Find train tickets from Chicago to Milwaukee
Good to know
Average price (round-trip) | $38 |
|---|---|
Average price (one-way) | $20 |
Top tips for finding Chicago to Milwaukee train tickets
- Amtrak’s Hiawatha trains from Chicago to Milwaukee are single-level trains that offer free Wi-Fi, checked baggage service at certain stations, and quiet cars. Empire Builder trains from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest also offer free Wi-Fi and checked baggage service. The café cars on these double-decker trains have a concession area downstairs where passengers can purchase drinks, snacks, and light meals and a Sightseer Lounge upstairs that has tables, comfortable seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows for taking in the view.
- Passengers boarding at Chicago’s Union Station and disembarking at Milwaukee’s Downtown Intermodal Station may bring up to two checked bags for free, plus up to two additional checked items for a fee. Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds with a size of up to 75 inches. Trainside checked bicycle service is also offered at these stations, allowing passengers to bring their bikes for a small charge. All check bikes will be stored with the checked baggage. Bicycle and checked baggage services are not available at the stations between Chicago and Milwaukee.
- Chicago’s Union Station (CHI) is centrally located in the city’s West Loop Gate neighborhood. In addition to Amtrak, six of the region’s Metra commuter rail lines serve the station, as do many of the city’s CTA buses; the Blue Line of the city’s "L" rapid transit trains stops just two blocks away. At the station, travelers will find shops and restaurants, a staffed Amtrak ticket office plus Quik-Trak ticket machines, Wi-Fi, restrooms, a lactation suite for nursing mothers, and Red Cap baggage assistance.
- The recently renovated Milwaukee Intermodal Station (MKE) near downtown Milwaukee features a large waiting area with an Amtrak ticket office and Quik-Trak ticket kiosks, a restaurant, restrooms, vending machines, and checked baggage and bicycle services. The Amtrak Thruway Bus Service extends passenger services from MKE to Green Bay, WI. Bus companies that stop at the station include Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Wisconsin Coach, and Megabus. The #12 and #57 local MCTS buses also stop outside the station, providing connections to downtown Milwaukee.
- 25% of our users found round-trip train tickets from Chicago to Milwaukee for $38 or less.
- You will generally catch the best train deals if you travel in the afternoon.
FAQs when traveling from Chicago to Milwaukee by train
What Amtrak routes travel from Chicago to Milwaukee?
The Hiawatha and Empire Builder routes service Amtrak passengers traveling from Chicago to Milwaukee. The Hiawatha travels from Chicago’s Union Station (CHI) to Milwaukee’s downtown Intermodal Station (MKE), with stops at Glenview, IL, Sturtevant, WI, and Milwaukee’s General Mitchell airport. The Empire Builder travels west from Chicago to Portland and Seattle, traveling through St. Paul, MN, and Glacier National Park.
Can you bring pets onboard trains from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Yes, your small furry friend is welcome onboard when taking Amtrak from Chicago to Milwaukee. For a small fee, you can reserve a spot for your dog or cat, as long as the total weight of your pet with its carrier is less than 20 pounds. Your pet must remain in the carrier while on the train. A limited number of pets are allowed on board, so be sure to reserve your companion’s space in advance.
Is Wi-Fi available on trains from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available on all trains from Chicago to Milwaukee. Amtrak's Wi-Fi has enough bandwidth to support general web browsing so you can surf the internet while onboard, but it doesn’t support downloads of large files or music and video streaming. If you’ll be listening to music, watching a movie, or reading a book on your device, be sure to download your entertainment before your trip. All of the seats have outlets, so you won’t have to worry about depleting your device’s battery before reaching your destination.
Are there restaurants onboard trains from Chicago to Milwaukee?
The Hiawatha trains from Chicago to Milwaukee do not have dining or café cars, but the Empire Builder trains that travel to the Pacific Northwest have a dining car for traditional dining and a café car serving snacks, light meals, and beverages. Passengers may always bring their own food and beverages onboard Amtrak trains (although your personal alcoholic beverages may only be consumed in the rooms of the sleeper cars).
How long is a train journey to Milwaukee from Chicago?
The train journey from Chicago to Milwaukee takes 1h 21m on average and covers a distance of 81 miles.
What train companies travel from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Amtrak is the only train operator serving this route.