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Columbus - Milwaukee Train Schedule
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Columbus and Milwaukee. The average train journey from Columbus to Milwaukee takes one hour and 57 minutes, but some Amtrak Empire Builder train trips are as short as one hour and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 60 mi (96 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 10m |
| Lowest price | $13.80 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Columbus to Milwaukee?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Columbus and Milwaukee cost $13.80, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 12 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $19.16 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Columbus to Milwaukee often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $23,
If you're thinking of traveling from Columbus to Milwaukee during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $52 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 12 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Milwaukee from Columbus will be about C$19.16 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Columbus to Milwaukee?
2 train services operate from Columbus to Milwaukee. Amtrak Empire Builder usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 4h 7m | $29.93 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 1h 10m | $15.85 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Columbus to Milwaukee every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $22.
The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Columbus to Milwaukee on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Columbus at 1:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. 2 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 Columbus.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Columbus?
Main departure station: 359 N Ludington St
There is one train station in Columbus.
All train stations in Columbus:
359 N Ludington St
Where is the train station in Milwaukee?
Image credit: Payton Chung
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain 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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