- Must visit
Milwaukee Art Museum
Major lakeside art museum known for its Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion and strong American and decorative arts collections.
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
2 h 10 m
Average duration
2 h 23 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
142 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Appleton, WI to Milwaukee, WI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Appleton, WI to Milwaukee, WI will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 2 buses that leave Appleton, WI for Milwaukee, WI on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 142 km distance in an average of 2 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 10 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 2 h 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Appleton, WI to Milwaukee, WI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a bus costs an average of $23.
Distance: 88 miles (142 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about -1h -29m sooner (2h 30m by bus vs 2h 1m by car) and save roughly $-13.46 (€-11.02) compared to fuel and tolls ($34 (€28) vs $21 (€17)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by FlixBus, Lamers Bus Lines.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 08:09PM | Duration 5h04 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 09:09PM | Duration 5h04 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $43 |
The table below shows live departures for Appleton, WI to Milwaukee, WI buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 9:30 AM Appleton, Transit Center | 2h35 | 12:05 PM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:30 AM Appleton, Transit Center | 2h10 | 11:40 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Appleton, WI to Milwaukee, WI run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:31, the last at 18:55. The fastest bus covers the 88 miles (142 km) distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 88 miles (142 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 10m |
First bus 5:31 AM |
Last bus 6:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Milwaukee — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Milwaukee trip today.
Major lakeside art museum known for its Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion and strong American and decorative arts collections.
Flagship museum telling the story of Harley-Davidson through historic motorcycles, engines, archives, and interactive exhibits.
Science and technology museum on the lakefront with hands-on exhibits, aquariums, and Great Lakes-focused displays.
Signature pedestrian route along the Milwaukee River connecting downtown districts, public art, bars, and city views.
Trendy historic warehouse district packed with boutiques, galleries, markets, and photogenic streets popular with visitors.
Scenic walking and cycling path along Lake Michigan with beaches, parks, and classic skyline and water views.
A Milwaukee classic: bratwurst simmered in beer and onions, then grilled and served on a roll. It reflects the city’s strong German immigrant and brewing heritage.
A beloved Wisconsin tradition found across Milwaukee, usually featuring battered cod or perch with coleslaw, rye bread, and potato pancakes or fries.
Fresh or fried curds made from young cheddar cheese. They are one of Wisconsin’s most iconic snacks and a staple on Milwaukee menus and at beer halls.
One of Milwaukee’s best-known fine dining restaurants, offering refined seasonal American cuisine in an intimate, polished setting.
An iconic local stand celebrated for frozen custard and jumbo burgers. A must for a classic Milwaukee dessert stop with a long-standing local following.
Popular brewery and beer hall famous for fish fry, cheese curds, and local beer. Lively, casual atmosphere that captures Milwaukee’s brewing culture.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels vary by season, while casual dining, beer, and local transit are fairly affordable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for cafes if desired.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Appleton, WI to Milwaukee, WI by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Milwaukee, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Appleton, WI to Milwaukee, WI buses use the Appleton, Transit Center to Milwaukee, Intermodal Station station pair, with some services arriving at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop). Use this guide to compare Appleton, WI and Milwaukee, WI bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need