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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Milwaukee
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
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 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Hiawatha train can make the trip in one hour and 13 minutes.
- Distance
- 81 mi (131 km)
- Fastest train
- 1h 13m
- Lowest price
- RON 96.33
- Trains per day
- 7
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Hiawatha
- Train lines
- 2
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Chicago to Milwaukee Train Schedule
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There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Milwaukee:
See more detailsWhat 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 RON 122.48. 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 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 24.91 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Milwaukee by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Milwaukee will cost between RON 110 and RON 138. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Milwaukee by month
Taking the train from Chicago to Milwaukee usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around RON 128 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Chicago to Milwaukee doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
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:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Borealis | 1 | 1h 23m | RON 174.32 |
| Amtrak Hiawatha | 6 | 1h 23m | RON 125.27 |
Amtrak Borealis train tickets from Chicago to Milwaukee start from RON 174.32, and on average cost RON 174.32. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Borealis schedules to Milwaukee. Amtrak Borealis in Chicago leaves from Union Station. And in Milwaukee trains arrive at Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave and one other train station.
From Chicago to Milwaukee train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 1 hours and 23 minutes. If you are looking to get to Milwaukee faster, Amtrak Borealis offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 15 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Amtrak Borealis offers 2 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay RON 174.32 for a one-way train ticket to Milwaukee.
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 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 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.
There are 7 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Chicago to Milwaukee. You can also take a train for your return trip from Milwaukee to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Milwaukee for RON 64.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
7
The distance between Chicago and Milwaukee is approximately 81 miles, or 131 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 23 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.
Distance (mi)
81
Distance (km)
131
The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:10am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:25pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
6:10am
Last train
11:25pm
Trains from Chicago to Milwaukee are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Saturday
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?
Main departure 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.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Where is the train station in Milwaukee?
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.
All train stations in Milwaukee:
- Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
- Airport - 5601 S 6th St
Need a return trip from Milwaukee to Chicago?
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