- Must visit
Milwaukee Art Museum
Leading lakefront museum with strong decorative arts, American art, and iconic architecture. It is Milwaukee's signature cultural attraction.
Cheapest price
$87
Average price
$87
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
3 h 45 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 $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
Of the 1 buses that leave La Crosse, WI for Milwaukee, WI on Sun, Aug 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct buses cover the 282 km distance in an average of 3 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest buses will take 3 h 45 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 $50. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, and a flight costs an average of $407.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$53 Average price Cheapest | $109 Average price | $408 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 45m Average total duration 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 50m Average total duration 10h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI:
A bus is $56 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI costing on average $109.
A bus is $355 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI costing on average $408.
Other travel options to Milwaukee, WI take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 15m.
Flight takes on average 10h 50m.
You'll arrive about -2h -13m sooner (4h 15m by bus vs 3h 2m by car) and save roughly $-8.26 compared to fuel and tolls ($53 vs $45). 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 Jefferson Lines | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
The table below shows live departures for La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI buses for today, Saturday, August 22. 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, bus, and flight 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 $50 but you can travel from only $27 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 $50 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 50m |
First bus 8:50 AM |
Last bus 4:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Milwaukee, WI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Milwaukee, WI trip today.
Leading lakefront museum with strong decorative arts, American art, and iconic architecture. It is Milwaukee's signature cultural attraction.
Science and technology museum with hands-on exhibits, a dome theater, and major industrial displays. Great for families and curious adults alike.
Large natural and human history museum with dinosaur fossils, the Streets of Old Milwaukee, and cultural collections. A classic city institution.
Revived historic warehouse district with boutiques, galleries, riverwalk access, and handsome architecture. Ideal for strolling and urban photography.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Milwaukee River linking downtown districts. It offers public art, bridges, and some of the city's best easy walks.
Large lakefront park with gardens, blufftop views, and access to North Point Lighthouse. A favorite for relaxing walks and skyline panoramas.
A bratwurst, often grilled and served with sauerkraut and mustard. Milwaukee's strong German heritage makes it one of the city's signature foods.
Beer-battered whitefish or perch, usually served with rye bread, slaw, and potato pancakes. A beloved Friday tradition tied to the city's Catholic and tavern culture.
Fresh cheese curds, often battered and fried. They reflect Wisconsin's dairy identity and are a staple snack in Milwaukee bars and restaurants.
Classic custard stand famed for fresh frozen custard and the Flavor of the Day. Casual, nostalgic, and deeply rooted in Milwaukee tradition.
Upscale supper club and seafood spot celebrated for its Friday fish fry, cocktails, and polished old-school Milwaukee atmosphere.
Traditional tavern and restaurant known for hearty German fare, sausages, and one of the city's classic Friday fish fry experiences.
Moderate for U.S. city breaks: hotels are often cheaper than Chicago, dining is mid-priced, and local transit is limited so visitors may spend more on rideshares or parking.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Round up or tip about 10% for taxis. Cafes often use tip jars or screens; $1-2 or 10-15% is common.
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.
La Crosse is 1 km from La Crosse city centre. Public transport options include:
La Crosse has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at La Crosse. ATMs are available at La Crosse.
Ticket office support is available at La Crosse.
Available at La Crosse: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at La Crosse: Wheelchair accessible.
Milwaukee has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Basic food and drink options are available.
Wi-Fi is available at Milwaukee. ATMs are available at Milwaukee.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee.
Available at Milwaukee: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee: The station is wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need