- Must visit
Ellwood House Museum
A restored 1879 Victorian mansion and estate interpreting DeKalb history, architecture, and the barbed wire era. One of the city's best-known heritage attractions.
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
4 h 20 m
Average duration
5 h 35 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
141 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Milwaukee, WI to DeKalb, 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 DeKalb, IL will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
It's difficult to get from Milwaukee, WI to DeKalb, IL without transferring at least once.




| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $55 |
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI to DeKalb, IL buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:25 AM Milwaukee, WI | 4h20 | 7:45 AM DeKalb, IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Milwaukee, WI | 6h50 | 3:50 PM DeKalb, IL | 1 transfer | |
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 Milwaukee, WI to DeKalb, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $53 (€44) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:20, the last at 12:05. The fastest bus covers the 87 miles (141 km) distance in 4h 20m.
Distance 87 miles (141 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€44) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 20m |
First bus 3:20 AM |
Last bus 12:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of DeKalb — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect DeKalb trip today.
A restored 1879 Victorian mansion and estate interpreting DeKalb history, architecture, and the barbed wire era. One of the city's best-known heritage attractions.
Historic homestead of Joseph Glidden, inventor of a successful barbed wire design. Small but important local museum for agricultural and industrial history.
University art museum with rotating exhibitions of contemporary, regional, and global art. A strong cultural stop on the Northern Illinois University campus.
The city's main walking district with historic buildings, murals, shops, events, and the Egyptian Theatre. The best area for first-time visitors.
A broad walkable campus with collegiate architecture, museums, public art, and green spaces. A key area shaping DeKalb's identity.
Large community park with trails, open lawns, sports areas, and a relaxed local atmosphere. Good for a casual walk or picnic.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, sport peppers, a pickle spear, and celery salt. It is a classic Northern Illinois favorite often found around DeKalb
Thin-sliced roast beef simmered in seasoned jus and served on a long roll, often dipped and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is one of the most iconic regional sandwiches near DeKalb
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. While associated with Chicago, it is a familiar special-occasion dish across Northern Illinois
A popular breakfast and lunch spot known for skillets, pancakes, sandwiches, and friendly small-town diner service
An established steakhouse offering steaks, seafood, and classic American dishes in a polished, traditional setting suitable for a nicer dinner
A long-running DeKalb favorite known for burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and a lively sports-pub atmosphere with a broad beer selection
Costs are generally lower than in major U.S. cities. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and upscale dining vary by season and events.
Tip 15-20% in restaurants before tax. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milwaukee, WI to DeKalb, 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 DeKalb, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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