The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI
Cheapest price
$108
Average price
$125
Fastest journey
4 h 59 m
Average duration
6 h 33 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
364 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI will cost around $125 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $108.
Of the 5 trains that leave Chicago, IL for La Crosse, WI on Fri, Dec 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Dec 19 the direct trains cover the 364 km distance in an average of 6 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 59 m .
On Fri, Dec 19 the slowest trains will take 10 h 1 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.
27 Empire Builder
7 Empire Builder
1333 Borealis
329 Hiawatha Service · 1333 Borealis
331 Hiawatha Service · 1333 Borealis
27 Empire Builder
7 Empire Builder
1333 Borealis
331 Hiawatha Service · 1333 Borealis
329 Hiawatha Service · 1333 BorealisTravel Information
Compare train and bus for Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €28, and a bus costs an average of €138.
Distance: 226 miles (364 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€88 Average price Cheapest | €138 Average price |
5h 31m Average total duration Fastest 5h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 24m Average total duration 5h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI trains for today, Thursday, December 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
329 Hiawatha Service · 1333 Borealis | 12:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 10h01 | 10:11 PM La Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI | 1 transfer | |
331 Hiawatha Service · 1333 Borealis | 2:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 7h46 | 10:11 PM La Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI | 1 transfer | |
1333 Borealis | 5:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h01 | 10:11 PM La Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
27 Empire Builder | 9:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h59 | 2:04 AM La Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
7 Empire Builder | 9:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h59 | 2:04 AM La Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI by train or bus
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.
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Dec 30
Dec 31
Jan 01
Why should you book Chicago to La Crosse trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from Chicago to La Crosse. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago to La Crosse.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Chicago to La Crosse.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI
Trains from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 226 miles (364 km) distance in 4h 59m.
Distance 226 miles (364 km) |
Average train duration 5h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 59m |
First train 06:10 |
Last train 15:05 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and La Crosse, WI from $35 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at La Crosse, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Radisson Hotel La Crosse
- Courtyard by Marriott La Crosse Downtown/Mississippi Riverfront
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has an enclosed waiting area.
- Bus: Local bus services available
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

