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Trip Summary
You can pick from 4 daily train trips between Milwaukee and Staples. The average train journey from Milwaukee to Staples takes 10 hours and 37 minutes, but some Amtrak Empire Builder train trips are as short as 9 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 408 mi (657 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 25m |
| Lowest price | $54.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Staples?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Staples was $57.00. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Staples if you book your train tickets at least 14 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $199.67.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Milwaukee to Staples. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 14 days before departure, you can save around $199.67. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Milwaukee to Staples?
2 train services operate from Milwaukee to Staples. Amtrak Empire Builder usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 11h 51m | $76.50 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 9h 25m | $80.95 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Milwaukee to Staples every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $60.
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
The distance between Milwaukee and Staples is approximately 408 miles, or 657 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 25 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 Staples 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Milwaukee at 2:00pm 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Staples. 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 Staples 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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Milwaukee?
Image credit: Payton Chung
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
The 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.
All train stations in Milwaukee:
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
Airport - 5601 S 6th St
Where is the train station in Staples?
Main arrival station: First Ave NE and Fourth St NE
Staples has one train station.
All train stations in Staples:
First Ave NE and Fourth St NE
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Need a return trip from Staples to Milwaukee?
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