Recently updated on December 24th, 2025 at 10:47 am
Milwaukee is a popular Wisconsin city known for its beer, baseball, sausages, and museums; and how could we forget Summerfest!
Widely known as The Original Brew City, Milwaukee is popular for its beer culture and heritage. But the city has much more to offer. So, whether you want to enjoy a fun trip with your friends and family or seek a getaway with your partner from Chicago, Milwaukee can be the perfect spot.
But before you hit the road, knowing how far is Milwaukee from Chicago is important.
So, let’s tell you how many miles is Milwaukee from Chicago. But don’t forget to checkout our guide on 10 hours trip from Chicago.
How Far is Milwaukee from Chicago, Illinois?
Milwaukee is 92 miles or 148 kilometers from Chicago, and it takes almost one hour and 31 minutes to travel between the two cities.
How Far is Milwaukee from Chicago Airport?
Milwaukee is an hour and 31 minutes from O’Hare International Airport and 2 hours and 4 minutes from Chicago Midway Airport.
Now, if you wonder, “How to get to Milwaukee from Chicago?” We’ve covered all the options.
How Far is Milwaukee from Chicago by Car?
Driving to Milwaukee from Chicago takes an hour and a half; you can opt for one of many routes, including:
- I-94 W (1 hour 26 minutes)
- I-94 W, US-41 N, I-41 N (1 hour 33 minutes)
- I-94 W, WI-794 N (1 hour 45 minutes)
- I-290 W, IL-83 (2 hours 33 minutes)
Here’s among the most common routes:
- Take W Ida B. Wells Dr to IL-110 W/Chicago – Kansas City Expy/Dwight D. Eisenhower Expy/Eisenhower Expy
- Follow I-94 W to N Plankinton Ave in Milwaukee
- Take exit 310C from I-43 N
- Take W Michigan St to N Milwaukee St
How Far is Milwaukee from Chicago by Bus?
Taking a bus to Milwaukee from Chicago is another preferred way to get to Milwaukee from Chicago. The bus ride takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 5 minutes.
Greyhound and Flixbus operate between both cities. The buses leave from the Chicago Bus Station and Chicago Train Station to Milwaukee Bus Station, Milwaukee Downtown, Milwaukee Airport, and Goerke’s Corners Park & Ride. You can also find a bus to Milwaukee from Chicago at Cumberland Farms.
How Far is Milwaukee from Chicago by Train?
Besides a road trip, you can take a train to Milwaukee from Chicago. Amtrak to Milwaukee from Chicago takes an hour and 20 minutes. The train leaves Chicago Union Station and drops you off at the Milwaukee Airport or Milwaukee Intermodal Station; Costing only $19 per person, it is the cheapest way to Milwaukee from Chicago.
How Far is Milwaukee from Chicago by Plane?
Undoubtedly, planes take the least time to cover the distance between two points. The flight distance from Chicago to Milwaukee is 81 miles or 131 kilometers, and the direction from Chicago to Milwaukee is North.
It would take approximately 24 minutes to travel to Milwaukee from Chicago via a private jet.
However, taking a commercial flight also includes travel to the airport and security clearance besides transit time ,so it takes longer.
- Departure Airport: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Arrival Airport: General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
American and United Airlines offer flights from Chicago to Milwaukee Airport. The air transit time is between 51 minutes and an hour.
Attractions on Your Way to Milwaukee from Chicago
When driving from Chicago to Milwaukee, you can make your trip even better by stopping at other tourist attractions on your way. Some of the best locations are:
- Cosley Zoo – Wheaton
- Bloomingdale Court – Bloomingdale
- Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens – Palos Heights
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art – Oak Brook
- Donald E. Stephens Convention Center – Rosemont
- Pollyanna Brewing Company – Lemont
Things to Do in Milwaukee
As Milwaukee is known for its beer culture, you can visit numerous breweries during your stay there. But there’s much more to do on your day trip to Milwaukee from Chicago. Choose your favorites from the following:
- Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum
- Watch a Milwaukee Bucks game at Fiserv Forum
- Live the thrill at the Little America Amusement Park
- See animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo
- Visit the Basilica of Saint Josaphat
- Enjoy a live concert by Candlelight in Milwaukee
- Experience science and technology at the Discovery World
- Rent a boat at the Milwaukee River
- Fly a kite at Veterans Park
- Take kids to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
The Bottom Line
Milwaukee is 92 miles or 148 kilometers from Chicago, and it takes almost one hour and 31 minutes to travel between both cities by road. You can also take a bus or train to Milwaukee from Chicago to enjoy your trip at a low cost. While the journey can be longer this way, opt for a flight. United and American Airlines offer flights from Chicago to Milwaukee, but they are pricier than going to Milwaukee by car, bus, or train. Choose which way to go to Milwaukee from Chicago suits you, and enjoy your trip!
Cristina Silva has graduated from New York University and has written for the Associated Press, the Tampa Bay Times, Salon, and NPR. She has reported from Mexico, Honduras, Cuba, Germany, Italy, and Bahrain, as well as from across the United States.