Is there a bus from Chicago to Milwaukee?

Yes, Greyhound and FlixBus operate daily routes between the two cities.

How far is Milwaukee from Chicago?

It is approximately 150 kilometers by road.

Do I need a passport?

No, this is a domestic route within the United States.

Are pets allowed on the train?

Amtrak allows small pets on the Hiawatha line with a reservation.

Is the train station near downtown?

Yes, the Milwaukee Intermodal Station is located in the heart of downtown.

Chicago

Milwaukee

Train Driving

Chicago to Milwaukee

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Chicago to Milwaukee spans approximately 150 kilometers along the western shore of Lake Michigan. Amtrak operates the Hiawatha Service, which is the most efficient transit method between Union Station and Milwaukee Intermodal Station. If driving, you will primarily use I-94 West, which can experience heavy congestion near the Illinois-Wisconsin border. The route is a vital corridor for commuters and tourists alike. Expect a travel time of roughly 90 minutes by rail or two hours by car depending on traffic.

Total Distance: 150 km driving, 135 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Amtrak Hiawatha train, consistently 90 minutes regardless of road traffic.

Cheapest Way

Amtrak Hiawatha train, starting at 25 dollars if booked early.

Compare Chicago to Milwaukee Routes

	Train Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	1 hour 30 mins	2 hours
Avg Price	25-35 dollars	20-30 dollars in fuel
Operator	Amtrak Hiawatha	Personal Vehicle
Route	Chicago Union Station to Milwaukee Intermodal Station via Metra/Amtrak tracks.	I-90 W to I-94 W through Kenosha and Racine.
Tip	Book tickets in advance on the Amtrak app to secure lower fares.	Avoid traveling during Friday afternoon rush hour to bypass heavy traffic.

Travel Tips

Station Access
Chicago Union Station is accessible via multiple CTA bus lines and the Blue Line subway.
Wi-Fi Availability
Amtrak trains offer free onboard Wi-Fi, making it ideal for working during the commute.
Parking
Parking at Milwaukee Intermodal Station is limited; use nearby parking garages for long-term stays.
Ticket Validation
Have your digital ticket ready on your phone for quick scanning by conductors.
Seating
Choose seats on the right side of the train for better views of Lake Michigan.

Safety Tips

Platform Safety
Stay behind the yellow line at all times while waiting for the train.
Traffic Awareness
I-94 construction zones often have reduced speed limits; follow signage strictly.
Personal Belongings
Keep your luggage in sight at all times in the station and on the train.
Emergency Contacts
Save the local transit police number in your phone before departing.