- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$33
Fastest journey
1 h 20 m
Average duration
1 h 41 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
134 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 11 buses that leave Milwaukee, WI for Chicago, IL on Sat, Jul 25, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 25 the direct buses cover the 134 km distance in an average of 1 h 41 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 20 m .
On Sat, Jul 25 the slowest buses will take 1 h 50 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




FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 83 miles (134 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$23 Average price Cheapest | $24 Average price | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 16m Average total duration 1h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $0.09 (€0.09) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average $24 (€24).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 46m.
You'll arrive about -1h -16m sooner (1h 46m by bus vs 1h 30m by car) and save roughly $-4.00 (€-4.00) compared to fuel and tolls ($23 (€23) vs $19 (€19)). 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, Greyhound.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $13 |
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, July 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:55 PM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 1h45 | 9:40 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:35 PM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 1h40 | 10:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 25 | |||||
![]() | 3:25 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 1h50 | 5:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 1h20 | 7:50 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 2h15 | 8:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 2h15 | 11:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:20 AM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 1h55 | 11:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:50 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 2h10 | 2:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:10 PM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 1h50 | 2:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:20 PM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 2h15 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:40 PM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 1h55 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 11 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 83 miles (134 km) distance in 1h 20m.
Distance 83 miles (134 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€16) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 1h 20m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL buses use the Milwaukee, Intermodal Station to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago. Use this guide to compare Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL 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