- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
1 h 20 m
Average duration
1 h 39 m
Buses per day
10
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 $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 10 buses that leave Milwaukee, WI for Chicago, IL on Wed, Jun 10, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 10 the direct buses cover the 134 km distance in an average of 1 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 20 m .
On Wed, Jun 10 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
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
Omio 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 $20. 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 $20, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 83 miles (134 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price Cheapest | $29 Average price | $24 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 $0.11 (€0.09) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average $29 (€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 $-4.91 (€-4.00) compared to fuel and tolls ($29 (€23) vs $24 (€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 Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, June 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 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 $20 (€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 $20 (€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 — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Major natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and large family-friendly science exhibits.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park with a U-505 submarine, aviation exhibits, and immersive interactive displays.
Chicago’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate and major events, with strong appeal for first-time visitors and photographers.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River, popular for architecture views, strolling, and social-media-friendly city scenes.
Famous stretch of North Michigan Avenue known for landmark architecture, flagship stores, and busy big-city energy.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
A classic Chicago sandwich of thin-sliced seasoned beef served on a roll, often dipped in jus and topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers.
A well-known Magnificent Mile restaurant serving Mediterranean-influenced small plates, charcuterie, and strong wine selections.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for inventive tasting menus and a polished, theatrical experience.
A legendary Chicago pizzeria best known for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Moderate by U.S. big-city standards. Hotels can be pricey downtown, but food and transit offer good value.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
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.

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