Cheap train tickets from Milwaukee to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Milwaukee to Chicago. Traveling by train from Milwaukee to Chicago usually takes one hour and 28 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 | 7 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Hiawatha |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Milwaukee to Chicago Train Schedule
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Milwaukee to Chicago Route Map
There are several train options that can take you from Milwaukee to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Chicago was $27.32. 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 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $4.83 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to Chicago will cost between $25 and $31. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to Chicago by month
Taking the train from Milwaukee to Chicago usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $29 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Milwaukee to Chicago 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.
What train companies travel from Milwaukee to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Milwaukee to Chicago, including Amtrak Hiawatha, Amtrak Borealis. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Hiawatha | 6 | 1h 27m | $28.58 |
| Amtrak Borealis | 1 | 1h 31m | $38.00 |
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.
Amtrak Borealis train tickets from Milwaukee to Chicago start from $38, and on average cost $38. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Borealis schedules to Chicago. Amtrak Borealis in Milwaukee leaves from Airport - 5601 S 6th St and one other station. And in Chicago trains arrive at Union Station.
From Milwaukee to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 1 hours and 31 minutes. If you are looking to get to Chicago faster, Amtrak Borealis offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 26 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Amtrak Borealis offers 2 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay $38 for a one-way train ticket to Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Milwaukee to Chicago
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.
There are 7 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Milwaukee to Chicago. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Milwaukee. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Milwaukee to Chicago for $16.
TRIPS PER DAY
7
DIRECT TRIPS
7
The distance between Milwaukee and Chicago is approximately 81 miles, or 131 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 19 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 Milwaukee at 6:15am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:45pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:15am
LATEST TRAIN
7:45pm
Trains from Milwaukee to Chicago 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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.
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Milwaukee?
Main departure 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
Where does the train arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival 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
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