Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI train with Amtrak

Wed, Dec 17
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI

Showing times and prices for Dec 19

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

Amtrak27 Empire Builder
03:05PM4h59
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
08:04PMLa Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI
$1081One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak7 Empire Builder
03:05PM4h59
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
08:04PMLa Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI
$1081One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak1333 Borealis
11:10AM5h01
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
04:11PMLa Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI
$1341One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak329 Hiawatha Service · 1333 Borealis
06:10AM10h01
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
04:11PMLa Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI
$1371One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak331 Hiawatha Service · 1333 Borealis
08:25AM7h46
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
04:11PMLa Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI
$1411One-way
1 transfer

Travel 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*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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.

Last updated at 2:37 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak329 Hiawatha Service · 1333 Borealis12:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
10h01
10:11 PM La Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI1 transfer
amtrak331 Hiawatha Service · 1333 Borealis2:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
7h46
10:11 PM La Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI1 transfer
amtrak1333 Borealis5:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
5h01
10:11 PM La Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI0 transfersDirect
amtrak27 Empire Builder9:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
4h59
2:04 AM La Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI0 transfersDirect
amtrak7 Empire Builder9:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
4h59
2:04 AM La Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI0 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.

Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
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Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29
Tue
Dec 30
Wed
Dec 31
Thu
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?

Multiple modes of transport
  • 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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

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

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 59m
Cheapest Price
$36 (€28)
Amtrak frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
For a well-rounded visit to La Crosse, WI, consider spending 2 to 3 days to explore major attractions such as Grandad Bluff, Riverside Park, and the Dahl Auto Museum, along with enjoying local dining and outdoor activities along the Mississippi River.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI is not feasible as the one-way travel duration is 4h 59m. There are 4 train options available per day. The distance is 226 miles (364 km).
The train from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI takes 4h 59m and runs 4 per day.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI offers a scenic experience, featuring picturesque views of the Mississippi River, rolling hills, and lush landscapes, making it a visually appealing trip for travelers.
The last train from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI leaves at 3:05 PM.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI is 226 miles (364 km).
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to La Crosse, WI is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to La Crosse Amtrak Station, La Crosse, WI.
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $35 (€28), while the average price is around $110 (€88).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI is by train, with a cost of around $35 (€28).
The first train from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI leaves at 6:10 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI

Chicago
La Crosse
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to La Crosse.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to La Crosse, WI

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