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Trains from Milwaukee to Chicago

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Milwaukee - Chicago Train Timetable

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Train Route Overview: Milwaukee to Chicago

There are 15 daily trains from Milwaukee to Chicago. Traveling by train from Milwaukee to Chicago usually takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Hiawatha train can make the trip in one hour and 19 minutes.

Distance81 mi (131 km)
Fastest train1h 19m
Lowest price£20.48
Trains per day14
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Milwaukee to Chicago

(Based on 24 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Donna

20 May 2022- Business

Amtrak Hiawatha

Helpful with my bag… very friendly!!

Helpful with my bag… very friendly!!

4.0

MaryAnn

26 February 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: Saved driving to Chicago. Taking the train I knew I would get there in 1 hr. 20 min. (except our train had. Rake problems, but they were able to fix them and the delay was only a half hour-this was most unusual). Cons: Add more trains a day. I think ridership ...

Pros: Saved driving to Chicago. Taking the train I knew I would get there in 1 hr. 20 min. (except our train had. Rake problems, but they were able to fix them and the delay was only a half hour-this was most unusual). Cons: Add more trains a day. I think ridership is back up to precovid times. The 11:00 train from Milwaukee to Chicago didn’t have an empty seat. Tips: No beverages available.

More

4.0

Gandhi

22 December 2021- Vacation

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: The timeliness of the the train at departures and arrivals. The use of e tickets made it more trendy and keeping with advancement in technology and green friendly. Cons: Seats could be better fixed because it was only sliding. Probably usb charging ports. Proba...

Pros: The timeliness of the the train at departures and arrivals. The use of e tickets made it more trendy and keeping with advancement in technology and green friendly. Cons: Seats could be better fixed because it was only sliding. Probably usb charging ports. Probably daily, weekly, monthly, 6 months and yearly passes at reduced rates. To encourage more travelers. Provide visitation of specific sites at destinations or points of interests for visitors. Tips: Book in advance to maximize cheaper rates and always arrive 30 minutes before departure and acclimatize your self with the process.

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4.0

Martina

24 November 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Hiawatha

Quick and smooth ride

Quick and smooth ride

5.0

Guy

28 October 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: comfortable and on time. Cons: Working WiFi.

Pros: comfortable and on time. Cons: Working WiFi.

Milwaukee to Chicago Route Map

Milwaukee Chicago

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

In the last month, £28.91 was the average price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Chicago. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 4 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £3.60 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

£37£25£12JunJul

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to Chicago will vary between £30 and £33. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Milwaukee over the next 7 days is £30. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

£41£33£25£16£8JASONDJFMAMJ
Traveling from Milwaukee to Chicago by train will cost you about the same regardless of the time of year for which you plan your trip. In general, train ticket prices for that route don’t fluctuate much throughout the year, so expect to pay around £20 whenever you decide to board the train to Chicago.

Prices as travel date approaches

£41£33£25£16£83020100

Since the average price of train trips from Milwaukee to Chicago remains pretty consistent throughout the year, there’s no need to book your tickets too far in advance. However, we still recommend you purchase your train tickets at least 48 hours ahead of departure time to avoid surprise last-minute surges and the risk of the train selling out.

Which train should you take from Milwaukee to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Milwaukee to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 8 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak86h 56m£37.43
Amtrak Hiawatha71h 27m£20.48
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 8 Amtrak trains from Milwaukee to Chicago every day, as well as 25 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £27.

  • Amtrak Hiawatha

    Amtrak Hiawatha

    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 7 Hiawatha trips from Milwaukee to Chicago each day, and 13 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

Is it better to fly, drive or take the 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.

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

Our train 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, train 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 train 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 train.

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.

Can you take a train all the way from Milwaukee to Chicago?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Milwaukee to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from Milwaukee to Chicago?

The distance between Milwaukee and Chicago is approximately 81 miles, or 131 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 45 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Milwaukee to Chicago 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.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Milwaukee at 00:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 22:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Milwaukee to Chicago?

There are 15 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

  • Radisson Hotel & Conference Ctr

  • UoW Gruenhagen Conf Ctr - 208 Osceola St

  • Appleton Transit Ctr

  • Bus Terminal - 901 University Ave

  • Transit Ctr - 555 Jefferson St

  • Park & Ride Lot

  • UoW Health Ctr - 2050 4th Ave

  • Lamers Bus Lines Station

  • 200 Division St

  • Sheboygan Transit

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

  • Shell Station - 1701 S 41st St

  • Union Depot

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Union Station

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:

  • Union Station

Related reading

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