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There are usually 81 daily bus trips available from Milwaukee to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$36.37 | Avg. Price$27.94 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips81 | Daily Trips12 |
Duration | Duration1h 51m | Duration1h 27m |
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Milwaukee to Chicago. Traveling by train from Milwaukee to Chicago usually takes one hour and 27 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Hiawatha train can make the trip in one hour and 19 minutes.
| Distance | 81 mi (131 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 19m |
| Lowest price | $21.00 |
| Trains per day | 14 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Hiawatha |
| Train lines | 2 |
Average score for trains from Milwaukee to Chicago
(Based on 53 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: Safe and sound trip. Cons: None. Tips: Bring your own snacks.
5.0
Pros: Everything was well organized. Tips: Just come before the departure time so everything goes smooth.
5.0
The Amtrak Hiawatha between Milwaukee and Chicago’s Union Station is what train travel should be like. Inexpensive, convenient and comfortable—all things that son’t describe air travel.
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Chicago was $26.56. 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 $5.34 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to Chicago will cost between $25 and $30. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
By booking your train trip from Milwaukee to Chicago on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $5.34 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
2 train services operate from Milwaukee to Chicago. 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 | 1 | 1h 32m | $36.66 |
| Amtrak Hiawatha | 6 | 1h 26m | $26.56 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Milwaukee to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $30.
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 Milwaukee to Chicago 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.
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.
Trains from Milwaukee to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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.
The earliest train departs Milwaukee at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 7 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.
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.
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.
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Payton Chung
Link to image attributionThe 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.
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
Airport - 5601 S 6th St
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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.
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
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