- 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
$66
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
8 h 31 m
Average duration
8 h 56 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
405 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to Milwaukee, WI will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
Of the 3 trains that leave Detroit, MI for Milwaukee, WI on Tue, Jun 16, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct trains cover the 405 km distance in an average of 8 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 31 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest trains will take 9 h 8 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.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to Milwaukee, WI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $206.
Distance: 251 miles (405 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$109 Average price | $76 Average price Cheapest | $499 Average price | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 13m Average total duration Fastest 6h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 40m Average total duration 8h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration 7h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Detroit, MI to Milwaukee, WI:
A bus is $33 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to Milwaukee, WI costing on average $109 (€88).
A bus is $423 (€342) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to Milwaukee, WI costing on average $499 (€404).
Other travel options to Milwaukee, WI take longer:
Flight takes on average 7h 14m.
Bus takes on average 8h 10m.
Tickets start at around $109 (€88) compared to roughly $93 (€76) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.59 (€-12.61). The journey takes 6h 43m versus 5h 30m 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 Detroit, MI to Milwaukee, WI trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:26 AM Detroit, MI | 9h08 | 7:34 PM Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:03 AM Detroit, MI | 8h31 | 7:34 PM Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:26 AM Detroit, MI | 9h08 | 8:34 PM Milwaukee, WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Detroit, MI to Milwaukee, WI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $66 (€54) but you can travel from only $48 (€39) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 15:10. The fastest train covers the 251 miles (405 km) distance in 8h 9m.
Distance 251 miles (405 km) |
Average train duration 6h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 (€54) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 8h 9m |
First train 6:26 AM |
Last train 3:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 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 Detroit, MI 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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