How to get to La Crosse

Situated in a picturesque region on the banks of the great Mississippi River, La Crosse attracts travellers with its unique natural beauty and the atmosphere of a cosy American city. You can reach this corner of the USA in various ways, choosing between the speed of air travel and the romance of overland journeys through the Midwest states. A developed transport network allows for comfortable travel planning, whether by private car or using public transport.

The most convenient way to reach the city is to take a flight to the regional La Crosse Airport (LSE), which receives regular flights and ensures air connectivity with the region. The airport is located in immediate proximity to the city limits, making the transfer to your destination quick and untiring.

Alternatively, you can consider flying to neighbouring cities if tickets there prove more favourable or convenient in terms of time. The nearest options are airports in the cities of Camp Douglas (VOK), located 80 km away, and Eau Claire (EAU), situated at a distance of about 113 km from the destination.

At the moment, there is no railway station directly in the city of La Crosse, so getting here exclusively by train is not possible. Travellers preferring this mode of transport are recommended to plan a combined route.

You can travel by rail to the nearest settlements that have stations, and then transfer to a bus or rent a car. The nearest hubs are Camp Douglas (80 km) and Eau Claire (113 km).

For those who prefer budget travel and want to see the country from the window, there are bus routes connecting the region with neighbouring cities. A bus trip is an opportunity to reach your goal leisurely, although travel time can be significant.

One of the available route options is a trip from the city of Eau Claire. The journey will take approximately 15.5 hours, during which the bus covers a distance of about 348 km, which should be taken into account when planning your trip schedule.

A trip by car provides maximum freedom of movement and allows you to enjoy the landscapes of Wisconsin. The route from the city of Camp Douglas is one of the shortest: a distance of 90 km can be covered in just 0.9 hours with free-flowing traffic.

Another popular option is the road from the city of Eau Claire. In this case, the journey of about 139 km will take approximately 1.7 hours. For those not planning to rent a car, the option of a taxi is always available; the cost will depend on the chosen car class and the time of day.

To make your trip to La Crosse as comfortable as possible and leave only pleasant impressions, it is worth noting a few important nuances of local life and infrastructure in advance.

1. Clothing and belongings. The climate in Wisconsin is continental, so dress in layers. In winter, a warm jacket and footwear are mandatory, while in summer light clothing is useful, but do not forget a windbreaker for evening walks by the river.
2. Transport. Public transport is represented by buses, but to fully explore the surroundings and natural parks, it is most convenient to rent a car or use taxi applications.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but having a small amount of cash (1-5 dollar bills) is useful for tips and small purchases.
4. Health and safety. The city is considered safe for tourists. In case of an emergency, call 911. Medical care in the USA is expensive, so having travel insurance is strictly mandatory.
5. Communication. The main language is English. Locals are friendly and willing to help if you know at least basic phrases.
6. Local etiquette. In the USA, there is a culture of tipping: in restaurants, it is customary to leave 15–20% of the bill; it is also customary to thank taxi drivers and service staff.
7. What to avoid. Do not violate traffic rules and parking regulations — fines can be high. Also, avoid discussing sensitive political topics with people you do not know well.
8. Additional tip. Be sure to set aside time for a walk along the Riverside Park promenade at sunset — this is one of the most picturesque places in the city.

Following these simple recommendations will help you feel confident and enjoy every moment of your journey through the American Midwest.