background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Columbus to Milwaukee train

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android
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.

Columbus - Milwaukee Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Trip Summary

You can pick from 4 daily train trips between Columbus and Milwaukee. The average train journey from Columbus to Milwaukee takes 2 hours and 31 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as one hour and 10 minutes.

Distance60 mi (96 km)
Fastest train1h 10m
Lowest price$8.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Columbus and Milwaukee cost $11.50, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 8 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $6.05 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10AMJJASONDJFM
Ticket prices for the train from Columbus to Milwaukee often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $20. If you're thinking of traveling from Columbus to Milwaukee during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $34 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$53020100

By booking your train trip from Columbus to Milwaukee on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about $6.05 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Columbus to Milwaukee?

2 train services operate from Columbus 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:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak23h 54m$23.49
Amtrak Empire Builder21h 10m$15.00
  • 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 Columbus to Milwaukee every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $10.

  • 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 Columbus and Milwaukee is approximately 60 miles, or 96 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 31 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 10 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Columbus to Milwaukee on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Columbus 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 Columbus.

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 Columbus?

Main departure station: 359 N Ludington St

There is one train station in Columbus.

All train stations in Columbus:

  • 359 N Ludington St

Where is the train station in Milwaukee?

Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave  - MKEIMS-1

Image credit: Payton Chung

Link to image attribution
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave  - MKEIMS-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Milwaukee by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Milwaukee to Columbus?

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.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android