Deutschland
España
France
Italia
México
Nederland
United Kingdom
Cheap train tickets from Milwaukee to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
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 30 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
- RON 96.96
- Trains per day
- 7
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Hiawatha
- Train lines
- 2
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Milwaukee to Chicago Train Schedule
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Milwaukee to Chicago (Based on 57 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
4.0
5.0
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 RON 123.37. 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 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 25.95 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 RON 115 and RON 134. 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 RON 134 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.
Which train should you take from Milwaukee to Chicago?
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 Borealis | 1 | 1h 33m | RON 175.45 |
| Amtrak Hiawatha | 6 | 1h 29m | RON 127.80 |
Amtrak Borealis train tickets from Milwaukee to Chicago start from RON 175.45, and on average cost RON 175.45. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Borealis schedules to Chicago. Amtrak Borealis in Milwaukee leaves from Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave 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 33 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 RON 175.45 for a one-way train ticket to Chicago.
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 12 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.
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 RON 74.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
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 30 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.
First train
6:15am
Last train
7:45pm
Trains from Milwaukee to Chicago are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Saturday
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 is the train station 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 is the train station 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
Need a return trip from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Milwaukee
- Milwaukee to St Paul TrainRON 351+
- Milwaukee to St Louis TrainRON 351+
- Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells TrainRON 129+
- Milwaukee to La Crosse TrainRON 240+
- Milwaukee to Indianapolis TrainRON 360+
- Milwaukee, WI to Las Vegas, NM TrainRON 780+
- Milwaukee to Madison TrainRON 286+
- Milwaukee to Seattle TrainRON 1,533+
- Milwaukee to Toronto TrainRON 910+
- Milwaukee to Detroit TrainRON 392+
- Milwaukee to New York TrainRON 1,103+
- Milwaukee to Dallas TrainRON 891+
- Milwaukee to Phoenix Train
- Milwaukee to Orlando TrainRON 1,579+
- Milwaukee to Green Bay TrainRON 194+
- Milwaukee to Los Angeles TrainRON 1,851+
- Milwaukee to Denver TrainRON 1,071+
- Milwaukee to Nashville TrainRON 706+
Continue by train from Chicago
- Chicago to St Paul TrainRON 402+
- Chicago to Kansas City TrainRON 462+
- Chicago to Milwaukee TrainRON 125+
- Chicago to St Louis TrainRON 254+
- Chicago to Ann Arbor TrainRON 356+
- Chicago to Boston TrainRON 859+
- Chicago to New York TrainRON 979+
- Chicago to Cleveland TrainRON 388+
- Chicago to Indianapolis TrainRON 314+
- Chicago to Detroit TrainRON 351+
- Chicago to Seattle TrainRON 1,745+
- Chicago to Champaign TrainRON 143+
- Chicago to Grand Rapids TrainRON 199+
- Chicago to South Bend TrainRON 143+
- Chicago to Washington DC TrainRON 877+
- Chicago to Miami TrainRON 1,307+
- Chicago to Michigan City Train
- Chicago to San Francisco TrainRON 1,561+
Check out these popular routes
- Baltimore to New York TrainRON 536+
- Toronto to Montreal TrainRON 319+
- Washington DC to Philadelphia TrainRON 337+
- Philadelphia to Washington DC TrainRON 356+
- New York to Boston TrainRON 642+
- Washington DC to New York TrainRON 582+
- Washington DC to New Rochelle TrainRON 457+
- Montreal to Toronto TrainRON 295+
- New York to Philadelphia TrainRON 314+
- New York to Baltimore TrainRON 503+
- New York to Washington DC TrainRON 582+
- Philadelphia to New York TrainRON 300+
- Providence to New York TrainRON 642+
- Boston to New Rochelle TrainRON 416+
- Boston to New York TrainRON 633+
- Philadelphia to New Rochelle TrainRON 212+
- Philadelphia to Hudson TrainRON 346+
- Orlando to Miami TrainRON 208+
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.