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Milwaukee to Chicago train

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Milwaukee - Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Milwaukee to Chicago. Traveling by train from Milwaukee to Chicago usually takes one hour and 26 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Hiawatha train can make the trip in one hour and 19 minutes.

Distance81 mi (131 km)
Fastest train1h 19m
Lowest price$15.00
Trains per day14
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Hiawatha
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Milwaukee to Chicago

(Based on 45 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

Randy

January 5, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: The friendly and helpful staff. Red Cap service was outstanding. The promptness of the train. Cons: The pickup area on Clinton Street needs improvement for handicapped people to get into their pickup vehicle. Tips: Travelers should arrive at least 1/2 hour early. It makes the trip less stressful and turns it into a very enjoyable adventure.

5.0

Lisa

October 6, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: Timely arrival. Cons: More RED Caps to help with luggage, ask passenger if help is needed, especially the women. Tips: Make sure you get to your station early.

5.0

Jamai

September 29, 2023- Business

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: I liked how on time everything was. Simple and safe. Cons: More signage and customer service. Tips: Arrive atleast 15 mins early.

5.0

Vito Anthony

July 15, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: Was nice and quiet in the quiet car! Cons: N/A. Tips: Quiet car👍👍👍👍👍.

5.0

Helen

July 2, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Hiawatha

Pros: The quiet car. Cons: You can improve perfection. Tips: If you traveling with children or a group, try not to sit in the quiet car.

Milwaukee to Chicago Route Map

Milwaukee Chicago

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Chicago was $19.21. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $5.27 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$30$20$10MarApr

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to Chicago will cost between $18 and $22. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly average prices

$25$20$15$10$5AMJJASONDJFM
Taking the train from Milwaukee to Chicago usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $25 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$53020100

The price of train trips from Milwaukee to Chicago doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Milwaukee to Chicago?

Amtrak Hiawatha is the one and only train line which connects Milwaukee to Chicago. However, there are 7 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Hiawatha71h 26m$21.11
  • Since 1971, the Amtrak Hiawatha Service has operated along an 86-mile track from Milwaukee to Chicago. Amtrak Hiawatha offers a fast connection between the two cities, with an average journey time of only 90 minutes. There are 7 Hiawatha trips from Milwaukee to Chicago each day, and 13 daily trips on weekends. Each train comes equipped with onboard WiFi and checked luggage options. Unfortunately, there is no cafe car onboard, so pack snacks if traveling makes you hangry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your best bet is to take the train from Milwaukee to Chicago, as it’s likely to be the fastest option at a reasonable price. You can purchase a train ticket for around $25, and the ride takes about 1.5 hours.

Compare that to flying, which can cost upwards of $200. Bus tickets average $9, but the ride takes about two hours without factoring in traffic (which you should definitely consider if you’re headed to Chicago during rush hour). Driving yourself is also likely to be a more expensive option, as you have to consider the price of gas, parking and tolls.

The distance between Milwaukee and Chicago is approximately 81 miles, or 131 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 19 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains from Milwaukee to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 7 scheduled trains on most days. 14 of these are direct connections to Chicago. 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 Chicago 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.

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

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 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 Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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