background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Cheap train tickets from Milwaukee to Chicago

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We partner with the top coach & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Milwaukee to Chicago Train Timetable

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from£24.14

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

There are usually 78 daily bus trips from Milwaukee to Chicago.

Coach
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
£29.38
Avg. Price
£21.27
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
78
Daily Trips
13
Duration
Duration
1h 53m
Duration
1h 25m

Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Milwaukee to Chicago. Traveling by train from Milwaukee to Chicago usually takes one hour and 26 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour and 19 minutes.

Distance81 mi (131 km)
Fastest train1h 19m
Lowest price£16.90
Trains per day14
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Hiawatha
Train lines2

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Milwaukee to Chicago

(Based on 51 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

lynx

14 December 2024- Business

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: Great trip. Tips: Train can b cleaner.

5.0

Daniel

21 September 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Hiawatha

Outlets between seats did not work.

5.0

Donald

27 March 2024- Couples trip

Amtrak Hiawatha

The Amtrak Hiawatha between Milwaukee and Chicago’s Union Station is what train travel should be like. Inexpensive, convenient and comfortable—all things that son’t describe air travel.

4.0

Randy

5 January 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: The friendly and helpful staff. Red Cap service was outstanding. The promptness of the train. Cons: The pickup area on Clinton Street needs improvement for handicapped people to get into their pickup vehicle. Tips: Travelers should arrive at least 1/2 hour early. It makes the trip less stressful and turns it into a very enjoyable adventure.

5.0

Lisa

6 October 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: Timely arrival. Cons: More RED Caps to help with luggage, ask passenger if help is needed, especially the women. Tips: Make sure you get to your station early.

Milwaukee to Chicago Route Map

Milwaukee Chicago

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Chicago was £20.66. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £4.10 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to Chicago by travel date

£24£16£8FebFeb

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to Chicago will cost between £19 and £23. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to Chicago by month

£40£32£24£16£8MAMJJASONDJF

Ticket prices for the train from Milwaukee to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only £17,

If you're thinking of traveling from Milwaukee to Chicago during September, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £21 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in September, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

£40£32£24£16£83020100

By booking your train trip from Milwaukee to Chicago on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about £4.10 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Milwaukee to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Milwaukee to Chicago. 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 25m£28.23
Amtrak Hiawatha61h 26m£20.20
  • 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 Milwaukee to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £24.

  • 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 Milwaukee to Chicago each day, and 11 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 Milwaukee to Chicago

Your best bet is to take the train from Milwaukee to Chicago, as it’s likely to be the fastest option at a reasonable price. You can purchase a train ticket for around $25, and the ride takes about 1.5 hours.

Compare that to flying, which can cost upwards of $200. Bus tickets average $9, but the ride takes about two hours without factoring in traffic (which you should definitely consider if you’re headed to Chicago during rush hour). Driving yourself is also likely to be a more expensive option, as you have to consider the price of gas, parking and tolls.

The distance between Milwaukee and Chicago is approximately 81 miles, or 131 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 19 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains from Milwaukee to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Milwaukee at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:00. 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 Chicago. 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 Chicago to Milwaukee.

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 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 departure 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.

All train stations in Milwaukee:

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

  • Airport - 5601 S 6th St

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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.

Train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Get around town with Moovit

Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in Chicago. Download here

Need a return trip from Chicago to Milwaukee?

Search Train Tickets

Wanderu is the simplest way to book coach and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.