The Amtrak Hiawatha runs daily between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Chicago, Illinois. This route spans about 86 miles and typically takes about 90 minutes, stopping at Milwaukee Airport, Sturtevant, Glenview, and Chicago Union Station.
For travelers in Southeast Wisconsin and northern Illinois, the Hiawatha is one of the easiest ways to reach Chicago without driving. It also connects you to flights, long-distance Amtrak trains, Metra, CTA, and other transit options.
The Borealis offers an additional daily round trip between Milwaukee and Chicago, later continuing to or from the Twin Cities. This provides travelers with more options along the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor, although most trains on this route operate as Hiawatha service.
Quick Answer: Amtrak Hiawatha Schedule
The Amtrak Hiawatha runs daily between Milwaukee and Chicago, stopping at Milwaukee Airport, Sturtevant, Glenview, and Chicago Union Station. The journey typically takes around 90 minutes.
Most trains run only between Milwaukee and Chicago, but the Borealis adds one daily round trip connecting Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Twin Cities. Always check Amtrak before booking, as schedules, holiday service, and substitute buses may vary.
Amtrak Hiawatha Schedule/Timetable
The Hiawatha route typically takes about an hour and a half; Train 339 completes the journey in one hour and thirty-seven minutes. The schedules on this page are sourced from the official Hiawatha website. Amtrak, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, or the Illinois Department of Transportation may modify them at any time.
The times listed below indicate departure times; each station stop is scheduled for 1 minute. The timetable was last updated on July 1, 2026.
Schedule for Southbound Amtrak Hiawatha Trains
| Stations | Miles | 330* | 332 | 334 | 336 | 338 | 1340 | 342 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI (MKE) | 0 | 6:15a | 8:05a | 11:00a | 1:05p | 3:00p | 5:44p | 7:35p |
| Milwaukee Airport (MKA) | 8 | 6:26a | 8:15a | 11:10a | 1:15p | 3:10p | 5:55p | 7:45p |
| Sturtevant, WI (SVT) | 23 | 6:43a | 8:28a | 11:23a | 1:28p | 3:23p | 6:08p | 7:58p |
| Glenview, IL (GLN) | 68 | 7:25a | 9:06a | 12:01p | 2:06p | 4:01p | 6:40p | 8:36p |
| Chicago, IL (CHI) | 86 | 7:57a | 9:34a | 12:29p | 2:34p | 4:29p | 7:21p | 9:04p |
- *All trains operate daily, except for train 330, which does not run on Sundays!
- Train 1340, the Borealis, originates in the Twin Cities.
Amtrak Hiawatha Northbound Train Schedule
| Stations | Miles | 329* | 331 | 1333 | 335 | 337 | 339 | 341 | 343** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL (CHI) | 0 | 6:10a | 8:25a | 11:10a | 1:05p | 3:15p | 5:08p | 8:05p | 11:25p |
| Glenview, IL (GLN) | 18 | 6:32a | 8:47a | 11:34a | 1:26p | 3:37p | 5:32p | 8:27p | 11:46 |
| Sturtevant, WI (SVT) | 63 | 7:10a | 9:25a | 12:12p | 2:05p | 4:15p | 6:14p | 9:05p | 12:24a |
| Milwaukee Airport (MKA) | 78 | 7:24a | 9:39a | 12:27p | 2:19p | 4:29p | 6:28p | 9:19p | 12:38a |
| Milwaukee, WI (MKE) | 86 | 7:39a | 9:54a | 12:42p | 2:34p | 4:44p | 6:45p | 9:34p | 12:54a |
- * All trains operate daily except train 329, which does not run on Sundays!
- **Friday Only
- Train 1333, the Borealis, continues its journey to the Twin Cities after stopping in Milwaukee.
Printable Amtrak Hiawatha Timetable/Schedule
If you are connecting with another train or service, you could benefit from printing a custom Amtrak schedule.
