Train from Chicago to Milwaukee – Route Overview
The train from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI is a fast and frequent regional rail route connecting Illinois and Wisconsin. Covering approximately 83 miles (134 km), the fastest trains complete the journey in about 1 hour 13 minutes, while average travel time depends on service type. With around 12–14 daily departures, this route offers convenient and reliable travel throughout the day.
Traveling Chicago to Milwaukee by Train
Traveling from Chicago to Milwaukee by train takes approximately 1 hour 13 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes on the fastest services. The average journey duration is typically around 1 hour 20–45 minutes, depending on departure time and service conditions.
Trains operate roughly every 2 to 3 hours, with the first train departing around 06:10 and the last train leaving close to 23:25. All scheduled trains on this route are direct, making it one of the simplest rail journeys in the Midwest.
Passengers can expect comfortable seating, onboard restrooms, power outlets, Wi-Fi on most services, and space for luggage. The short distance and frequent departures make this train route ideal for business trips, day travel, and weekend getaways.
Cheapest Train from Chicago to Milwaukee
The cheapest train ticket from Chicago to Milwaukee typically starts from around $23–$28, depending on booking time and availability. If tickets are purchased on the day of travel, the average price is usually around $35–$36.
To find cheap train tickets:
While buses may start slightly cheaper at around $20, the train offers faster travel time and more comfort, making it a preferred option for many travelers.
Fastest Train from Chicago to Milwaukee
The fastest train from Chicago to Milwaukee completes the 83-mile journey in just 1 hour 13 minutes. All 12 daily trains on this route are direct, so passengers do not need to worry about changes or long layovers.
Most trains complete the trip in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, with only slight variations depending on service conditions. Because the route is short and fully direct, rail travel remains the quickest and most efficient way to reach Milwaukee from Chicago.
Chicago to Milwaukee Train Schedule & Timetable
The Chicago to Milwaukee train schedule operates daily with frequent direct departures between Chicago Union Station and Milwaukee Intermodal Station, with some trains also stopping at Milwaukee Airport Amtrak Station (MKE). On average, around 12 direct trains run each day, making it easy to find a departure that fits your travel plans.
The first train from Chicago to Milwaukee usually departs at 06:10 AM, while the last train leaves around 11:25 PM. Most trains complete the journey in approximately 1 hour 13 minutes to 1 hour 29 minutes, depending on the number of stops and arrival station.
Trains typically run every 2 to 3 hours, providing flexible options for commuters, business travelers, and day-trip passengers.
Chicago to Milwaukee Train Duration & Distance
How Long Is the Train from Chicago to Milwaukee?
The train from Chicago to Milwaukee covers a total distance of 83 miles (134 km) and is one of the fastest regional rail routes in the Midwest. The fastest Chicago to Milwaukee train completes the journey in just 1 hour 13 minutes, while the average travel time typically ranges between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 29 minutes, depending on the arrival station and scheduled stops.
Because all trains on this route are direct, passengers do not need to worry about transfers or connections. The short journey time makes the Chicago to Milwaukee train ride faster and more predictable than driving, especially during peak traffic hours on Interstate 94.
Whether you are commuting, heading to Milwaukee Intermodal Station, or traveling to Milwaukee Airport (MKE), the consistent train duration makes rail travel a reliable and time-efficient option.
Chicago to Milwaukee Train Time Overview
Below is a quick summary of the Chicago to Milwaukee train duration and distance:
Chicago to Milwaukee Train Ticket Prices
How Much Is the Train from Chicago to Milwaukee?
The Chicago to Milwaukee train ticket price is affordable compared to most regional rail routes. A one-way train ticket from Chicago to Milwaukee typically starts from around $22–$25, while the average ticket price usually ranges between $25 and $30, depending on booking time, travel demand, and departure schedule.
Unlike long-distance routes, fares on this short corridor remain relatively stable throughout the year. Ticket prices are the same whether you travel to Milwaukee Intermodal Station or Milwaukee Airport Amtrak Station (MKE), with no additional charges for airport stops.
Booking early and choosing off-peak departures can help secure the cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Milwaukee.
Chicago → Milwaukee Train Fare Breakdown
Typical Chicago to Milwaukee train ticket price summary based on common booking patterns:
How to Find Cheap Train Tickets
Finding cheap train tickets from Chicago to Milwaukee is easy if you plan ahead. Ticket prices are usually lowest when booked early and when traveling outside peak commuter hours.
Because all trains on this route offer the same onboard comfort and direct service, choosing a less busy departure time can often help you secure the lowest ticket price.
