Cheap train tickets from La Crosse to Madison

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Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from La Crosse to Madison. Traveling by train from La Crosse to Madison usually takes 10 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 58 minutes.

Distance: 105 mi (169 km)
Fastest train: 7h 58m
Lowest price: $65.00
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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La Crosse to Madison Train Schedule

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

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from La Crosse to Madison.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. Price$126.13	Avg. Price$25.00Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips6	Daily Trips3
Duration	Duration10h 7m	Duration2h 52mFaster

There are several train options that can take you from La Crosse to Madison:

Amtrak tickets: $65 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from La Crosse to Madison was $113.01. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $42.45 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from La Crosse to Madison by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from La Crosse to Madison will cost between $88 and $164. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from La Crosse to Madison by month

Ticket prices for the train from La Crosse to Madison 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 $105. If you're thinking of traveling from La Crosse to Madison during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $142 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from La Crosse to Madison on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $42.45 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from La Crosse to Madison?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects La Crosse to Madison. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	6	10h 7m	$126.13

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 6 Amtrak trains from La Crosse to Madison every day, as well as 10 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $65.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from La Crosse to Madison

There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Madison to La Crosse. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from La Crosse to Madison for $25.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between La Crosse and Madison is approximately 105 miles, or 169 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 58 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

105

Distance (km)

169

The earliest train departs La Crosse at 11:37am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:37am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

11:37am

Last train

11:37am

Trains from La Crosse to Madison are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Thursday

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.

Madison

Consistently ranking high on the lists of the best places to live in the USA, Madison still maintains its quaint and idyllic small-town vibe despite being the capital city of Wisconsin. Sitting among the city’s most iconic and most popular landmarks is the Madison Memorial Union, which is located within the campus of the University of Madison. The building features a lakeview terrace filled with colorful chairs, allowing visitors to chill out and enjoy the sun. If you are interested in the history of the state or architecture as a whole, head over to the State Capitol building, which was built between 1906 and 1917. The building features lavish council chambers, which were modeled after the famous Doge’s Palace in Venice, along with other architectural highlights. If you wish to stay close to nature, the Olbrich Botanical garden, with its famous Thai Pavilion and Garden, will certainly be a great choice.

As a college city, Madison features numerous cutting-edge establishments that will make your mouth water. For some of the best dining views in town, head over to Graze, where you can also grab some of the best cheese curds in Madison. If you want to enjoy the best brunch in town, Sardine might have what you need.

The busiest bus/train station in Madison is located on Collins Ct. The city is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, 6 miles northeast of downtown.

Station Information

Where is the train station in La Crosse?

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 Madison?

Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

Madison receives travelers from La Crosse at its two active train stations.

All train stations in Madison:

University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot

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