Chicago Suburbs to Milwaukee: Drive Times and Options
By the Local Limo Network editorial team · Sources: Amtrak, Metra, Illinois Tollway · Local Limo Network is operated by Eagles Media; some companies mentioned are paid listings.
Quick answer: From the Chicago suburbs to Milwaukee, plan on about 1 hour from the North Shore, about 1 hour 20 minutes from Schaumburg and about 1 hour 45 minutes from Naperville, plus Illinois tolls. North and northwest suburban riders can board the Amtrak Hiawatha at Glenview. For groups and same-night returns, a private ride picks up at home.
Heading to Milwaukee from the suburbs?
Compare your options below, then find a private ride in our directory if you need one.
In this guide
- Drive times by suburb
- Routes and tolls
- Train connections from the suburbs
- Groups, events and private rides
- Which option fits your trip
- Quick facts
- Frequently asked questions
- About Local Limo Network
Drive times by suburb
These are approximate times to downtown Milwaukee without heavy traffic, from mapping estimates. Rush hour, game days and snow can add 30 minutes or more.
| Starting from | About how far | About how long | Main route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Forest, Highland Park | 55 to 65 miles | About 1 hour | I-94 / Edens north |
| Evanston, Wilmette | 70 to 75 miles | About 1 hour 15 minutes | I-94 north |
| Schaumburg, Arlington Heights | 75 to 85 miles | About 1 hour 20 minutes | I-90 to the Tri-State, then I-94 |
| Oak Brook, Naperville | 95 to 110 miles | About 1 hour 45 minutes | Tri-State (I-294) north to I-94 |
Routes and tolls
Driving from the Chicago suburbs to Milwaukee, you’ll join I-94 heading north, either on the Edens from the North Shore or on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) from the west and northwest. The Tri-State and the Jane Addams (I-90) are toll roads, so expect Illinois tolls until you cross into Wisconsin. Wisconsin has no tolls. An I-PASS or E-ZPass is usually the cheapest way to pay.
Train connections from the suburbs
The Amtrak Hiawatha stops at Glenview on its way between Chicago and Milwaukee, so north and northwest suburban riders can board there and skip downtown Chicago. Glenview is also a stop on Metra’s Milwaukee District North line. Along the lakefront, Metra’s Union Pacific North line runs from the North Shore up to Kenosha, but there’s no rail link from Kenosha to Milwaukee. See our Amtrak Hiawatha guide.
Groups, events and private rides
Milwaukee draws suburban groups for Bucks and Brewers games, Summerfest, concerts, weddings and brewery tours. Driving means one designated driver and parking downtown; the train means everyone meeting at Glenview. A private car or Sprinter picks the group up at home and brings everyone back the same night. Price is per vehicle, so it gets cheaper per person as the group grows. See which vehicle fits your group.
On this corridor, Milwaukee to O’Hare, a division of Milwaukee-based Pharaoh’s Transportation, picks up across the Chicago area. See its Chicago to Milwaukee car service or Chicago area car service. Whoever you book, check that the company is licensed and insured.
Which option fits your trip
| You are… | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Solo, north or northwest suburbs | Hiawatha from Glenview |
| Couple, day trip, want your car | Drive, with an I-PASS |
| Group going to a game or concert | Private SUV or Sprinter |
| West suburbs, late night return | Private car, door to door |
Quick facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| North Shore to Milwaukee | About 1 hour |
| Schaumburg to Milwaukee | About 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Naperville to Milwaukee | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Suburban train stop | Glenview (Amtrak Hiawatha and Metra) |
| Tolls | Illinois tollways only |
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from the Chicago suburbs to Milwaukee?
About 1 hour from Lake Forest and Highland Park, about 1 hour 20 minutes from Schaumburg and about 1 hour 45 minutes from Naperville, without heavy traffic.
Are there tolls from the suburbs to Milwaukee?
Yes, on Illinois tollways such as the Tri-State and Jane Addams. Wisconsin has no tolls.
Can I take the train to Milwaukee from the suburbs?
Yes. The Amtrak Hiawatha stops at Glenview, which is also on Metra’s Milwaukee District North line.
Does Metra go to Milwaukee?
No. Metra’s Union Pacific North line reaches Kenosha, but there’s no rail connection from Kenosha to Milwaukee.
What is the fastest way from Schaumburg to Milwaukee?
Driving or a private car, about 1 hour 20 minutes via I-90 and the Tri-State.
Is a private car worth it for a group?
Often, because the price is per vehicle and nobody has to drive or park downtown.
Can a car service bring us back the same night?
Yes. Book a round trip and set the pickup time when you book.
How do I book a ride from the suburbs to Milwaukee?
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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