Wanderu Logo
United States flag
  • Canada
CA$
Log in
chiku-desktop

Cheap train tickets from La Crosse to St Paul

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

La Crosse to St Paul Train Schedule

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

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from La Crosse to Saint Paul.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
CA$40.75
Avg. Price
CA$39.57
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
1
Daily Trips
2
Duration
Duration
3h 37m
Duration
2h 40m

Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from La Crosse to St Paul. Traveling by train from La Crosse to St Paul usually takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance121 mi (195 km)
Fastest train2h 30m
Lowest priceCA$25.29
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Builder
Train lines3

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from La Crosse to Saint Paul

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.5

4.0

Sandra

September 24, 2025- Couples trip

Amtrak

Pros: The train was comfy and the views were great, we just did a little day trip to see the scenery from the train view, have went to Lacrosse several times by car , it was a pleasure to go by train‼️. Cons: The communication at the Depot in StPaul , leaving the station we had a 1 hour delay and all they said is we should be leaving in a few minutes and then power was cut so no air and people were saying they could not flush the toilets, and they didn’t say anymore for 1 hour till they came back on and said we should be on our way soon😡and also on the trip back to St. Paul once we arrived at the depot we had to wait a half hour because someone did not do there job and left an engine on the track we were suppose to be on🤬.

4.0

Susan

April 27, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: It seemed overbooked. They shuffled people around midway through the trip. Cons: Being more organized.

5.0

Jennifer

October 15, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: This was my first train trip in the Midwest and it was wonderful! Train left on time and even arrived early. Seats were plentiful and spacious. Various options for storing any luggage brought along. All employees were very friendly. I hope to make the trip home like this again!! I wish the times to return to la crosse were better. Cons: Cleaner bathrooms. Tips: They sort you based on where you are going so don’t pay extra for sitting upstairs if you’re not going far.

5.0

Abolade

July 16, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Quiet and peaceful. Cons: Availability/options.

See more details

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from La Crosse to Saint Paul was CA$25.29. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to St Paul if you book your train tickets at least 15 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra CA$19.28.

Average train ticket prices from La Crosse to St Paul by travel date

CA$63CA$42CA$21NovNov

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from La Crosse to St Paul will range from CA$25 to CA$49. If you're planning to travel by train to Saint Paul in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from La Crosse you can find in the next 7 days is CA$25. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

CA$70CA$56CA$42CA$28CA$14DJFMAMJJASON
Ticket prices for the train from La Crosse to St Paul often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only CA$28. If you're thinking of traveling from La Crosse to St Paul during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CA$45 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

CA$70CA$56CA$42CA$28CA$143020100

By booking your train trip from La Crosse to Saint Paul on Wanderu at least 15 days ahead of time, you can save about CA$19.28 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

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

There are 3 train lines with service from La Crosse to Saint Paul. Amtrak Empire Builder is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak12h 30mCA$53.45

Amtrak Borealis

12h 30mCA$45.86
Amtrak Empire Builder22h 53mCA$38.26

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from La Crosse to Saint Paul every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CA$25.

  • Amtrak Borealis train tickets from La Crosse to St Paul start from CA$25, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Borealis schedules to Saint Paul. Amtrak Borealis in La Crosse leaves from 601 St Andrew St . And in Saint Paul trains arrive at Union Depot .

    From La Crosse to St Paul train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.

    If you are looking to travel to Saint Paul on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Borealis scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from La Crosse.

  • 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 La Crosse to St Paul

The distance between La Crosse and St Paul is approximately 121 miles, or 195 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 30 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 from La Crosse to St Paul are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs La Crosse at 4:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 La Crosse to St Paul.

You can also take a train for your return trip from St Paul to La Crosse.

City Information

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in La Crosse?

601 St Andrew St - LSEAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in St Paul?

Union Depot - STPAMT2-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Saint Paul by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from St Paul to La Crosse?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from La Crosse

Continue by train from St Paul

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.