Is there a direct train?

No, you must transfer at Chicago Union Station.

How long is the drive?

It takes about 6 hours without traffic.

Yes, parts of the Illinois highway system are tolled.

Is Milwaukee walkable?

The downtown area is very walkable and has a streetcar system.

St. Louis

Milwaukee

Train Driving

St. Louis to Milwaukee

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from St. Louis to Milwaukee covers roughly 600 kilometers. By car, the most direct route follows I-55 North through Illinois, passing near Springfield and Chicago. The drive takes approximately 6 hours depending on Chicago traffic. Alternatively, you can take the Amtrak Lincoln Service to Chicago and transfer to the Hiawatha line for Milwaukee. This route is popular for those visiting the Great Lakes region. Expect varied terrain from the Missouri river valley to the shores of Lake Michigan.

Total Distance: 600 km driving distance; 520 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is faster than the train, provided you avoid Chicago traffic.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper, especially if traveling with others.

Compare St. Louis to Milwaukee Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	8 hours	6 hours
Avg Price	$80 - $150	$60 - $90 in fuel
Operator	Amtrak	Personal Vehicle
Route	Lincoln Service to Chicago Union Station, then Hiawatha to Milwaukee.	I-55 North to I-94 North via Chicago.
Tip	Book your tickets in advance to secure lower coach fares.	Avoid the Chicago loop during rush hour by taking the I-294 bypass.

Travel Tips

Chicago Bypass
Use I-294 to avoid the heavy congestion of downtown Chicago.
Train Transfers
Allow at least 90 minutes for your transfer at Chicago Union Station.
Parking
Milwaukee has many public parking structures near the downtown area.
Lakefront Weather
The temperature near Lake Michigan can be significantly cooler than inland.
Booking
Use the Amtrak app to track your train status in real-time.

Safety Tips

Winter Driving
I-94 can be treacherous during snowstorms; check road conditions before leaving.
Urban Safety
Stay in well-lit, populated areas when walking downtown at night.
Vehicle Maintenance
Check your coolant and oil levels before the 6-hour drive.
Emergency Contacts
Keep a list of local emergency numbers for Illinois and Wisconsin.