- Must visit
Chazen Museum of Art
This free university museum combines art, archaeology, and natural science collections, including rotating exhibitions in a central campus location.
Cheapest price on Oct 07
$39
Average ticket price on Oct 07
$39
Fastest journey on Oct 07
2 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
2 h 20 m
Buses on Oct 07
1
Distance
169 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from La Crosse, WI to Madison, 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 Madison, WI will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
On Wed, Oct 07, we found 1 buses from La Crosse, WI to Madison, WI, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Oct 07 the direct buses cover the 169 km distance in an average of 2 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .
On Wed, Oct 07 the slowest buses will take 2 h 20 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.


Buses from La Crosse, WI to Madison, WI run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $40 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 16:00. The fastest bus covers the 105 miles (169 km) distance in 3h 30m.
Distance 105 miles (169 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 30m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 4:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 2 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Jefferson Lines | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $39 |
The table below shows live departures for La Crosse, WI to Madison, WI buses for today, Tuesday, October 6. 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 | 2h20 | 9:50 PM Madison, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Madison, WI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madison, WI trip today.
This free university museum combines art, archaeology, and natural science collections, including rotating exhibitions in a central campus location.
The state's history museum presents Wisconsin stories through artifacts, exhibits, and Capitol Square access that fits easily into downtown sightseeing.
A compact contemporary art museum on State Street known for rotating exhibitions, community programming, and easy access while exploring downtown.
Madison's central promenade links campus and the Capitol with shops, performances, and frequent street life. It is ideal for an easy city walk.
This downtown square surrounds the Capitol and hosts markets, events, and historic facades. It is the heart of Madison's civic life.
A popular lakeside park with a beach, bike paths, skyline views, and summer activity. It is one of the city's best outdoor gathering spots.
Bratwurst is a Wisconsin staple, often grilled and served on a hard roll with mustard and sauerkraut, reflecting the state's strong German heritage.
Fresh cheese curds are young cheddar curds known for their squeak. They are a signature Wisconsin dairy snack, often eaten plain or fried.
A Friday fish fry features battered or breaded fish with fries, coleslaw, and rye bread. It is a long-standing Wisconsin supper club and tavern tradition.
Refined farm-to-table restaurant serving seasonal tasting menus and polished New American dishes in an intimate setting.
Historic Madison spot known for burgers, cheese curds, and a classic fish fry in a casual tavern setting near the Capitol.
Popular casual restaurant and bar offering Wisconsin comfort food, brunch, beer, and cheese-focused dishes in a lively downtown space.
Moderate for a US college city: hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is affordable, and many casual food options keep daily costs reasonable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is good.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from La Crosse, WI to Madison, 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 Madison, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most La Crosse, WI to Madison, WI buses use the La Crosse to Madison station pair. Use this guide to compare La Crosse, WI and Madison, 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.
Madison has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Madison.
Ticket office support is available at Madison.
Available at Madison: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison: Wheelchair access available.
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