Milwaukee, WI, USA to Chicago, IL, USA from $6: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Milwaukee to Chicago: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$6 - Bus, SubwayBest price
132 kmDistance
1h 29m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Milwaukee to Chicago with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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Traveling From Milwaukee to Chicago
A journey from Milwaukee to Chicago opens the door to contrasting experiences, with Milwaukee offering a relaxed charm and Chicago bursting with dynamic urban energy.
Best Neighbourhoods in Chicago
Chicago's neighborhoods each offer distinct tastes of the city's culture.
Lincoln Park
• Home to the Lincoln Park Zoo and conservatory.
• Vibrant dining and shopping along Armitage Avenue.
Wicker Park
• Trendy shops and a flourishing arts scene.
• Lively nightlife with diverse bars and music venues.
The Loop
• Chicago's central business district and cultural hub.
• Iconic skyline views and Millennium Park's attractions.
Best Times To Visit Chicago's Attractions
Planning your visits around crowd patterns can enhance your Chicago experience.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Visit during weekdays, especially early mornings, for a quieter experience.
Millennium Park
Mornings or late afternoons on weekdays attract fewer tourists.
Navy Pier
Early evenings on weekdays provide a nice atmosphere with fewer crowds.
Chicago Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Chicago experiences a diverse climate, with cold winters and warm summers offering distinct seasonal experiences. Planning visits during spring or fall can provide pleasant weather, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Dining Recommendation
In Chicago, savor the deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's, where the rich, buttery crust and layers of gooey cheese create an unforgettable indulgence. This culinary experience contrasts with Milwaukee's hearty fare, offering a bustling atmosphere and vibrant flavors that define the Windy City.
Milwaukee - Chicago operators
Explore transport companies operating between Milwaukee and Chicago, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Milwaukee to Chicago Union Station
Average Duration
1h 29mEstimated price
$3-75Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://www.flixbus.com/
Bus from Milwaukee to Chicago Bus Station
Average Duration
2h 15mEstimated price
$10-50Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Milwaukee Bus Station to Chicago Train Station
Average Duration
1h 50mEstimated price
$10-45Contact phone
+1 262-671-2538Website
https://www.coachusa.com/
Bus from Milwaukee, WI - Amtrak to O'Hare International Terminal 2
Average Duration
1h 50mEstimated price
$4-5Website
http://aa.com
Plane from Milwaukee (MKE) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Average Duration
1h 2mEstimated price
$150-470Website
http://united.com
Plane from Milwaukee (MKE) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Average Duration
1h 7mEstimated price
$150-480Milwaukee to Chicago: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Milwaukee and Chicago offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a smooth 149.7 km journey from Milwaukee to the vibrant city of Chicago. The drive typically takes just under 2 hours, offering picturesque views along the way.
💸 Travel costs between these two dynamic cities range from $16 to $25 by car, providing an affordable and convenient option for exploring the bustling streets of Chicago.
Average price
$16 - $25
Useful tips for car travellers
• As you take I-94 E towards Chicago, you will find several gas stations along the way, with prices averaging around $0.90 to $1.10 per liter; consider refueling just before entering the city to save on costs.
• When you arrive in Chicago, plan for parking costs that vary by location; expect to pay between $20 to $50 per day in downtown areas, and be aware of restricted zones, especially around Millennium Park and the Loop, which have heavy traffic regulations.
• Utilize navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to stay updated on traffic conditions, especially as you approach the city; look out for construction zones that may impact your route, particularly around I-90 and the downtown area.
🚆 Hop on the direct train from Milwaukee to Chicago Union Station, with departures every four hours and a journey time of approximately 1 hour 29 minutes.
🌆 Enjoy the scenic ride covering a distance of 138.2 km as you travel from Milwaukee to the bustling city of Chicago on the Amtrak-operated Hiawatha Service train.
💰 Ticket prices range from $3 to $75 for this convenient and efficient train journey connecting Wisconsin and Illinois, making it a popular choice for travelers between these two vibrant cities.
Departure Point
Milwaukee station
Arrival Point
Chicago Union Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: The Amtrak Hiawatha Line operates between Milwaukee and Chicago and offers a snack service for all passengers, with options like muffins, chips, and coffee. A cafe car is usually available where you can purchase snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. They also cater to special dietary needs if you notify them in advance.
