Amtrak in Wisconsin

Traveling with Amtrak in Wisconsin is a relaxing, scenic, and budget-friendly option, whether you’re heading to Chicago for a weekend getaway, visiting Wisconsin Dells, or embarking on a cross-country journey on the Empire Builder. In addition to train service, Amtrak also offers a connecting bus service along I-41 that travels to Green Bay.

This guide provides information on Amtrak in Wisconsin, major train stations, what riders can expect onboard, and valuable tips for new travelers.

Amtrak Routes in Wisconsin

Wisconsin may not have the most extensive train system, but it has some great routes that serve travelers well.

Borealis

• Route: Chicago to St. Paul
• Train Type: Amtrak Midwest regional
• Wisconsin Stops: Similar to the Empire Builder route to the Twin Cities, this route adds stops in Sturtevant, WI, and at Milwaukee Airport.
• What to Expect: Reserved Coach Class seating, café car, midday schedule
• Great For: Midwest travelers seeking more timing flexibility without overnight options

Hiawatha Service

• Route: Chicago to Milwaukee
• Train Type: Amtrak Midwest regional
• Frequency: Multiple daily round-trips (usually 6–7)
• Intermediate Stops in Wisconsin: Sturtevant, Milwaukee Airport (MKA), Milwaukee Intermodal (MKE)
• What to Expect: Reserved Coach Class seating, Wi-Fi, and a quick 90-minute ride
• Fun Fact: One of Amtrak’s busiest short routes
• Great For: Day trips, airport transfers, and commuters

Empire Builder

• Route: Chicago to Seattle/Portland (via Minneapolis – St. Paul)
• Train Type: Long-distance Superliner
• Wisconsin Stops: Milwaukee, Columbus, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, La Crosse
• What to Expect: Coach and Sleeper accommodations, Sightseer Lounge, café car, and Traditional Dining for sleeper passengers
• Scenery Alert: Wisconsin Dells is a fan favorite—especially during the fall foliage season!
• Great For: Scenic travel, long-distance adventures, and National Park trips

Amtrak’s I‑41 Connecting Service

This Amtrak Thruway bus route links Green Bay with Milwaukee, making it easy to catch a train, especially if you’re traveling without a car.

• Route: Green Bay ↔ De Pere ↔ Appleton ↔ Oshkosh ↔ Fond du Lac ↔ Milwaukee (Downtown & Airport)
• Frequency: 2 daily round-trips via Amtrak Thruway; Lamers also runs a third trip
• Travel Time: About 3 hours and 45 minutes
• Amenities: Coach-style seating and onboard restrooms
• Connections:
  • Connect to the Hiawatha or Borealis at Milwaukee Intermodal
  • Stops at Milwaukee Mitchell Airport (station code MKB)—note that this is a curbside stop, not the main Amtrak station
  • You can also continue west on the Empire Builder

Book your train and bus in one step through Amtrak‘s website—look for options from Green Bay to your final destination, and the system will handle the combo.

Wisconsin Amtrak Stations and Routes

Here’s a quick guide to the main Amtrak stations in Wisconsin and what they connect you to:

• Milwaukee Intermodal Station – MKE
  Routes: Hiawatha, Borealis, Empire Builder, Amtrak I‑41 Thruway Bus
  A full-service hub with parking, ticketing, and connections to buses and ride shares
• Milwaukee Airport – MKA
  Routes: Hiawatha, Borealis
  Located at the airport—super handy for train-to-flight connections
• Milwaukee Airport Bus Stop – MKB
  Route: Amtrak I‑41 Thruway Bus
  A curbside stop for connecting between air and rail, unstaffed
• Sturtevant – SVT
  Routes: Hiawatha, Borealis
  Closest stop for Racine and Burlington-area residents, unstaffed
• Wisconsin Dells – WDL
  Routes: Empire Builder, Borealis
  Popular vacation destination, especially for families, unstaffed
• Columbus – CBS
  Routes: Empire Builder, Borealis
  Closest station to Madison (about a 30-minute drive)
• Portage – POG
  Routes: Empire Builder, Borealis
  Small-town station with free parking and a quiet vibe
• Tomah – TOH
  Routes: Empire Builder, Borealis
  Western Wisconsin connections with access to local buses or ride shares
• La Crosse – LSE
  Routes: Empire Builder, Borealis
  Western Wisconsin connections with access to local buses or ride shares

Possible Future Amtrak Routes in Wisconsin

Efforts are in motion to bring more train service to the state:

• Madison: Plans are in development to add passenger service here
• Green Bay & Appleton: Potential expansions heading north from Milwaukee
• Eau Claire: Another proposal aims to connect this city with the Twin Cities and beyond

While no launch dates are official, it’s clear that train fans in Wisconsin have reason to be hopeful!

