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Buses from Milwaukee to Chicago

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Milwaukee - Chicago Bus Schedule

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Bus Trip Information: Milwaukee to Chicago

There are 9 intercity buses per day from Milwaukee to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Milwaukee to Chicago usually takes around one hour and 48 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in just one hour and 35 minutes.

Distance81 mi (131 km)
Shortest duration1h 35m
Cheapest price$15.38
Trips per day9
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines3

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Milwaukee to Chicago

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Paula

April 15, 2022- Solo travel

Greyhound

Pros: I really like this app so much because the buses are always on time, it has good prices and it is very confortable. Cons: Nothing, everything is excellent. Tips: Be on time and buy your ticket with time. You will find good deals.

Pros: I really like this app so much because the buses are always on time, it has good prices and it is very confortable. Cons: Nothing, everything is excellent. Tips: Be on time and buy your ticket with time. You will find good deals.

5.0

Jesus

September 14, 2019- Solo travel

Greyhound

Pros: The seats on this bus were clean and comfortable, the bus arrived on time despite traffic. Cons: NA. Tips: Would recommend this line for a quick trip between Wisconsin-Chicago.

Pros: The seats on this bus were clean and comfortable, the bus arrived on time despite traffic. Cons: NA. Tips: Would recommend this line for a quick trip between Wisconsin-Chicago.

5.0

Joseph

August 13, 2019- Vacation

Greyhound

Pros: I'm a first time traveler... and they made if for me...like a been traveling for years....loved it... Cons: I wish food court stayed open longer...

Pros: I'm a first time traveler... and they made if for me...like a been traveling for years....loved it... Cons: I wish food court stayed open longer...

5.0

Avery

June 7, 2019- Visiting friends

Greyhound

Pros: Bus driver was awesome. Cons: A little trash here and there on the bus but really pretty clean overall.

Pros: Bus driver was awesome. Cons: A little trash here and there on the bus but really pretty clean overall.

Milwaukee to Chicago Route Map

Milwaukee Chicago

Buses from Milwaukee to Chicago

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Milwaukee to Chicago?

Typically $17.52 is the average price you should expect to pay for a bus ticket to Chicago. This one of the best deals on bus tickets we have seen recently on Wanderu, we recommend booking your travel as prices tend to go up quickly. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

$38$26$13MayMay

Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Milwaukee to Chicago is expected to range from C$18 to C$24. If you are looking to travel to Chicago within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from C$18. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are C$18 and can be found on May 25, 2022.

Monthly average prices

$32$26$19$13$6JJASONDJFMAM
Traveling from Milwaukee to Chicago by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for that route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around C$21 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$32$26$19$13$63020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 28 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save C$8.55 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Milwaukee to Chicago?

There are 3 bus lines from Milwaukee to Chicago available for you to search and book on Wanderu. With 4 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US41h 44m$18.81
Greyhound41h 52m$21.17
Tornado Bus13h 30m$98.77
  • FlixBus US

    FlixBus US

    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 4 trips per day from Milwaukee to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Greyhound

    Greyhound

    Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 4 bus trips from Milwaukee to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 1 hours and 52 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $19.

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  • Tornado Bus

    Tornado Bus

    Tornado Bus is a regional bus company that primarily serves the southern United States and Mexico. Founded in 1993, Tornado Bus Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. For Tornado travel from Milwaukee to Chicago, Tornado operates 1 scheduled trips per day with prices starting from $96.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by bus from Milwaukee to Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all bus passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the bus.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the bus ride?

The bus takes an average of one hour and 48 minutes to cover the 131 kilometers from Milwaukee to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes an hour and 35 minutes. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus trip. 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.

What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?

"Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Chicago at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go."

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Milwaukee?

The first bus leaves at 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Milwaukee to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

How many bus departures serve Chicago each day?

There are 9 scheduled buses that travel from Milwaukee to Chicago 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 Milwaukee to Chicago without transferring.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Milwaukee to Chicago; ticket prices start at $32.06.

City Information

Milwaukee

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.

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Milwaukee?

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

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave - MKEIMS-1

Image credit: Payton Chung

Link to image attribution

Departure stations

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

  • Milwaukee (Downtown)

  • Mitchell Airport - 5300 S Howell Ave

  • 1400 W College Ave

  • Agencia De Viajes Mexico

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Arrival stations

Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

Bus stations in Chicago:

  • Canal St

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • 3501 S California Ave

Related reading

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