• Seating Options: The Amtrak Hiawatha offers comfortable seating in Coach Class as well as Business Class. Coach Class seats are spacious and provide ample legroom, while Business Class offers larger seats, complimentary snacks, and access to priority boarding. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to secure the best seats and options.
• Arrival Station Tip: When you arrive at Chicago Union Station, you'll find restrooms readily available. Unfortunately, there are no luggage storage facilities at the station; however, the nearby LuggageFree service offers a convenient way to have your bags shipped to your destination. For navigating the station, make sure to check the signs for exits and public transport connections.
🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from Milwaukee to Chicago by taking a direct flight that only lasts about 59 minutes. Both American Airlines and United Airlines provide flights between Milwaukee Airport and Chicago O'Hare Airport.
🌆 Enjoy a seamless travel experience as you cover the distance of 85 miles in just 3 hours and 14 minutes by air.
💸 Flight prices from Milwaukee to Chicago can range between $114 to $317, offering travelers a range of options to suit their budget and schedule.
Departure Point
Milwaukee Airport
Arrival Point
Chicago O'Hare Airport
🚌 Take a direct bus from Milwaukee to Chicago with services departing three times a day, operated by Flixbus USA. The journey lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
🛣️ The distance from Milwaukee to Chicago by bus is around 147.4 km, with travel time varying from 1 hour 29 minutes to 2 hours 34 minutes. Depending on the route chosen, you can reach your destination in 1 to 2 hours.
💵 Prices for the bus between Chicago and Milwaukee range from $10 to $50, offering an affordable and convenient way to travel between these two vibrant cities.
Departure Point
Milwaukee station
Arrival Point
Chicago Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider booking your FlixBus ticket in advance as prices can vary significantly, and booking early might secure you a fare as low as $10; check schedules at flixbus.com
• During your bus ride, enjoy the scenic views along the I-94, especially when you cross the state line into Illinois, as the landscape transitions from urban Milwaukee to the suburbs of Chicago.
• Upon arriving at the Chicago Bus Station, familiarize yourself with local transit options through the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) by visiting transitchicago.com, as this will help you efficiently navigate to your final destination in the city.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Milwaukee to Chicago.
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The distance between Milwaukee and Chicago is approximately 132.0 km. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: it takes approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes by train, 2 hours and 38 minutes by taking a bus and then subway, and 3 hours and 13 minutes by plane to reach Chicago from Milwaukee. Conversely, it takes around 1 hour and 38 minutes to reach Milwaukee from Chicago by car or 1 hour and 55 minutes by bus.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient options for traveling from Milwaukee to Chicago are the train and the bus/subway combination. Taking the train is the quickest option, with a travel time of 1 hour and 29 minutes. The bus and subway combination is slightly longer, with a travel time of 2 hours and 38 minutes, but it is more affordable, costing between $6 and $10.
The prices for traveling between Milwaukee and Chicago can vary depending on the mode of transportation. For train travel, the prices range from $3 to $75. If taking a bus, the prices range from $8 to $50.
To get from Milwaukee to Chicago without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 149.7 km, and it takes around 1 hour and 38 minutes to drive. The estimated cost for the trip by car ranges from $16 to $25, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Milwaukee to Chicago without a car is by train. It takes approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes and costs between $3 and $75. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 1 hour and 55 minutes and costs between $8 and $50. If you prefer to fly, it takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes and costs between $80 and $350.
Yes, there is a direct link between Milwaukee and Chicago. You can take a train operated by Amtrak which departs from Milwaukee and arrives at Chicago Union Station in approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a bus operated by Flixbus USA, which departs from Milwaukee and arrives at Chicago Bus Station in approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes.
The flight between Milwaukee and Chicago typically takes about 59 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary, ranging from $84 to $347.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Chicago with over 1116 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels start at $58 per night, so there are options available to suit various budgets. Some popular areas to look for hotels in Chicago include downtown, the Magnificent Mile, and the Loop, which offer convenient access to major attractions, shopping, and dining.
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