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4 trains operate daily from Portage to Milwaukee. The train trip from Portage to Milwaukee is usually about 3 hours and 8 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can get you there in as little as one hour and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 86 mi (138 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 40m |
| Lowest price | $14.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Average score for trains from Portage to Milwaukee
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: I enjoy traveling by train. It’s comfortable and actually quicker than a bus. Cons: I was disappointed that my trip for November 21 was delayed by 9 hours so I had to change my trip to the next day. I was thankful that I received a text about the delay. But on the next day the train was delayed by 40 minutes and I did not receive any text notification for that. Tips: Not really.
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Portage to Milwaukee was $17.00. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Milwaukee if you book your train tickets at least 22 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $5.00.
2 train services operate from Portage to Milwaukee. Amtrak 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 | 4h 37m | $26.86 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 1h 40m | $17.98 |
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 Portage to Milwaukee every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $20.
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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Portage to Milwaukee. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Portage at 1:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. 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 Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee to Portage.
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.
There is one train station in Portage.
400 W Oneida St
Image credit: Payton Chung
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionThe 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.
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
Airport - 5601 S 6th St
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