Cheap train tickets from Columbus to Milwaukee
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 6 daily train trips between Columbus and Milwaukee. The average train journey from Columbus to Milwaukee takes 2 hours and 8 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as one hour and 10 minutes.
Distance | 60 mi (96 km) |
Fastest train | 1h 10m |
Lowest price | €10.54 |
Trains per day | 4 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 2 |

What is the price of a train ticket from Columbus to Milwaukee?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Columbus and Milwaukee cost €15.98, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 23 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around €5.54 more.
Average train ticket prices from Columbus to Milwaukee by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Columbus to Milwaukee will range from €13 to €24. If you're planning to travel by train to Milwaukee in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Columbus you can find in the next 7 days is €13. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Columbus to Milwaukee on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about €5.54 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Columbus to Milwaukee?
2 train services operate from Columbus to Milwaukee. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 4 | 2h 39m | €19.68 |
Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 1h 10m | €13.95 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Columbus to Milwaukee every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €11.
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
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Columbus to Milwaukee on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
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. 4 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?

Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Haydn Blackey
Link to image attributionMain 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
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