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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Milwaukee

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Chiku

Chicago to Milwaukee Train Schedule

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from$43.26

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Milwaukee?

There are usually 43 daily bus trips from Chicago to Milwaukee.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$50.38
Avg. Price
$37.42
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
43
Daily Trips
12
Duration
Duration
1h 48m
Duration
1h 22m

Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Chicago to Milwaukee. Traveling by train from Chicago to Milwaukee usually takes one hour and 22 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour and 13 minutes.

Distance81 mi (131 km)
Fastest train1h 13m
Lowest price$30.28
Trains per day14
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Hiawatha
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Milwaukee

(Based on 48 ratings and reviews)

4.9

4.0

Elizabeth

January 9, 2025- Business

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: Peaceful ride can’t wait to take Amtrak again the small older man who was the conductor was very mean. Nicer staff would have been better but overall great ride. Cons: Nicer conductors.

5.0

Shub

September 21, 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Hiawatha

On time arrival

5.0

Sitti

May 9, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: I like trip and buy ticket in wanderu because so many schedule for time and easy to buy tickets online. Cons: Excellent. Tips: Yes they all good and same way going to Chicago.

5.0

Tamara

February 3, 2024- Business

Amtrak Hiawatha

Love the quiet car & glad it has been available for most of my trips

4.0

Randy

January 8, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: Staff very friendly and helpful. I'm disabled and the Red Cap employee pushed me by hand trolley all the way to the train and he loaded my suitcase on the train for me. Excellent service. Cons: The drop off area on Clinton Street for anyone who is handicap leaves alot to be desired. I had to watch out and wait for traffic in order to get out of vehicle. The Clinton St. entrance will work with a little work on handicap drop off area. Tips: Travelers should get there at least 1/2 hour early. It helps for a more relaxed trip.

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Milwaukee?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Milwaukee was $36.18. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $8.75 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Milwaukee by travel date

$43$29$14JanFeb

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Milwaukee will cost between $32 and $42. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Milwaukee by month

$72$58$43$29$14FMAMJJASONDJ
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Milwaukee often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $30. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Milwaukee during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $42 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$72$58$43$29$143020100

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Milwaukee on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $8.75 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Milwaukee?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Milwaukee. Amtrak Hiawatha usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak11h 22m$50.15
Amtrak Hiawatha61h 23m$36.06

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Milwaukee every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $43.

  • Since 1971, the Amtrak Hiawatha Service has operated along an 86-mile track from Milwaukee to Chicago. Amtrak Hiawatha offers a fast connection between the two cities, with an average journey time of only 90 minutes. There are 6 Hiawatha trips from Chicago to Milwaukee each day, and 10 daily trips on weekends. Each train comes equipped with onboard WiFi and checked luggage options. Unfortunately, there is no cafe car onboard, so pack snacks if traveling makes you hangry.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Milwaukee

The Chicago Metro (CTA) does not run to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Luckily, Amtrak has a direct trip between Chicago and Milwaukee that takes less than 1 hour 45 minutes.
Milwaukee is a great day trip from Chicago. Amtrak has a direct train line between Chicago and Milwaukee, and the earliest train leaves Chicago at 6:00 a.m. The latest train leaves Milwaukee at 7:00 p.m. and takes less than 1 hour and 20 minutes to bring you back to Chicago, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the “Cream City.”
The fastest way to get from Chicago to Milwaukee is almost always going to be by train. The shortest train ride between the two cities is as quick as 1 hour, while the shortest bus trip takes at least 2 hours. Even driving yourself takes longer because of traffic.

The General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee does offer a shuttle bus service to and from Milwaukee Intermodal Station called GO Riteway. You will need to make a reservation in advance (online or by phone call), and the shuttle can sit up to 10 people, or you can pay more for a private shuttle.

Alternatively, General Mitchell International Airport is actually a stop on the Amtrak Hiawatha from Chicago, so you may consider just getting off there instead of riding the train all the way to Milwaukee Intermodal.

Yes, there is a direct train for this route called the Amtrak Hiawatha. It takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes, and has three stops between Chicago Union Station and Milwaukee Intermodal Station: Glenview, IL; Sturtevant, WI; and General Mitchell International Airport. Amtrak Hiawatha also offers a Friday Late Night Train, which departs Chicago at 11:25 p.m. and arrives into Milwaukee around 12:54 a.m.

The distance between Chicago and Milwaukee is approximately 81 miles, or 131 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 13 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains from Chicago to Milwaukee are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. 14 of these are direct connections to Milwaukee. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Milwaukee to Chicago.

City Information

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Where is the train station 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

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

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.

Train stations in Milwaukee:

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

  • Airport - 5601 S 6th St

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