La Crosse to Ottumwa: Road Trip Guide & Distance

201.3 miles 323.9 km · straight line
251.6 miles estimated 404.9 km · driving distance
5h 4min estimated drive time
$24 - $30 estimated fuel cost
~54min flight time
198° SSW bearing direction

How far is La Crosse from Ottumwa?

The distance from La Crosse to Ottumwa is 201.3 miles (323.9 km) as the crow flies. Ottumwa is located SSW of La Crosse. By car, the driving distance is approximately 251.6 miles, taking about 5h 4min. A direct flight would take roughly 54min. Both are located in United States — La Crosse in Wisconsin and Ottumwa in Iowa.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for La Crosse and Ottumwa. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from La Crosse to Ottumwa

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 5h 4min $24 - $30 Flexible stops
Fly ~54min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~6h 5min $20–$38* Budget
Train ~4h 49min $30–$88* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between La Crosse & Ottumwa

Quick Facts

La Crosse
43.80°N, 91.24°W
America/Chicago
204m elevation
Ottumwa
41.02°N, 92.41°W
America/Chicago
205m elevation
Explore more routes from Ottumwa

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 67 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 17 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 123.7 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients