Cheap train tickets from Milwaukee to Columbus

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Milwaukee to Columbus. Traveling by train from Milwaukee to Columbus usually takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Borealis train can make the trip in 1 hour and 6 minutes.

Distance: 60 mi (96 km)
Fastest train: 1h 6m
Lowest price: RON 52.71
Trains per day: 7
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 3

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 Columbus Train Schedule

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Milwaukee to Columbus (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Mike

September 25, 2023 - Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: Amtrak is a great way to travel! Cons: Nothing

There are several train options that can take you from Milwaukee to Columbus:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Columbus?

In the last month, train tickets from Milwaukee to Columbus cost about RON 93 when booked at the cheapest time. 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 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 53.43 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to Columbus by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to Columbus will cost between RON 72 and RON 206. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to Columbus by month

Ticket prices for the train from Milwaukee to Columbus often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only RON 91. If you're thinking of traveling from Milwaukee to Columbus during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 158 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Milwaukee to Columbus on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 53.43 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Milwaukee to Columbus?

There are 3 train lines with service from Milwaukee to Columbus. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 4 trains each day.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	4	4h 19m	RON 137.62
Amtrak Borealis	1	1h 17m	RON 107.70
Amtrak Empire Builder	2	1h 10m	RON 78.47

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 4 Amtrak trains from Milwaukee to Columbus every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 86.26.
Amtrak Borealis train tickets from Milwaukee to Columbus start from RON 52.71, and on average cost RON 107.70. Daily, Amtrak Borealis runs one schedule to Columbus. Amtrak Borealis in Milwaukee leaves from Airport - 5601 S 6th St and one other station. And in Columbus trains arrive at 359 N Ludington St.
From Milwaukee to Columbus train travel on Amtrak Borealis takes 1 hour and 17 minutes. If you are looking to get to Columbus faster, Amtrak Borealis offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hour and 6 minutes.
If you're considering a weekend trip, Amtrak Borealis offers 2 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay RON 52.71 for a one-way train ticket to Columbus.
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 about traveling by train from Milwaukee to Columbus

There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. Of these, 3 are direct connections to Columbus. 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 Columbus to Milwaukee.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Milwaukee and Columbus is approximately 60 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour and 6 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Distance (mi)

Distance (km)

The earliest train departs Milwaukee at 7:24 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 4:45 PM. 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

7:24am

Last train

4:45pm

Trains from Milwaukee to Columbus 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

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.

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 Columbus?

Main arrival station: 359 N Ludington St

Columbus has one train station.

All train stations in Columbus:

359 N Ludington St

Need a return trip from Columbus to Milwaukee?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

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.