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Cheap train tickets from La Crosse to Milwaukee

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La Crosse to Milwaukee Train Schedule

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

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from La Crosse to Milwaukee.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
€40.91
Avg. Price
€51.99
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
2
Daily Trips
5
Duration
Duration
4h 19m
Duration
4h 21m

Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from La Crosse to Milwaukee. Traveling by train from La Crosse to Milwaukee usually takes 4 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance175 mi (282 km)
Fastest train3h 20m
Lowest price€22.18
Trains per day4
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from La Crosse to Milwaukee

(Based on 9 ratings and reviews)

4.6

4.0

Nicole

July 17, 2023

Amtrak

Pros: Really wish the outlets would work. Cons: Working outlets. Tips: A blanket is always right.

4.0

Nicole

July 11, 2023- Regular commuter

Amtrak

Pros: Ease of trip. Cons: Outlets didn't work. Tips: A blanket is always nice.

4.0

Deborah

December 14, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Not having to drive 4 hours. Cons: Somehow install armrests between the seats. Tips: Please keep your masks on covering nose and mouth unless you are eating or drinking.

5.0

Latroi

December 24, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Comfortable and relaxing. Tips: Take Amtrak, no traffic worries.

5.0

Kabel

November 14, 2019- Solo travel

Amtrak Empire Builder

Quick travel home from school

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from La Crosse to Milwaukee was €43.71. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Milwaukee if you book your train tickets at least 26 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra €26.33.

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

€83€55€28MarMar

The average cost of a one-way train trip from La Crosse to Milwaukee is expected to fluctuate between €36 and €75 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Milwaukee in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from La Crosse is €38.

Monthly avg. prices

€69€55€42€28€14AMJJASONDJFM
Ticket prices for the train from La Crosse to Milwaukee 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 €44. If you're thinking of traveling from La Crosse to Milwaukee during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €67 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

€69€55€42€28€143020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from La Crosse to Milwaukee. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 26 days before departure, you can save around €26.33. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from La Crosse to Milwaukee?

2 train services operate from La Crosse to Milwaukee. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak44h 51m€51.51
Amtrak Empire Builder23h 20m€58.42

  • 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 4 Amtrak trains from La Crosse to Milwaukee every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €22.

  • 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 Milwaukee

The distance between La Crosse and Milwaukee is approximately 175 miles, or 282 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 20 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 Milwaukee tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. 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 Wednesday 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 2:00pm. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. 4 of these are direct connections to Milwaukee. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee

Nestling on the banks of the great Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some of the most scenic views around, making it every photographer’s perfect destination. Boasting 85 miles of scenic waterfront bike lanes, Milwaukee is the perfect spot to ride a bike and enjoy the sunset together with your friends. It is also the home of the Harley Davidson Museum, a vast waterfront gallery that offers 11 permanent exhibitions. The museum features not only bikes but also special items such as a whole engine room, making it a must-visit spot for bike enthusiasts. If you are not interested in bikes, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, offers many wondrous shots.

Milwaukee’s famous German bratwursts are a must-try for all visitors, and the best place to enjoy this dish is Usinger’s. Other similar establishments include Mader’s and Milwaukee Public Market. For authentic American eats, Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-In offers amazing sloppy-joe burgers.

The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the city’s main transportation hub. Visitors can catch both buses and trains at this location. The city is served by two airports. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the southern edge of the city handles commercial flights, while the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in the northwest handles private flights.

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 Milwaukee?

Airport - 5601 S 6th St - MKEAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution
Airport - 5601 S 6th St - MKEAMT-1

Image credit: Haydn Blackey

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Airport - 5601 S 6th St

The Milwaukee Airport Rail Station is located on the western edge of the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The station serves as a rail link for the airport and also as a more accessible transport link for residents living in the south of Milwaukee compared to the central Intermodal Station. Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service is the only train that operates at the station and runs northwards to downtown Milwaukee and southwards to Chicago Union Station, where passengers can change for travel across the entire Midwest region. The airport station also has a shuttle service to the airport terminal.

All train stations in Milwaukee:

  • Airport - 5601 S 6th St

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

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