trip. Tips: Don't sit next to the bathroom.

4.0

Kong

September 26, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Seat was comfortable. Cons: Should have seating charts so can pay for window seats or when traveling in pairs can have that option to sit together instead of asking individuals to move.

5.0

Thomas

September 7, 2019- Solo travel

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Easy to get on and the announcements were laced with humor which was a nice change. Cons: It's tough being that you share the rails with large freight trains, but making up the time was welcomed.

What is the price of a train ticket from St Paul to La Crosse?

The average price for a train ticket from Saint Paul to La Crosse is £13.52, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 11 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay £6.96 more.

Monthly avg. prices

£38£30£23£15£8AMJJASONDJFM
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 January when the average ticket price is only £16. If you're thinking of traveling from St Paul to La Crosse during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £25 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

£38£30£23£15£83020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Saint Paul to La Crosse. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 11 days before departure, you can save around £6.96. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from St Paul to La Crosse?

2 train services operate from Saint Paul to La Crosse. Amtrak Empire Builder usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price

Amtrak Borealis

12h 29m£16.23
Amtrak Empire Builder22h 47m£20.21

  • Amtrak Borealis train tickets from St Paul to La Crosse start from £14, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Borealis schedules to La Crosse. Amtrak Borealis in Saint 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 29 minutes. If you are looking to get to La Crosse faster, Amtrak Borealis offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 28 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 for a one-way weekend reservation from Saint Paul.

  • 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.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from St Paul to La Crosse

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 41 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 28 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.

Trains departing from St Paul to La Crosse tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Saturday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs St Paul at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

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.

City Information

St Paul

St. Paul, MN - STP-0

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Paul, MN - STP-1

Image credit: Unsplash

St. Paul, MN - STP-2

Image credit: Unsplash

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

La Crosse, WI - LSE-0

Image credit: Unsplash

La Crosse, WI - LSE-1

Image credit: Carl Wycoff

Link to image attribution
La Crosse, WI - LSE-2

Image credit: Unsplash

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 is the train station in St Paul?

Union Depot - STPAMT2-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

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 is the train station in La Crosse?

601 St Andrew St - LSEAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

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

Get around town with Moovit

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