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Milwaukee to La Crosse train

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Milwaukee - La Crosse Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

7 trains operate daily from Milwaukee to La Crosse. The train trip from Milwaukee to La Crosse is usually about 4 hours and 25 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 19 minutes.

Distance175 mi (282 km)
Fastest train3h 19m
Lowest price$24.00
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Milwaukee to La Crosse

(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

4.4

4.0

Serena

July 17, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: Good price. Cons: Driver seemed unhappy, honked at cars, and was impatient with the riders. He could loudly and clearly announce each place we arrive at, and learn to be polite even with weird or vagrant customers.

5.0

Cody

February 14, 2020- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: The scenic view and comfy ride. Cons: Nothing in my eyes. Tips: Take train cause it’s an amazing experience.

5.0

Abigail

November 3, 2019- Solo travel

Amtrak Empire Builder

Wifi would have made this trip a whole lot better. I had tons of homework to do but was unable to do any of it.

4.0

Timothy

October 6, 2019- Solo travel

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: It was quick and was able to move around easily. Cons: Being able to sit with people I want to sit with, without going to the lounging area.

4.0

Kabel

September 22, 2019- Solo travel

Amtrak Empire Builder

Conveniant

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Milwaukee to La Crosse was $41.78. 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 La Crosse if you book your train tickets at least 24 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $24.74.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20SepSep

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to La Crosse is expected to fluctuate between $36 and $55 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to La Crosse in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Milwaukee is $38.

Monthly avg. prices

$100$80$60$40$20ONDJFMAMJJAS
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Milwaukee to La Crosse. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $49. If you're planning a trip from Milwaukee to La Crosse during October, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $77 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

By booking your train trip from Milwaukee to La Crosse on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $24.74 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Milwaukee to La Crosse?

2 train services operate from Milwaukee to La Crosse. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak54h 48m$50.37
Amtrak Empire Builder23h 20m$46.95

  • 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 5 Amtrak trains from Milwaukee to La Crosse every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $24.

  • 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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Milwaukee to La Crosse. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Milwaukee and La Crosse is approximately 175 miles, or 282 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 25 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 19 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Milwaukee to La Crosse on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Milwaukee at 9:00am 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. 5 of these are direct connections to La Crosse. 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 La Crosse to Milwaukee.

City Information

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.

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 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 departure 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

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

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