Coach & Business Class On The Hiawatha
The Hiawatha trains feature coach-class seating, arranged with two seats on each side of the aisle and no middle seat. Typically, an outlet is located between the seats; however, older cars may have wall outlets instead. Newer cars have both outlets and USB ports between the seats.
The Hiawatha does not offer business class.
Luggage storage is provided above each seat, and a luggage shelf is available in the car.
The Hiawatha offers open seating, so you can choose your seat when you board.
If you happen to find two seats available, that’s a bonus! However, you are not entitled to both seats.
If the train is full, please be prepared to move any belongings from the adjacent seat to make room for other passengers.
On one early morning trip between Sturtevant and the Milwaukee Airport, I had a whole car on the Hiawatha to myself! That was nice.
Amtrak Hiawatha Quiet Car
The Hiawatha offers a Quiet Car for passengers seeking a quieter environment. This Quiet Car requires no special reservations and has limited seating. Some rules apply; refer to the article below to determine whether it meets your needs.
Food Service
Amtrak’s Hiawatha train does not provide food service, so pack snacks and drinks before boarding. The trip is relatively short, lasting about 90 minutes.
I usually grab a coffee or something similar before boarding. Amtrak allows you to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board, but remember that alcohol must remain in your luggage.
The Amtrak Hiawatha: Your Ticket to Air Travel!
One practical use of the Hiawatha is for connecting to airports. The train stops directly at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), where you can catch a complimentary shuttle to the terminals. This makes it easy to fly out of Milwaukee without dealing with parking costs or the drive.
Since the Hiawatha no longer offers checked baggage, you’ll carry your luggage on board. When you arrive at the airport station, take your bags on the shuttle and check them at the terminal as usual. The Hiawatha also provides connections to Chicago’s O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) airports via CTA trains from Union Station.
Quick clarification on station codes:
- MKA = Milwaukee Airport station
- MKE = Downtown Milwaukee Intermodal Station.
- MKB = No longer used; this was the I-41 bus stop at the airport.
Affordable parking option: If you’re driving to catch the train, the Sturtevant Depot (SVT) offers long-term parking at a flat daily rate, which is significantly cheaper than airport parking for a day trip. You can park there for up to 30 days.
For the full details on using MKA for airport connections, check out my article on the Milwaukee Airport Amtrak Station.
Luggage
The Hiawatha train service no longer offers checked baggage service at any stops. If you are transferring between the train and the Milwaukee airport, you can self-transfer your luggage on the airport shuttle.
Each passenger may carry on:
- One personal item, up to 25 pounds (12 kg), and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
- Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each
Charges apply to additional and oversized luggage; see Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.
Hiawatha add-ons
The Hiawatha offers optional add-ons that you can book for an additional fee.
Amtrak reserves the right to change the items you may bring at any time. If you cannot add one at the time of booking, your train will not be available for that trip.
Service or comfort animal owners should review Amtrak’s service animal policy before booking to determine if their service animal is eligible.
Accessibility And The Hiawatha
A lift is available at all stations to help passengers with mobility devices board the train. When making a reservation, please indicate that you require assistance so that conductors are informed and can locate you.
The train also includes designated areas for individuals using mobility devices and those who have difficulty walking long distances.
Tickets for the Amtrak Hiawatha
You can buy tickets by calling 1-800-USA-Rail, visiting Amtrak.com, or using the app. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets in person at Milwaukee Intermodal or Chicago Union Stations, or at Quik-Trak kiosks available at all stations on this route.
The Hiawatha Prices
Ticket prices vary depending on your starting and ending points and the train’s popularity. To save money, consider traveling during off-peak times, as some trains are less crowded. The busiest trains are usually the first two southbound trips in the morning and the late afternoon northbound routes.
Amtrak offers Saver and Flex Fares to help you save money or provide the flexibility you need for your journey.
The different types of tickets available for the Hiawatha
If you want to ride the Hiawatha, you have several ticketing options, and this section will help you choose the one that works best for your trip.
- One-way
- It’s great if you’re traveling in just one direction.
- You can purchase two one-way tickets for your trip.
