Amtrak Hiawatha Guide: Stations and Airport Stop
By the Local Limo Network editorial team · Sources: Amtrak, Wisconsin DOT, CTA · Local Limo Network is operated by Eagles Media; some companies mentioned are paid listings.
Quick answer: The Amtrak Hiawatha runs between Milwaukee and Chicago in about 1.5 hours, with seven round trips a day (six on Sundays). It stops at downtown Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Airport station, Sturtevant, Glenview and Chicago Union Station. It does not go to O’Hare or Midway, so from Union Station you’ll take the CTA Blue Line or Orange Line, or book a ride door to door.
Riding between Milwaukee and Chicago?
Use the guide below, then find a private ride in our directory if the train doesn’t fit.
In this guide
- The route and stations
- Tickets and what to bring
- The Milwaukee Airport station
- From Union Station to O’Hare or Midway
- When a door-to-door ride is simpler
- Which option fits your trip
- Quick facts
- Frequently asked questions
- About Local Limo Network
The route and stations
The Amtrak Hiawatha covers about 86 miles in about 1 hour 29 minutes. There are seven round trips a day, six on Sundays. Every train makes the same five stops:
| Station | Where it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Intermodal Station | 433 W. St. Paul Ave., downtown | Ticket agents, Wi-Fi, paid parking nearby |
| Milwaukee Airport | 5601 S. 6th St., next to MKE | Free shuttle to the terminal; parking $2 an hour, $10 a day max |
| Sturtevant | Near Racine | Handy for Racine and Kenosha riders |
| Glenview | North suburbs of Chicago | Transfer to Metra’s Milwaukee District North line |
| Chicago Union Station | West Loop | Ticket agents; CTA nearby |
Tickets and what to bring
Buy online, in the Amtrak app, at station kiosks (every stop except Glenview) or from agents at the Milwaukee and Chicago stations. A Multi-Ride ticket covers 10 one-way trips. Each rider can bring one personal item and two carry-on bags at no charge. Bikes ride in the baggage car for $5 with a reserved spot. Every Amtrak Hiawatha train has free Wi-Fi and a Quiet Car.
The Milwaukee Airport station
The Milwaukee Airport station sits on the west edge of Mitchell International. A free shuttle connects it to the terminal, leaving from outside Door 5. Illinois travelers can ride the Amtrak Hiawatha to an MKE flight, and Milwaukee riders can park in the $10-a-day rail lot.
From Union Station to O’Hare or Midway
The Hiawatha ends at Union Station, not at an airport. To reach O’Hare, walk about 900 feet to the CTA Clinton station and take the Blue Line to the end, roughly 45 minutes on the train. For Midway, walk to the Quincy station and take the Orange Line, about 25 minutes. With heavy bags, allow an hour or more.
When a door-to-door ride is simpler
The train is hard to beat for one traveler going to the Loop. It’s harder with a family, luggage or an early flight. A private car picks you up at home and drops you at the airport curb or your Chicago address, with one price for the whole vehicle.
On this corridor, Milwaukee to O’Hare, a division of Milwaukee-based Pharaoh’s Transportation, drives between Wisconsin, Chicago and both airports. See its Milwaukee to Chicago car service or Milwaukee to Midway car service. Whoever you book, check that the company is licensed and insured.
Which option fits your trip
| You are… | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Solo, heading to the Loop | Hiawatha to Union Station |
| Flying from MKE, coming from Illinois | Hiawatha to the Milwaukee Airport station |
| Family or group with luggage | Private SUV or Sprinter |
| Early flight or late arrival | Private car, door to door |
Quick facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 29 minutes |
| Round trips | Seven a day, six on Sundays |
| Stops | Milwaukee, Milwaukee Airport, Sturtevant, Glenview, Union Station |
| Free bags | One personal item and two carry-ons |
| Airport rail lot | $2 an hour, $10 a day max |
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Hiawatha from Milwaukee to Chicago?
Amtrak lists the trip at about 1 hour 29 minutes.
How many Hiawatha trains run each day?
Seven round trips a day, and six on Sundays.
Does the Hiawatha stop at Milwaukee’s airport?
Yes. The Milwaukee Airport station is next to MKE, with a free shuttle to the terminal.
Does the Hiawatha go to O’Hare?
No. It ends at Chicago Union Station. From there, take the CTA Blue Line from Clinton station to O’Hare.
How much luggage can I bring on the Hiawatha?
One personal item and two carry-on bags per rider at no charge.
Can I bring a bike on the Hiawatha?
Yes, for $5 with a reserved spot in the baggage car.
Where can I park for the Hiawatha in Milwaukee?
The Milwaukee Airport station lot costs $2 an hour with a $10 daily maximum. Paid parking is also near the downtown station.
How do I book a private ride instead of the train?
Browse our directory to compare licensed companies, then book directly with the one you choose.
About Local Limo Network
Local Limo Network is a directory of limousine, black car and airport transportation companies across the United States, with travel guides written by our editorial team. Riders book directly with the companies listed. Local Limo Network is operated by Eagles Media, a marketing agency for transportation companies; some companies mentioned in our guides are paid listings or agency clients, and links to their websites are marked as sponsored. We update guides when schedules, rules or prices change. See about us or contact the editors.
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