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Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Milwaukee and Rockford. The average train journey from Milwaukee to Rockford takes 5 hours and 22 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 3 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 80 mi (129 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 55m |
| Lowest price | $49.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Rockford?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Rockford was $50.58. 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 $3.42 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average prices by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to Rockford will range from $49 to $55. If you're planning to travel by train to Rockford in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Milwaukee you can find in the next 7 days is $52. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Since ticket prices on this route stay pretty consistent, you don’t need to book way in advance. However, we recommend buying your train ticket to Rockford at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to prevent any unpleasant surprises, like last-minute surges in price or sold-out tickets.
Which train should you take from Milwaukee to Rockford?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Milwaukee to Rockford. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 5h 22m | $52.63 |
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 Milwaukee to Rockford every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $49.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Milwaukee and Rockford is approximately 80 miles, or 129 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 55 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Milwaukee to Rockford are the most crowded on Friday. 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 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Rockford to Milwaukee.
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.
Rockford
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.
Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Milwaukee?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Haydn Blackey
Link to image attributionMain 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 Rockford?
Main arrival station: Van Galder Bus Office
The Van Galder Bus Office is located just off Interstate 51 in Rockford, Illinois. Although the bus stop doesn't have much in terms of amenities, it's in a resting area for road trips and buses. Grab coffee at the Starbucks, food at Burger King, or stay overnight in the Garden Inn just across the street. The terminal, which is operated by Van Galder Buses, services buses that run between Rockford and Madison, as well as Chicago O'Hare Airport and Union Station in downtown Chicago. Within the station building, there's a waiting room for you to enjoy your latte or burger, and a ticket kiosk if you have any questions about your trip.
All train stations in Rockford:
Van Galder Bus Office
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