- Must visit
Milwaukee Art Museum
Lakefront art museum known for its Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion and strong collections of American and decorative arts.
Cheapest price
$62
Average price
$62
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
282 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
Of the 1 buses that leave La Crosse, WI for Milwaukee, WI on Wed, Jul 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 08 the direct buses cover the 282 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Wed, Jul 08 the slowest buses will take 3 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $54. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $54, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $99 Average price | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 45m Average total duration 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI:
A bus is $39 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI costing on average $99 (€82).
Other travel options to Milwaukee, WI take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 15m.
You'll arrive about -2h -13m sooner (4h 15m by bus vs 3h 2m by car) and save roughly $-16.92 (€-13.91) compared to fuel and tolls ($60 (€49) vs $43 (€35)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Infobus, Jefferson Lines.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
The table below shows live departures for La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:30 PM La Crosse, WI | 3h50 | 11:20 PM Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 08:50, the last at 16:00. The fastest bus covers the 175 miles (282 km) distance in 3h 50m.
Distance 175 miles (282 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 50m |
First bus 8:50 AM |
Last bus 4:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Milwaukee — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Milwaukee trip today.
Lakefront art museum known for its Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion and strong collections of American and decorative arts.
Major museum tracing the history, design, and cultural impact of Harley-Davidson motorcycles through iconic bikes and exhibits.
Science and technology museum on the waterfront with hands-on exhibits, Great Lakes content, and an aquarium.
Trendy warehouse district known for shopping, galleries, public market surroundings, and some of the city's most photogenic streets.
Popular pedestrian route along the river linking downtown neighborhoods, public art, and many of the city's signature views.
Scenic walking and cycling corridor with Lake Michigan views, beaches, parks, and easy access to key attractions.
A Milwaukee classic: bratwurst simmered in beer and onions, then grilled. It reflects the city’s strong German heritage and beer culture.
A beloved Wisconsin tradition of battered or breaded fish, often perch or cod, served with sides like coleslaw, rye bread, and potato pancakes.
Fresh Wisconsin cheese curds, often beer-battered and fried. They are a signature local snack tied to the state’s dairy identity.
Classic steakhouse with old-school supper club charm, known for steaks, cocktails, and a long-established local reputation.
Upscale fine-dining restaurant with refined American cuisine, strong wine service, and lakefront views suited to special occasions.
Popular brewery and restaurant famous for beer, cheese curds, and a classic Friday fish fry in a lively riverfront setting.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Casual food and drinks are reasonable, while downtown hotels and fine dining cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Milwaukee, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI buses use the La Crosse to Milwaukee station pair. Use this guide to compare La Crosse, WI and Milwaukee, WI bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need