- Must visit
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Major art museum with a broad collection spanning ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop in the city and especially strong for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$157
Average price
$309
Fastest journey
6 h 11 m
Average duration
6 h 11 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
480 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis, MN will cost around $309 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $157.
Of the 3 trains that leave Milwaukee, WI for Minneapolis, MN on Wed, Jul 08, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 08 the direct trains cover the 480 km distance in an average of 6 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 11 m .
On Wed, Jul 08 the slowest trains will take 6 h 12 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.
1333 Borealis
7 Empire Builder
27 Empire Builder
7 Empire Builder
27 Empire Builder
1333 BorealisOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 53m. 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 $46, and a flight costs an average of $148.
Distance: 298 miles (480 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$120 Average price | $65 Average price Cheapest | $541 Average price |
6h 41m Average total duration 6h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 35m Average total duration 7h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
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 Minneapolis, MN:
A bus is $56 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN costing on average $120 (€99).
A bus is $477 (€392) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN costing on average $541 (€445).
Other travel options to Minneapolis, MN take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 11m.
Bus takes on average 7h 5m.
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN trains for today, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 Empire Builder | 4:45 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 6h11 | 10:56 PM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 0 transfersDirect | |
27 Empire Builder | 4:45 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 6h11 | 10:56 PM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 8 | |||||
1333 Borealis | 12:49 PM Milwaukee Intermodal Station, Milwaukee, WI | 6h12 | 7:01 PM Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€32) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:24, the last at 16:45. The fastest train covers the 298 miles (480 km) distance in 5h 52m.
Distance 298 miles (480 km) |
Average train duration 6h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€32) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 52m |
First train 7:24 AM |
Last train 4:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Minneapolis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Minneapolis trip today.
Major art museum with a broad collection spanning ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop in the city and especially strong for first-time visitors.
Leading contemporary art museum known for modern exhibitions, design, film, and performance. Often paired with a visit to the adjacent sculpture garden.
Museum built within the ruins of a historic flour mill, telling the story of Minneapolis industry and the Mississippi riverfront.
Large urban park centered on Minnehaha Falls, with trails, river access, and photogenic scenery. Extremely popular with visitors and locals.
Linked lakes with walking and biking paths, beaches, and city views. A defining outdoor experience in Minneapolis.
The city's largest lake, popular for walking, paddling, and sunset views. Frequently featured in social media and local recreation guides.
A Minneapolis burger with cheese stuffed inside the beef patty instead of on top. It is a Twin Cities classic strongly associated with local bar and grill culture.
A sandwich made with Minnesota walleye, the state fish, usually fried or grilled and served on a bun. It reflects the region’s lake culture and love of freshwater fish.
A creamy soup featuring Minnesota wild rice, often with mushrooms, vegetables, or chicken. Wild rice is one of the state’s most iconic indigenous ingredients.
An acclaimed restaurant celebrating Indigenous North American ingredients and techniques. It offers one of the most distinctive dining experiences in Minneapolis.
A celebrated North Loop restaurant serving polished Midwestern cuisine in an upscale but welcoming setting. It is one of the city’s best-known fine dining destinations.
A lively downtown restaurant known for creative American comfort food and a popular brunch. It is established, approachable, and consistently well regarded.
Generally moderate by U.S. city standards. Hotels can be pricey downtown, but meals, coffee, and transit are fairly manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 for hotel staff as appropriate.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis, MN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN trains use the Milwaukee Intermodal Station to Union Depot station pair. Use this guide to compare Milwaukee, WI and Minneapolis, MN train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Milwaukee Intermodal Station is 1 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee Intermodal Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Milwaukee ChopHouse, The Capital Grille
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee Intermodal Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Milwaukee Intermodal Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Milwaukee Intermodal Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Milwaukee Intermodal Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee Intermodal Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, The Pfister Hotel.
Airport Amtrak Station is 11 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Airport Amtrak Station has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Airport Amtrak Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need