México
Cheap train tickets from Milwaukee to La Crosse
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Milwaukee to La Crosse. Traveling by train from Milwaukee to La Crosse usually takes 4 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 3 hours and 19 minutes.
| Distance | 175 mi (282 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 19m |
| Lowest price | $24.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
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
Milwaukee to La Crosse Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Milwaukee to La Crosse?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Milwaukee to La Crosse.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$80.47 | Avg. Price$39.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration4h 54m | Duration4h 20mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Milwaukee to La Crosse (Based on 9 ratings and reviews)
4.0
4.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Milwaukee to La Crosse:
- Amtrak tickets: $31 one-way
- Amtrak Borealis tickets: $24 one-way
- Amtrak Empire Builder tickets: $30 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to La Crosse?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to La Crosse was $56.38. 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 $104.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to La Crosse by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to La Crosse will cost between $38 and $87. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to La Crosse by month
Ticket prices for the train from Milwaukee to La Crosse 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 $57. If you're thinking of traveling from Milwaukee to La Crosse during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $90 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Milwaukee to La Crosse on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $104.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Milwaukee to La Crosse?
There are 3 train lines with service from Milwaukee to La Crosse. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 4 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 6h 33m | $75.32 |
| Amtrak Borealis | 1 | 3h 33m | $62.77 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 3h 19m | $105.85 |
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 Milwaukee to La Crosse every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $31.
Amtrak Borealis train tickets from Milwaukee to La Crosse start from $24, and on average cost $62.77. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Borealis schedules to La Crosse. Amtrak Borealis in Milwaukee leaves from Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave and one other station. And in La Crosse trains arrive at 601 St Andrew St.
From Milwaukee to La Crosse train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 3 hours and 33 minutes. If you are looking to get to La Crosse faster, Amtrak Borealis offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 22 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Amtrak Borealis offers 2 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay $24 for a one-way train ticket to 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 Milwaukee to La Crosse
There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. 3 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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Milwaukee to La Crosse for $39.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
3
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 54 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.
Distance (mi)
175
Distance (km)
282
The earliest train departs Milwaukee at 7:24am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:45pm. 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
7:24am
Last train
4:45pm
Trains from Milwaukee to La Crosse are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Saturday
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
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?
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?
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
Need a return trip from La Crosse to Milwaukee?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Milwaukee
Continue by train from La Crosse
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.