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Detroit to Milwaukee train

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Detroit to Milwaukee Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Detroit and Milwaukee. The average train journey from Detroit to Milwaukee takes 10 hours and 41 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 6 hours and 52 minutes.

Distance252 mi (405 km)
Fastest train6h 52m
Lowest price$63.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Detroit to Milwaukee was $80.34. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $34.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$120$80$40SepOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Detroit to Milwaukee will cost between $72 and $115. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly avg. prices

$100$80$60$40$20NDJFMAMJJASO
Ticket prices for the train from Detroit to Milwaukee often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $69. If you're thinking of traveling from Detroit to Milwaukee during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $98 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$253020100

By booking your train trip from Detroit to Milwaukee on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time, you can save about $34.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Detroit to Milwaukee?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Detroit to Milwaukee. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak210h 41m$91.52
  • 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 Detroit to Milwaukee every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $63.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Detroit to Milwaukee. 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.

The distance between Detroit and Milwaukee is approximately 252 miles, or 405 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 41 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 52 minutes.

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Trains from Detroit 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Detroit at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Detroit twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

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

City Information

Detroit

Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.

As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.

The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.

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 Detroit?

11 W Baltimore Ave - DETAMT-0

Image credit: JasonParis

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Main departure station: 11 W Baltimore Ave

Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travelers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean restrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighborhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.

All train stations in Detroit:

  • 11 W Baltimore Ave

Where is the train station in Milwaukee?

Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave  - MKEIMS-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

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Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave  - MKEIMS-1

Image credit: Payton Chung

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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

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