- Must visit
Milwaukee Art Museum
Major lakefront art museum known for its striking Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion and strong collections of American and decorative arts.
Cheapest price
$34
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
1 h 13 m
Average duration
1 h 13 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
134 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Of the 12 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Milwaukee, WI on Sat, May 30, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 30 the direct trains cover the 134 km distance in an average of 1 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 13 m .
On Sat, May 30 the slowest trains will take 1 h 15 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.
337 Hiawatha Service
339 Hiawatha Service
337 Hiawatha Service
341 Hiawatha Service
335 Hiawatha Service
337 Hiawatha Service
341 Hiawatha Service
335 Hiawatha Service
331 Hiawatha Service
1333 BorealisOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 41m. 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 train costs an average of $23, and a bus costs an average of $21.
Distance: 83 miles (134 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price Cheapest | $31 Average price | $22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 15m Average total duration 1h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI:
A train is $2 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI costing on average $31 (€25).
Other travel options to Milwaukee, WI take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 45m.
Tickets start at around $29 (€23) compared to roughly $22 (€18) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-6.87 (€-5.54). The journey takes 1h 41m versus 1h 33m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI trains for today, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
335 Hiawatha Service | 1:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h13 | 2:18 PM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
335 Hiawatha Service | 1:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h29 | 2:34 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
337 Hiawatha Service | 3:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h29 | 4:44 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
337 Hiawatha Service | 3:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h13 | 4:28 PM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
339 Hiawatha Service | 5:08 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h19 | 6:27 PM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
339 Hiawatha Service | 5:08 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h37 | 6:45 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
341 Hiawatha Service | 8:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h13 | 9:18 PM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
341 Hiawatha Service | 8:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h29 | 9:34 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
343 Hiawatha Service | 11:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h29 | 12:54 AM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
343 Hiawatha Service | 11:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h13 | 12:38 AM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
331 Hiawatha Service | 8:25 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h13 | 9:38 AM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
331 Hiawatha Service | 8:25 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h39 | 10:04 AM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
1333 Borealis | 11:10 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h32 | 12:42 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
1333 Borealis | 11:10 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h15 | 12:25 PM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and 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.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€18) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by bus.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 83 miles (134 km) distance in 1h 13m.
Distance 83 miles (134 km) |
Average train duration 1h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€18) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 1h 13m |
First train 6:10 AM |
Last train 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Milwaukee — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Milwaukee trip today.
Major lakefront art museum known for its striking Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion and strong collections of American and decorative arts.
Flagship museum for the iconic motorcycle brand, featuring historic bikes, engines, and exhibits on Harley-Davidson culture and design.
Long-running natural history and culture museum famous for immersive exhibits like the Streets of Old Milwaukee and large science collections.
Signature pedestrian route along the river through downtown, lined with public art, bridges, and city views; ideal for first-time visitors.
Trendy warehouse district known for boutiques, galleries, design shops, and photogenic streetscapes, especially popular with visitors and locals.
Scenic walking and biking route along Lake Michigan connecting beaches, parks, and skyline viewpoints.
A classic Milwaukee and Wisconsin sausage, commonly grilled and served on a roll with mustard, onions, and sauerkraut, reflecting the city’s strong German heritage.
A rich soup made with local beer and cheddar, especially associated with Wisconsin’s brewing and cheese traditions.
Fresh Wisconsin cheese curds battered and fried until golden, a beloved local snack and bar food staple.
An established steakhouse with an old-school supper club feel, known for prime steaks, cocktails, and polished service.
A landmark Milwaukee brewery and restaurant known for beer, cheese curds, fish fry, and a lively, casual atmosphere on the river.
A famous local institution for frozen custard and large burgers, offering a classic Milwaukee fast-casual experience.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining and coffee are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak periods.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5 as appropriate.
The train connection between Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant culture of both cities. Amtrak provides regular service on this route, ensuring a comfortable journey with scenic views along the way. With travel times averaging around 1 hour and 30 minutes, it's an efficient choice for those seeking adventure or business opportunities in either city.
Traveling from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI takes approximately 1 hour and 13 minutes. There are up to 6 direct connections available each day. Passengers can board the train at Union Station in Chicago and arrive at either Milwaukee Intermodal Station or Airport Amtrak Station in Wisconsin.
The first daily train departs from Chicago at 11:10 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to Milwaukee. The last journey of the day leaves Milwaukee at 11:08 PM, allowing visitors ample time to explore the city before returning.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Chicago and Milwaukee is $22 (20€). The average ticket price tends to be around $25 (23€), providing travelers with a range of options depending on their booking preferences.
Welcome to the Milwaukee Art Museum, a stunning architectural marvel designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its iconic wings open and close with the rhythm of Lake Michigan's winds, symbolizing both art and nature’s harmony while housing over 30,000 works that span centuries. This museum is not just about visual beauty; it serves as a cultural hub for our community, hosting events that inspire creativity and dialogue.
Next on our journey is the Harley-Davidson Museum, where history comes alive through the legendary tales of American freedom on two wheels. Opened in 2008 at its original factory site along the Kinnickinnic River, this museum showcases more than 450 motorcycles alongside interactive exhibits that celebrate innovation and rebellion in motorcycle culture. It’s an exhilarating experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike—an invitation to embrace adventure!
Finally, we arrive at Pabst Mansion—a splendid example of Flemish Renaissance architecture built by beer baron Frederick Pabst in 1892. With its ornate woodwork and exquisite stained glass windows reflecting Milwaukee's brewing heritage, this mansion offers a glimpse into opulent living during America’s Gilded Age. As you explore its grand rooms filled with rich history and stories from one family’s legacy intertwined with our city’s growth—you’ll feel transported back in time!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Milwaukee, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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