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Trip Summary
You can pick from 7 daily train trips between La Crosse and Madison. The average train journey from La Crosse to Madison takes 9 hours and 16 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 3 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 105 mi (169 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 30m |
| Lowest price | $30.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from La Crosse to Madison?
Over the past month, a train ticket between La Crosse and Madison cost $81.50, on average. Booking your trip at least 20 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $39.61 more.
Average prices by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from La Crosse to Madison will range from $65 to $144. If you're planning to travel by train to Madison in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from La Crosse you can find in the next 7 days is $71. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from La Crosse to Madison. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 20 days before departure, you can save around $39.61. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
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 7 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 7 | 9h 16m | $92.64 |
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 7 Amtrak trains from La Crosse to Madison every day, as well as 11 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $30.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between La Crosse and Madison is approximately 105 miles, or 169 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 30 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.
Trains departing from La Crosse to Madison tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. 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 La Crosse at 11:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. 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 7 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from La Crosse to Madison. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Madison to La Crosse.
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?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain 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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