The cheapest and fastest trains from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$133
Average price
$142
Fastest journey
5 h 8 m
Average duration
5 h 41 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
364 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL will cost around $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $133.
Of the 3 trains that leave La Crosse, WI for Chicago, IL 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 5 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 8 m .
On Fri, Dec 19 the slowest trains will take 6 h 47 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.






Travel Information
Compare train and bus for La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL 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 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €28, and a bus costs an average of €139.
Distance: 226 miles (364 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€80 Average price Cheapest | €139 Average price |
5h 36m Average total duration Fastest 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:37 PM La Crosse, WI | 5h08 | 9:45 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:12 PM La Crosse, WI | 6h52 | 2:04 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:17 PM La Crosse, WI | 5h04 | 12:21 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL 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 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Why should you book La Crosse to Chicago trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from La Crosse to Chicago. 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 La Crosse to Chicago.
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 La Crosse to Chicago.
Journey information
Overview: Train from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL
Trains from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 6m. 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 58m.
Distance 226 miles (364 km) |
Average train duration 5h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 58m |
First train 06:10 |
Last train 15:05 |
Train companies: Amtrak from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between La Crosse, WI and Chicago, IL from $35 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL
The train connection between La Crosse, WI and Chicago, IL is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant city of Chicago. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their journey while enjoying a relaxing ride through picturesque landscapes.
Train Connection: La Crosse to Chicago
The train connection from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL takes approximately 5 hours and 8 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day, departing from La Crosse Amtrak Station and arriving at Union Station in Chicago.
La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL
The first daily train journey departs from La Crosse at 16:37 and arrives in Chicago at 17:37. This connection offers a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant culture of Chicago after a scenic ride through Wisconsin.
Train Tickets Price from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between La Crosse and Chicago is $49 (44.1€). This fare provides an affordable option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in the Midwest.
Exploring Chicago's Iconic Attractions
Welcome to the Willis Tower, once known as the Sears Tower, which held the title of the tallest building in the world for 25 years after its completion in 1973. This iconic skyscraper not only symbolizes Chicago's architectural innovation but also offers breathtaking views from its Skydeck on the 103rd floor, where you can step out onto The Ledge—glass boxes that extend over four feet outside of the building! As we explore this landmark, you'll discover how it has become a vital part of Chicago’s skyline and an essential stop for visitors seeking panoramic vistas.
Next up is Millennium Park, a vibrant urban oasis that opened in 2004 and quickly became one of Chicago's most beloved attractions. Home to stunning art installations like Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate (affectionately known as "The Bean") and outdoor concerts at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, this park seamlessly blends nature with culture while providing spaces for relaxation and recreation amidst towering city buildings. Its unique design features sustainable landscaping elements that enhance both beauty and environmental consciousness—a true testament to modern urban planning.
Finally, let’s head over to Navy Pier—a historic waterfront destination originally built in 1916 as a shipping facility—and now transformed into a lively entertainment hub attracting millions each year. With its amusement rides like The Centennial Wheel offering thrilling views over Lake Michigan alongside diverse dining options and cultural events throughout every season, Navy Pier captures both nostalgia and excitement all at once. Don’t miss exploring its beautiful gardens or catching a show at one of its theaters; there truly is something here for everyone!
FAQs: Trains from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from La Crosse, WI
More options for your journey from La Crosse, WI to Chicago, IL
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