Chicago to Milwaukee Transportation Comparison – Train vs Bus vs Car vs Flight
What Is the Best Way to Travel from Chicago to Milwaukee?
When traveling the 83 miles (134 km) from Chicago to Milwaukee, there are four main transportation options: train, bus, car, and flight. For most travelers, the Chicago to Milwaukee train is the fastest and most reliable choice, offering direct departures, consistent travel times, and comfortable onboard amenities.
While buses can sometimes be slightly cheaper, they are more affected by traffic conditions. Driving offers flexibility but depends heavily on congestion along I-94. Flying is rarely practical due to airport check-in time, security procedures, and higher overall cost.
Chicago → Milwaukee: Train vs Bus vs Car vs Flight
Below is a detailed Chicago to Milwaukee transportation comparison:
| Mode | Average Duration | Price Range | Daily Frequency | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Train (Amtrak Hiawatha)
|
1h 13m – 1h 29m | $22–$30 | ~12 trains/day | Fastest, direct, WiFi, power outlets, predictable schedule | Limited very late-night departures | Commuters, business travelers, most passengers |
|
Bus (Greyhound / FlixBus)
|
1h 30m – 2h | $18–$25 | ~3–6 buses/day | Often cheapest option, WiFi available | Traffic delays, fewer departures | Budget travelers |
|
Car (Self-Drive)
|
1h 30m – 2h+ | Fuel + tolls + parking | Flexible | Door-to-door flexibility | Traffic on I-94, parking cost in Milwaukee | Families, flexible trips |
|
Flight (ORD → MKE)
|
3h+ total | $200+ | Limited | Useful for airline connections only | Airport check-in, security time, highest cost | Connecting flights only |
The fastest way to travel from Chicago to Milwaukee is by train, with journey times as low as 1 hour 13 minutes. Unlike road travel, trains are not affected by highway congestion, making them the most consistent option during peak commuter hours.
The cheapest way to travel from Chicago to Milwaukee is usually by bus, with fares starting around $18–$20. However, the train remains competitively priced at $22–$25, offering a better balance between speed and comfort.
For travelers concerned about sustainability, the Chicago to Milwaukee train produces significantly lower CO₂ emissions compared to driving or flying. Rail travel remains one of the most environmentally efficient transportation options between the two cities.
Train Companies Operating Chicago to Milwaukee
Which Train Companies Run Between Chicago and Milwaukee?
The primary train company operating the Chicago to Milwaukee route is Amtrak, which runs frequent direct services through its popular Hiawatha Service. This corridor is one of the busiest short-distance rail routes in the Midwest, with multiple daily departures and fully direct trains connecting Chicago Union Station with Milwaukee Airport Amtrak Station and Milwaukee Intermodal Station.
Unlike some long-distance routes, Amtrak is the only scheduled passenger train operator on this route, ensuring consistent schedules, standardized ticket pricing, and reliable service quality.
Amtrak – Main Train Operator
Amtrak is the national passenger rail provider in the United States, operating more than 300 trains daily across 500+ destinations. On the Chicago–Milwaukee corridor, Amtrak runs the Hiawatha Service, specifically designed for fast and frequent regional travel.
🎫 Amtrak Onboard Amenities
Do Other Train Companies Operate This Route?
No — Amtrak is the only passenger train company running direct trains between Chicago and Milwaukee. Unlike bus routes that have multiple operators, this rail corridor is exclusively served by the Hiawatha Service, ensuring consistent travel time, predictable schedules, and uniform onboard experience.
Chicago to Milwaukee Train Stations Guide
Major Train Stations on the Chicago to Milwaukee Route
The train from Chicago to Milwaukee operates between three key stations: Chicago Union Station (departure), Milwaukee Airport Amtrak Station, and Milwaukee Intermodal Station (arrival). All Amtrak Hiawatha trains run direct between these stations, making travel simple and convenient for commuters and visitors.
Below is a complete guide to Chicago to Milwaukee train stations, including amenities, address, and transport connections.
| Address | 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA |
| Phone | +1 800-872-7245 |
| Office Hours | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Daily) |
| City Center | ~3 km distance |
| Platforms | 24 |
| Address | 433 West St. Paul Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA |
| Phone | 1-800-USA-RAIL |
| Office Hours | Open 24 hours (Daily) |
| City Center | ~1 km distance |
| Platforms | 8 |
| Address | 5601 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53221, USA |
| Phone | +1 800-872-7245 |
| City Distance | ~11 km from Downtown |
Ideal for seamless transfers between rail and air travel.
FAQs – Train from Chicago to Milwaukee
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