- Booking one-way tickets is more flexible if you need to change your return trip, since once you book a round trip, you can’t change the dates and times without contacting Amtrak or visiting a staffed station.
- Round-trip
- Round-trip tickets are an excellent choice for day/weekend trips or for booking your entire journey with a single ticket.
- Ten Ride
- A ten-ride ticket allows you to buy five round-trip rides at once at a discount,
- These tickets are valid for 90 days.
- With these tickets, you can board any Hiawatha train.
- Each day, this ticket permits only one round-trip.
- These tickets are valid only for the person named on them.
- Monthly Ticket
- The monthly ticket is valid for one calendar month.
- You can ride any Hiawatha train.
- This ticket is similar to the ten-ride ticket and allows one round-trip per day.
- These tickets are valid only for the individual named on the ticket.
Amtrak Hiawatha Station Updates
Improvements are being made at Milwaukee Airport (MKA) to enhance the travel experience for all passengers, with the platform at the airport stop scheduled to open in 2026.
There may occasionally be limited access to the passenger drop-off loop and the current platform in Milwaukee.
FAQ Hiawatha Questions
Does the Amtrak Hiawatha have assigned seats?
No. The Hiawatha uses open seating, allowing you to choose your seat when you board. If the train is busy, be prepared to move your bags or personal items so another passenger can sit down.
Does the Hiawatha have food service?
No, the Hiawatha does not have a café car or food service. Bring snacks or drinks before boarding. Since the trip typically lasts about 90 minutes, most travelers do well with something from home or the station.
Does the Hiawatha stop at Milwaukee Airport?
Yes, the Hiawatha stops at the Milwaukee Airport Rail Station (station code MKA). From there, a free shuttle connects passengers to the terminal.
Can I check bags on the Hiawatha?
No, the Hiawatha no longer provides checked baggage service. You must carry your bags onto the train and store them either above your seat or on the luggage rack.
Is the Borealis the same as the Hiawatha?
The Borealis operates similarly to the Hiawatha train for travel between Chicago and Milwaukee. It utilizes the same corridor, serves the same market between Milwaukee and Chicago, and has replaced one round trip of the former Hiawatha service.
The key distinction is that the Borealis route does not terminate in Milwaukee; it extends beyond to Columbus, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, La Crosse, Winona, Red Wing, St. Paul, and Minneapolis. Therefore, if you are only traveling between Milwaukee and Chicago, you can consider it another train option on the Hiawatha corridor. However, Amtrak officially classifies it as a separate route.
Kev and the Hiawatha
The Hiawatha is effective due to its simplicity, reliability, and speed. I have ridden it over 100 times since my first trip in May 2012, more than any other Amtrak route.
Whether you’re catching a flight, transferring to another train, commuting, or spending the day in Chicago or Milwaukee, the Hiawatha service allows you to avoid the stress of driving and parking. For travelers in Southeast Wisconsin, it is one of the easiest ways to reach both cities and connect with the broader Amtrak network.
Support Travels with Kev
I hope this guide to Hiawatha helps you plan your next ride between Milwaukee and Chicago, and the intermediate stops.
If you find guides like this helpful, you can support Travels with Kev in several ways. You can join my newsletter for Amtrak tips, travel updates, and notifications about new posts. You can also support TWK on Patreon, which helps keep these guides updated and accessible to other travelers, or learn how to support this work in other ways, including one-time contributions.
Sharing this post with someone planning a trip to Hiawatha can help more people learn to travel by train with confidence.
Safe travels & happy planning!
Kev
Do You Love Train Travel?
Want more insider Amtrak travel tips, route guides, and travel updates? Join my free Travels with Kev newsletter to get my Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains, covering train equipment, dining options, and more. It comes out every Thursday!
It is a simple way to start planning smarter, smoother train trips.
If this guide helped you, you can also support my work through my Support Page or by joining me on Patreon. Your support helps keep Travels with Kev going, and paid Patreon members receive a postcard from my travels each month.
