Cheap bus tickets from Appleton to Milwaukee

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Bus from Appleton to Milwaukee: Journey Information

There are 3 intercity buses per day from Appleton to Milwaukee. Travelling by bus from Appleton to Milwaukee usually takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance
88 mi (142 km)
Shortest duration
2h 10m
Cheapest price
$26.52
Trips per day
3
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
2

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Appleton to Milwaukee Bus Schedule

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Appleton to Milwaukee (Based on 8 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Davis

September 10, 2026 - Visiting friends

Amtrak Thruway
Pros: I liked how the bus driver made announcements for each stop and said what all of the stops would be. I liked that he repeated it multiple times throughout. He was friendly when people asked questions.

5.0

Sandra

September 14, 2024 - Visiting family

Amtrak Thruway
Pros: The driver on the return trip was especially friendly and funny, Cons: Don't know if there was any WIFI on the return trip. Driver never said what the password was if there was any.

5.0

Donald W

March 26, 2023 - Visiting family

Amtrak Thruway
Pros: Nice scenery on the way to Milwaukee. Easy to buy tickets online. Cons: I wish I knew Seniors could get a discount on tickets. I didn't find out til after I bought mine. Tips: The bus station in Appleton is closed on Sundays. Can't go in to get warm or buy snacks and water or use the restroom. I had to stand outside waiting for the Amtrak bus. I walked back and forth to stay warm. This was the day after Appleton got hit by a big snowstorm.

5.0

John F

September 5, 2022 - Vacation

Amtrak Thruway
Pros: Outstanding driver… Tips: Relax and enjoy the ride.
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How much is a bus ticket from Appleton to Milwaukee?

Bus tickets for a trip from Appleton to Milwaukee cost about $31 when you book at the cheapest time, 8 days ahead. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Average bus ticket prices from Appleton to Milwaukee by travel date

$45$30$15NovNov

If you're planning to travel by bus from Appleton to Milwaukee in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $29 to $42. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 6, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Milwaukee this week, bus tickets are available starting at $29.

Average bus ticket prices from Appleton to Milwaukee by month

$50$40$30$20$10JFMAMJJASOND

Travelling from Appleton to Milwaukee by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $38 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$10010

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 8 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $17.21 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Appleton to Milwaukee?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Appleton to Milwaukee that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway12h 45m$41.91
FlixBus US22h 23m$39.81
  • Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railways. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard washroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Appleton to Milwaukee start at $41.91. On average, there is 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trip on this route every day.

  • FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 2 trips per day from Appleton to Milwaukee, and the average ticket for this route costs only $39.81.

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Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Appleton to Milwaukee

There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Appleton to Milwaukee every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Appleton to Milwaukee without transferring. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Appleton to Milwaukee; ticket prices start at $52.

Trips per day

3

Direct trips

3

The bus takes an average of 2 hours and 25 minutes to cover the 142 kilometres from Appleton to Milwaukee. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

Distance (mi)

88

Distance (km)

142

The first bus leaves at 9:30 a.m. and the last bus leaves at 10:05 a.m. To see the times for all buses from Appleton to Milwaukee, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

9:30am

Latest bus

10:05am

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travellers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Milwaukee. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, travelling mid-week is your best bet.

Most crowded

Saturday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Milwaukee

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Nestling on the banks of the great Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some of the most scenic views around, making it every photographer’s perfect destination. Boasting 85 miles of scenic waterfront bike lanes, Milwaukee is the perfect spot to ride a bike and enjoy the sunset together with your friends. It is also the home of the Harley Davidson Museum, a vast waterfront gallery that offers 11 permanent exhibitions. The museum features not only bikes but also special items such as a whole engine room, making it a must-visit spot for bike enthusiasts. If you are not interested in bikes, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, offers many wondrous shots.

Milwaukee’s famous German bratwursts are a must-try for all visitors, and the best place to enjoy this dish is Usinger’s. Other similar establishments include Mader’s and Milwaukee Public Market. For authentic American eats, Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-In offers amazing sloppy-joe burgers.

The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the city’s main transportation hub. Visitors can catch both buses and trains at this location. The city is served by two airports. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the southern edge of the city handles commercial flights, while the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in the northwest handles private flights.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Appleton?

Main departure station: Appleton Transit Ctr

Most buses depart from the main station in Appleton.

All bus stations in Appleton:

  • Appleton Transit Ctr

Where does the bus arrive in Milwaukee?

Main arrival station: Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave  - MKEIMS-0Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave  - MKEIMS-1

The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the major transportation hub for rail and bus travel in Wisconsin. The station is Amtrak’s second busiest in the Midwest. It acts as a gateway for long-distance travel into the American West and also connects Milwaukee to the surrounding Midwest states via the Hiawatha service. Renovated in 2007, the Intermodal Station now also offers a range of intercity bus services from carriers, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. Local bus routes and The Hop streetcar service provide convenient local travel around Milwaukee. Located in the city’s downtown, The Intermodal Station has vast retail spaces, several museums, and pleasant waterways all on its doorstep.

All bus stations in Milwaukee:

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
  • Mitchell Airport - 5300 S Howell Ave

Need a return trip from Milwaukee to Appleton?

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