Wisconsin Dells With Kids: Getting There
By the Local Limo Network editorial team · Sources: Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau, Amtrak, 511 Wisconsin · Local Limo Network is operated by Eagles Media; some companies mentioned are paid listings.
Quick answer: Wisconsin Dells is about 193 miles from Chicago (3 to 3.5 hours) and 122 miles from Milwaukee (about 2 hours), with Madison’s airport just 55 miles away. Most families drive; Amtrak’s daily Borealis stops in the Dells, and Greyhound serves the town. Resorts are spread out, so plan rides between parks. For families with young kids, bags and car seats, or groups, a private SUV or Sprinter van means nobody drives home after a long day of waterslides.
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In this guide
- Wisconsin Dells at a glance
- Train and bus options
- Rides there and back
- Which option fits your trip
- Quick facts
- Frequently asked questions
- About Local Limo Network
Wisconsin Dells at a glance
Wisconsin Dells calls itself “The Waterpark Capital of the World,” with more than 220 waterslides and over 16 million gallons of water, according to the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau. It sits in south-central Wisconsin along I-90/94, about an hour north of Madison.
| From | Distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Madison | 54 miles | About 1 hour |
| Milwaukee | 122 miles | About 2 hours |
| Chicago | 193 miles | About 3 to 3.5 hours, longer on summer Fridays |
| O’Hare (ORD) | 188 miles | About 3 hours |
| Milwaukee Mitchell (MKE) | 116 miles | About 2 hours |
| Dane County Regional (MSN) | 55 miles | About 1 hour |
Distances are from the visitor bureau’s area information page; drive times are estimates and grow with traffic, weather and stops.
Train and bus options
Wisconsin Dells has an Amtrak station at 100 LaCrosse Street. The daily Amtrak Borealis between Chicago and St. Paul stops at Wisconsin Dells, as well as Milwaukee Intermodal, the Milwaukee Airport station, Sturtevant and Glenview. Greyhound also serves the Dells, according to the visitor bureau.
The train works well for a couple traveling light. For a family, the catch is the last mile: the station is in town, the big resorts are spread around Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton, and you’ll need a ride from the station to your hotel and between parks.
Rides there and back
A private car or van picks you up at home, a hotel or the airport and drops you at your resort’s door. It suits families flying into O’Hare, MKE or Madison, groups heading up for a weekend and anyone who’d rather not drive back after a tiring day. You can also book a one-way drop-off and drive home with family, or the reverse.
For statewide trips, Wisconsin Limo Service, operated by Milwaukee-based Pharaoh’s Transportation, runs long-distance car service, Sprinter vans and airport rides across Wisconsin. See its Wisconsin long-distance car service or its Milwaukee to O’Hare car service for families flying in.
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Which option fits your trip
| You are… | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A family of four from Milwaukee | Drive or a private SUV | About 2 hours, room for bags |
| A family from Chicago with young kids | Private SUV or van | No 3-hour drive home after a long day |
| A couple traveling light | Amtrak Borealis plus a local ride | Relaxed, no driving |
| A school group or team | Sprinter van or coach | Everyone together |
| Flying in from out of state | Fly to MSN, MKE or O’Hare, then a ride | Matches flight choice to distance |
| On a tight budget | Drive yourself or the bus | Lowest cost |
Quick facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Chicago to the Dells | About 193 miles |
| Milwaukee to the Dells | About 122 miles |
| Closest airport | Dane County Regional (MSN), about 55 miles |
| Train | Amtrak Borealis, daily, stops at Wisconsin Dells |
| Waterslides | More than 220 |
| Largest combo waterpark | Wilderness Resort, about 500,000 sq ft |
| Road conditions | 511 Wisconsin |
Frequently asked questions
How far is Wisconsin Dells from Chicago?
About 193 miles, roughly 3 to 3.5 hours by car.
How far is Wisconsin Dells from Milwaukee?
About 122 miles, roughly 2 hours.
What airport is closest to Wisconsin Dells?
Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, about 55 miles away.
Can you take a train to Wisconsin Dells?
Yes. Amtrak’s daily Borealis between Chicago and St. Paul stops at Wisconsin Dells, with stops in Milwaukee along the way.
Are Wisconsin Dells waterparks open in winter?
The indoor resort waterparks are open year-round; outdoor parks run in summer.
Do I need a car in Wisconsin Dells?
It helps, because resorts are spread out. Without one, plan rides between your resort and other parks.
Are there tolls between Chicago and Wisconsin Dells?
Yes, on the Illinois tollway section of I-90. Wisconsin has no tolls.
Can a group get a ride to Wisconsin Dells?
Yes. A Sprinter van keeps a group together, and pricing per vehicle makes it cheaper per person.
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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