Amtrak Milwaukee to Chicago: Hiawatha Schedule, Ticket Cost, and Stops

To travel between Milwaukee and Chicago by Amtrak, passengers have multiple options available, as the service is direct. Two train lines serve this route daily, Hiawatha and Boreasil, with a frequency of seven to nine trains. In total, these trains stop five times from departure to arrival. Most of the trains are Amtrak Hiawatha, and people can access only the coach cabin, with prices starting from $19. Additionally, monthly passes and 10-ride tickets are also available for $650 and $230, respectively.

Amtrak Milwaukee to Chicago Journey Overview

The journey between Chicago and Milwaukee and vice versa is a short one, nearly 90 minutes. In total, seven to nine trains are offered for daily multiple trips between these two cities from early morning to midnight.

• Train Line: Amtrak Hiawatha and Boreasil 
• Duration of the journey: 1 hour 29 minutes 
• Distance: 91.6 miles 
• Frequency: It offers multiple daily round-trips between Chicago and Milwaukee
• Departure Station: Milwaukee-Downtown, Wisconsin, Intermodal Station (MKE)
• Arrival Station: Chicago Union Station (CHI)

Amtrak Hiawatha Service schedule

As per the latest schedule, the first train departs around 6 a.m. from both stations, and the last departure happens around 11.30 p.m. from Chicago Station and around 7.30 p.m. from Milwaukee Station. 

Northbound Amtrak Chicago to Milwaukee Schedule:

Southbound Milwaukee and Chicago Schedule:

After July 2024, all ticket prices on both Amtrak Hiawatha and Borealis Services between Chicago and Milwaukee will range from $19 to $37, depending on demand and time of purchase. It also provides monthly passes for $650, and a 10-ride ticket is also available with a maximum price limit of $230.  

Amtrak Hiawatha route stops

The Hiawatha Service and Borealis make several stops between Milwaukee and Chicago, allowing passengers to board or deboard at intermediate stations along the route:

• Milwaukee Intermodal Station (MKE): The main departure point in Milwaukee, located downtown, with connections to local buses and rideshares.

• Milwaukee Airport Station (MKA): A stop for passengers connecting to or from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, located a few minutes from the terminal.

• Sturtevant, Wisconsin (SVT): A smaller stop serving the Racine County area, for passengers in the southern Milwaukee suburban areas.

• Glenview, Illinois (GLV): An intermediate stop in the northern Chicago suburban, convenient for passengers who don’t want to travel all the way into downtown Chicago.

• Chicago Union Station (CHI): The final destination, situated in downtown Chicago with direct access to the CTA, Metro, taxis, and rideshares.

NOTE: The Amtrak Hiawatha stops remain the same, even while departing from Chicago, but the order of station arrivals becomes vice versa.

Cabins and Facilities at Amtrak Hiawatha 

The Hiawatha Service is a short-distance corridor train, so it does not offer private rooms or sleeper options. However, it provides a well-equipped ride for the 1-hour 29-minute journey.

Amtrak Coach Class

The Hiawatha Service offers Coach class only, with seating arranged in a comfortable 2×2 layout. Passengers can access spacious legroom, large windows, overhead storage, individual reading lights, and power outlets at every seat. Depending on the departure, both reserved and non-reserved seating may be available. They also earn 2 Amtrak Guest Rewards points for every dollar spent on their ticket.

Amtrak Business Class (Borealis Only)

The Borealis, which shares this corridor, offers a business class cabin with wider seats, extra legroom, and a more refined onboard environment compared to standard coach. Those who want to reserve this cabin will have to book this specific train.

Amenities Present in Amtrak Milwaukee to Chicago 

• Wi-Fi Service 

Amtrak Free Wi-Fi is available on both the Hiawatha and Borealis trains on this route. As with most Amtrak services, the connection is public and unencrypted, so speeds can vary, and heavy downloads are not recommended.

• Baggage

Passengers are allowed two carry-on bags and two checked bags at no additional charge. Carry-on bags must fit within standard size limits. For oversized items or special equipment, it is advised to review Amtrak’s baggage policy before travel.

• Accessibility

Both the Hiawatha and Borealis trains are fully accessible, with designated seating areas, accessible restrooms, and boarding assistance available at all stations on this route. However, Passengers requiring special assistance should contact Amtrak in advance.

Discount Availability on Amtrak Hiawatha to Chicago

While traveling between Chicago and Milwaukee on Amtrak, eligible passengers can receive multiple discounts on adult and child fares.

• Under the Amtrak Student Discount, students with an ID card from a valid university can save up to 15% on the tickets. However, they must be between 13 and 25 years.

• Active military members of the U.S. Army and their families can get 15% discount on all ticket types with an extra baggage allowance, as per the Amtrak Military Discount.

• People aged 62 years and above, Amtrak Senior Discount provides a special offer of 15% on traveling from Chicago to Milwaukee and other routes. 

• The Amtrak Children’s Discount has 50% off for all kids between 2 years and 12 years. While children under 2 years can travel for free with an adult.

Tips for Traveling on the Northbound and Southbound Hiawatha 

Passengers need some tips and tricks to travel on both the Northbound and Southbound Hiawatha. 

• Book Early for the Best Fares: Coach fares on the Hiawatha can start as low as $19, but these prices are not guaranteed close to the departure date. 

• Consider Monthly Passes: If someone has frequent traveling, either to Milwaukee or Chicago, they can consider getting a monthly pass, which can be slightly more affordable than buying tickets every time.

• Choose the Right Departure: The Hiawatha runs throughout the day with multiple options in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Midday trains like the 334 and 336 Hiawatha tend to be less crowded than morning and evening rush-hour services.

• Use the Amtrak App: The app allows passengers to book tickets, access mobile boarding passes, and track train status in real time. It also sends delay notifications, certainly useful at Chicago Union Station.

• Arrive 30 Minutes Early: Both Milwaukee Intermodal Station and Chicago Union Station assign boarding gates 15 minutes before departure. Hence, arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes early, especially if traveling with luggage.

• Consider the Airport Stop: Passengers connecting to or from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport can board or alight at Milwaukee Airport Station, avoiding the need to travel into downtown Milwaukee first.

• Plan Chicago Connections: The Chicago Union Station connects directly to the CTA Blue and Pink Lines, Metra commuter rail, and multiple bus routes. 

Passengers can plan their way to Chicago or Milwaukee at any time of the day, as multiple departures are available. There are mostly seven to nine trains that travel daily to complete the 90-minute journey covering the distance between these two cities, i.e., about 91 miles.

FAQs