How much is the bus ticket from Madison to La Crosse?

The cheapest bus tickets from Madison to La Crosse start from $26. The average price for this route is around $32. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the bus ride from Madison to La Crosse?

The average bus trip duration from Madison to La Crosse is 3h 20m, covering a distance of 106 miles (170 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 2h 5m and is operated by Jefferson Lines .

Which bus companies service the Madison to La Crosse route?

Several major bus companies operate on this route with 3 buses available per day, including services from Amtrak , Megabus , Jefferson Lines .

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Madison to La Crosse?

The earliest bus departs from Madison to La Crosse at 10:20am. And the latest bus departs at 11:40am.

What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Madison to La Crosse?

A bus trip from Madison to La Crosse generates an estimated 4 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

What is the best bus company from Madison to La Crosse?

According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Amtrak , with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 5597 reviews.

Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Madison to La Crosse?

Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.

Which bus company has the most timely service from Madison to La Crosse?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is Amtrak , with a punctuality rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.

Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Madison to La Crosse?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Amtrak , with a cleanliness rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Bus Madison to La Crosse from $25 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Madison to La Crosse on December 1
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		11:40am	Madison WI - Univ. of Wisc. Wisconsin Hist. Soc. (MSN)	3h 20m	3:00pm	La Crosse WI - University of Wisconsin (LSW)	CheapestFastest
		11:40am	Madison WI - Univ. of Wisc. Wisconsin Hist. Soc. (MSN)	3h 25m	3:05pm	La Crosse St Andrew St	No tags

Next departures for Madison to La Crosse on December 2
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:20am	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	2h 5m	12:25pm	632 17th Street North	CheapestFastest
5:45am	Dutch Mill Park & Ride	10h 26m	4:11pm	La Crosse, WI	No tags
11:40am	Madison WI - Univ. of Wisc. Wisconsin Hist. Soc. (MSN)	3h 20m	3:00pm	La Crosse WI - University of Wisconsin (LSW)	No tags
10:20am	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	2h 20m	12:40pm	La Crosse MTU Transit Center	No tags
8:20am	Dutch Mill Park & Ride	11h 44m	8:04pm	La Crosse, WI	No tags

Next departures for Madison to La Crosse on December 3
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:20am	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	2h 5m	12:25pm	632 17th Street North	CheapestFastest
5:45am	Dutch Mill Park & Ride	10h 26m	4:11pm	La Crosse, WI	No tags
11:40am	Madison WI - Univ. of Wisc. Wisconsin Hist. Soc. (MSN)	3h 20m	3:00pm	La Crosse WI - University of Wisconsin (LSW)	No tags
10:20am	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	2h 20m	12:40pm	La Crosse MTU Transit Center	No tags
8:20am	Dutch Mill Park & Ride	11h 44m	8:04pm	La Crosse, WI	No tags

Next departures for Madison to La Crosse on December 5
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:20am	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	2h 5m	12:25pm	632 17th Street North	CheapestFastest
5:45am	Dutch Mill Park & Ride	10h 26m	4:11pm	La Crosse, WI	No tags
11:40am	Madison WI - Univ. of Wisc. Wisconsin Hist. Soc. (MSN)	3h 20m	3:00pm	La Crosse WI - University of Wisconsin (LSW)	No tags
10:20am	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	2h 20m	12:40pm	La Crosse MTU Transit Center	No tags
8:20am	Dutch Mill Park & Ride	11h 44m	8:04pm	La Crosse, WI	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 10:43 PM CST.

Get from Madison to La Crosse

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 3 hours 20 minutes and with fares starting at just $26, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3bus per day

3h 20mAverage Duration

106 milesDistance

4kgCO₂ emissions

Compare bus companies

Amtrak

4/55,618 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5618 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $78

Amtrak Madison La Crosse recent customer reviews

I bought a ticket through Jefferson, they didn't tell me directly where to be picked up on the ticket. I went to the wrong place and wasted 30 dollars. I tried calling customer service and there was no help to be given. I was forced to buy another ticket through Amtrak for another 30 dollars. The bus was late upon going to Madison and leaving Madison.

Kaleb H.

November 2, 2022

Good job

Skyler W.

November 9, 2022

Megabus

3.5/5412 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.7

Cleanliness4.3

Wifi2.4

Customers have shared positive experiences, mentioning that they didn't miss their bus despite initial worries. However, some customers faced difficulties changing booking dates within 3 hours of boarding due to system restrictions.

Megabus US Madison La Crosse recent customer reviews

The bus ride was great but our bus was an hour late. There was no text message or email or anything alerting us that it was running behind. It would have at least been nice to know that it was running late so me and others could have gone to get food somewhere or at leats have known that the bus was going to come because if it wasn't we couldve arranged for other rides.

Olivia V.

September 15, 2025

The bus drove off before the time and I did not get to go to La crosse. I wasn’t late and the bus didn’t depart when it said it did

Rakeem V.

July 1, 2024

I booked the wrong date by accident and then when I try to change the date it wouldnt let me because it was saying that I wouldn't be able to since it was less then 3hrs before boarding

Molly K.

April 11, 2024

Jefferson Lines

4/5759 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4

Wifi3.2

Founded in 1919, Jefferson Lines provides bus services across the Midwest in the US. Their buses have WiFi, USB plugs, bathrooms, reclining seats, reading lights and GPS tracking. Tickets are non-refundable, but you can change the date by paying a fee. Known for their affordable prices and convenient schedules, if you're looking to travel in the Midwest, Jefferson Lines is the way to go.

Jefferson Lines Madison La Crosse recent customer reviews

Very friendly, helpful driver concerned with my making a connection in La Crosse.

Frederick A.

August 8, 2019

The driver was very nice, personable, and charming. The seats did not have a lot of leg room, it was actually very uncomfortable, but the driver was lovely.

Kendra W.

March 19, 2019

US bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Madison, WI to La Crosse, WI by bus

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the bus ticket from Madison to La Crosse?
The cheapest bus tickets from Madison to La Crosse start from $26. The average price for this route is around $32. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Madison to La Crosse?
The average bus trip duration from Madison to La Crosse is 3h 20m, covering a distance of 106 miles (170 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 2h 5m and is operated by Jefferson Lines.
Which bus companies service the Madison to La Crosse route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 3 buses available per day, including services from Amtrak, Megabus, Jefferson Lines.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Madison to La Crosse?
The earliest bus departs from Madison to La Crosse at 10:20am. And the latest bus departs at 11:40am.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Madison to La Crosse?
A bus trip from Madison to La Crosse generates an estimated 4 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Madison to La Crosse?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Amtrak, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 5597 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Madison to La Crosse?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.
Which bus company has the most timely service from Madison to La Crosse?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is Amtrak, with a punctuality rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Madison to La Crosse?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Amtrak, with a cleanliness rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11/29

$29

11/30

$616

Today

$29

12/02

$27

12/03

$27

12/04

$27

12/05

$27

12/06

$29

The cheapest trip from Madison, WI to La Crosse, WI was searched and found on Dec 2, 2025 with a price of $27

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Madison, WI to La Crosse, WI, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $27 to $616 for a bus ticket from Madison, WI to La Crosse, WI based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $27 which is on 2025-12-02.

Usually Amtrak will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.