What to Expect Onboard Amtrak in Wisconsin

On Regional Trains (Hiawatha, Borealis)

• Reserved Coach seating
• Café car (Borealis only)
• Wi-Fi available (Hiawatha)
• Overhead storage and tray tables
• No checked baggage service
• Power outlets, restrooms, and no middle seats

👉 Learn how to board an Amtrak train like a pro

On Long-Distance Trains (Empire Builder)

• Reserved Coach and Sleeper accommodations
• Checked baggage (at select stations)
• Access to the Sightseer Lounge car with a Café on the lower level.
• Traditional dining car with full meals
• Power outlets, restrooms, and spacious seating

First-Time Tips for Riding Amtrak in Wisconsin

• Book Early: Especially on the Empire Builder—sleeper space goes fast
• Snacks: Café cars are handy, but you can also BYO food, especially on the Hiawatha
• Know Your Station: Smaller stops may not have agents or waiting areas
• Luggage Limits: One personal item and two carry-ons are free
• Get Connected: Milwaukee Intermodal has taxis, buses, and ride-shares ready to go

Amtrak in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there three Amtrak Stops in Milwaukee?

If you’re traveling to or from Milwaukee, ensure you check which station you’re booking for. The state has three stations, each providing slightly different services.

• MKE is a staffed station located in downtown Milwaukee, providing both train and bus services.
• MKA is the airport train station located on the west side of the airport campus.
• MKB is a bus station located at the airport, part of the I-41 Service.

Can you take a train from Wisconsin to Chicago?

Yes! The Hiawatha and Borealis offer regular, direct service between Chicago and Milwaukee, with additional stops in Wisconsin.

Does Amtrak serve Madison, Wisconsin?

Currently, there is no station in Madison. The nearest station is located in Columbus, WI, approximately a 30-minute drive away. Plans are in progress to restore service to Madison, but such efforts often take longer than anticipated.

What’s the best train for visiting Wisconsin Dells?

The Empire Builder and Borealis both stop in Wisconsin Dells. It’s one of the most scenic parts of the route! The best train is the one that fits your schedule and budget.

Does it make a difference which Empire Builder train I book when traveling through Wisconsin?

When booking a trip on the Empire Builder, you’ll notice two train numbers: 7 and 27 heading west and 8 and 28 heading east. This is because the Empire Builder operates as a combined train between Chicago and Spokane, Washington.

From Spokane, Train 7 continues to Seattle, while Train 27 travels to Portland. On the return journey, Train 8 departs from Seattle, and Train 28 departs from Portland. These trains merge in Spokane before proceeding east to Chicago.

If you’re traveling on the Empire Builder through Wisconsin, it doesn’t matter which section you choose to book—they’re the same train for this part of the route. I usually recommend that people select the more economical option.

If you are interested, you can learn more about trains with multiple train numbers.

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Final Thoughts on Amtrak in Wisconsin

My first experience with Amtrak was on the Hiawatha train out of Sturtevant, Wisconsin. I took it down to Chicago for a weekend getaway, and that ride sparked my love of train travel.

Amtrak in Wisconsin offers a variety of travel opportunities, whether you’re taking a quick trip to Chicago or embarking on a scenic journey west. The routes are convenient, and the views—especially during fall—make the ride well worth it.

If you want to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors of Wisconsin, taking the train is a great option! The Borealis and the Empire Builder both offer amazing views. However, keep in mind that the westbound Empire Builder may not be the best choice, as much of the route will be experienced after dark. Overall, traveling by train is a breathtaking way to see the changing seasons.

Safe travels and happy planning!

Kev