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Cheap train tickets from Columbus to Milwaukee

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Columbus to Milwaukee Train Schedule

Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Columbus to Milwaukee. Traveling by train from Columbus to Milwaukee usually takes 2 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in one hour and 10 minutes.

Distance60 mi (96 km)
Fastest train1h 10m
Lowest price$11.00
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Columbus to Milwaukee was $23.30. 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 $22.54 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Columbus to Milwaukee by travel date

$45$30$15AugAug

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Columbus to Milwaukee will cost between $17 and $43. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Columbus to Milwaukee by month

$50$40$30$20$10SONDJFMAMJJA
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 January when the average ticket price is only $19. If you're thinking of traveling from Columbus to Milwaukee during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $27 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

By booking your train trip from Columbus to Milwaukee on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $22.54 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Columbus to Milwaukee?

There are 3 train lines with service from Columbus to Milwaukee. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak33h 50m$34.73
Amtrak Borealis11h 22m$23.04
Amtrak Empire Builder21h 10m$29.28
  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Columbus to Milwaukee every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $18.

  • Amtrak Borealis train tickets from Columbus to Milwaukee start from $11, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Borealis schedules to Milwaukee. Amtrak Borealis in Columbus leaves from 359 N Ludington St . And in Milwaukee trains arrive at Airport - 5601 S 6th St and one other train station.

    From Columbus to Milwaukee train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 1 hours and 22 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 10 minutes.

    If you're considering a weeked trip, Amtrak Borealis offers 2 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Milwaukee.

  • 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 about traveling by train from Columbus to Milwaukee

The distance between Columbus and Milwaukee is approximately 60 miles, or 96 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 10 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains from Columbus to Milwaukee are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Columbus at 1:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. 3 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?

Airport - 5601 S 6th St  - MKEAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution
Airport - 5601 S 6th St  - MKEAMT-1

Image credit: Haydn Blackey

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Airport - 5601 S 6th St

The Milwaukee Airport Rail Station is located on the western edge of the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The station serves as a rail link for the airport and also as a more accessible transport link for residents living in the south of Milwaukee compared to the central Intermodal Station. Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service is the only train that operates at the station and runs northwards to downtown Milwaukee and southwards to Chicago Union Station, where passengers can change for travel across the entire Midwest region. The airport station also has a shuttle service to the airport terminal.

All train stations in Milwaukee:

  • Airport - 5601 S 6th St

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

Get around town with Moovit

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