The cheapest and fastest trains from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
1 h 19 m
Average duration
1 h 24 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
134 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 12 trains that leave Milwaukee, WI for Chicago, IL on Sat, May 23, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 23 the direct trains cover the 134 km distance in an average of 1 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 19 m .
On Sat, May 23 the slowest trains will take 1 h 29 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.
342 Hiawatha Service7:45 PM1h19Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI9:04 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$311One-way0 transfers
342 Hiawatha Service7:35 PM1h29Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI9:04 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$311One-way0 transfers
338 Hiawatha Service3:00 PM1h29Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI4:29 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$311One-way0 transfers
338 Hiawatha Service3:10 PM1h19Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI4:29 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$311One-way0 transfers
336 Hiawatha Service1:05 PM1h39Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI2:44 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$341One-way0 transfers
342 Hiawatha Service7:45 PM1h19Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI9:04 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$311One-way0 transfers
338 Hiawatha Service3:10 PM1h19Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI4:29 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$311One-way0 transfers
1340 Borealis6:00 PM1h26Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI7:26 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$431One-way0 transfers
342 Hiawatha Service7:35 PM1h29Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI9:04 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$311One-way0 transfers
338 Hiawatha Service3:00 PM1h29Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI4:29 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$311One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
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)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration 1h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 30m 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 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.
Tickets start at around $29 (€24) compared to roughly $24 (€19) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-5.06 (€-4.09). The journey takes 1h 31m versus 1h 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.
Live departures
Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL trains for today, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
336 Hiawatha Service | 1:05 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h29 | 2:34 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
336 Hiawatha Service | 1:15 PM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h19 | 2:34 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
338 Hiawatha Service | 3:00 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h29 | 4:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
338 Hiawatha Service | 3:10 PM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h19 | 4:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
1340 Borealis | 5:49 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h37 | 7:26 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
1340 Borealis | 6:00 PM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h26 | 7:26 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
342 Hiawatha Service | 7:35 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h29 | 9:04 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
342 Hiawatha Service | 7:45 PM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h19 | 9:04 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, May 23 | |||||
330 Hiawatha Service | 6:15 AM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h52 | 8:07 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
330 Hiawatha Service | 6:26 AM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h41 | 8:07 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
334 Hiawatha Service | 11:00 AM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h39 | 12:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
334 Hiawatha Service | 11:10 AM Airport Amtrak Station, Milwaukee, WI | 1h29 | 12:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL by bus or train
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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
Trains from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) 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 29m.
Distance 83 miles (134 km) |
Average train duration 1h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 1h 29m |
First train 6:10 AM |
Last train 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 6 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL from $20 (€16). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
- 24 hours Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 24/7 with access from St. Paul Avenue.
- Milwaukee ChopHouse
- The Capital Grille
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.50
- Hilton Milwaukee City Center
- Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
- The Pfister Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak ticketing and waiting area
- Hall 2: intercity bus services
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Hiawatha Service to Chicago
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
Most popular train connections from Milwaukee, WI
More options for your journey from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
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