Amtrak at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport offers a seamless transition between air and rail travel. Whether traveling internationally or within the United States, this airport can serve as your gateway to the Amtrak train system. The airport’s Amtrak station (MKA) connects you to Chicago, where you can access Amtrak’s long-distance and regional trains.

Northbound travelers heading to Milwaukee can take the Hiawatha. If their journey continues, the Borealis services the Twin Cities, while bus connections extend to Green Bay and intermediate stops. They can also transfer to the Empire Builder in Milwaukee for long-distance travel.

The Hiawatha South to Chicago can connect with many Amtrak long-distance and regional trains.

This guide provides essential information, including the latest train schedules, to ensure a smooth connection to your next train. We hope this helps you plan your journey effectively and enjoy a seamless transition from air to rail travel.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport Amtrak Station

This Prairie-style station is excellent for transferring between air and rail travel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Address and directions:

The station address is 5601 S. 6th Street, along the airport’s western edge.

To reach the station by car, use the Amtrak parking lot entrance on 6th Street, just south of Grange Avenue and the airport spur.

Key Features:

• Hours: The station is open seven days a week
  • Monday to Saturday: 5:45 am to 10 pm
  • Sunday: 7:15 am to 10 pm.
• Unstaffed Station: No Amtrak employees are at the station, but onboard staff will assist you in boarding the train.
• Facilities: Restrooms, payphones, vending machines, and an Amtrak ticketing kiosk
• Accessibility: Accessible platforms, restrooms, a waiting room, a water fountain, and a wheelchair lift.
• Parking: Same-day and overnight accessible parking is available for a fee.
  • The following section will provide more information on parking and travel between the airport and the stations.
• Additional Services: Please note that WiFi and ATM services are not available, and unaccompanied child travel is not permitted.

Traveling between the train station and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

MKE Airport provides a complimentary shuttle bus service connecting the terminal to the rail station. 

Passengers needing a pickup from the rail station to the terminal can call 414-747-4561 or use the courtesy phone at the rail station.

To access the shuttle service from the airport to the rail station, head to Baggage Claim Door #5 and board any Saver Parking shuttle. Shuttles run every 5 to 10 minutes and are available 24 hours a day. Be sure to inform the driver that your destination is the railway station. 

Parking Fees at Milwaukee Airport Depot

According to the parking section of the MKE Airport website, parking fees are $2 for the first two hours (or any part of them) and a maximum charge of $11 for 24 hours. The exit gate accepts both cash and credit cards. The last time I verified this information was January 2025.

You don’t have to fly to use the Milwaukee Airport Depot.

The Milwaukee Airport Amtrak Station is a convenient option for travelers who prefer to avoid driving into downtown Milwaukee.

You don’t need to fly to use this station; it’s a great starting point for trips to Chicago, Milwaukee, and other intermediate stops, connecting with other Amtrak trains or linking to another airport!

Parking is available in the attached lot if you’re starting your journey here.

Updates on the Milwaukee Airport Station

Milwaukee Airport Rail Station (MARS) Upgrade Project: The existing Milwaukee Airport Rail Station (MARS) has a permanent platform on the east side serving Amtrak passengers. This setup can cause delays in Canadian Pacific (CP) freight operations and affect Amtrak’s schedule.

The project aims to enhance freight and passenger operations, reduce train delays and travel times, improve dispatching flexibility, and enhance passenger safety and ADA accessibility. It also prepares the corridor for future expansion of passenger rail service. Construction has begun and is expected to continue until June 2025.

Purchasing Amtrak Tickets for the MKA Station

While you cannot purchase tickets from an agent at the airport station, you have several options for purchasing Amtrak tickets.

It is always best to buy tickets as early as possible. Trains can sell out, and prices are subject to change. For flexibility, choose the Flex Fare Option. This option allows you to make changes without a fee or receive a full refund if you cancel before departure. I have a post about Amtrak’s Coach fare options if you need more information.

You can purchase tickets at:

• Website or App: Use Amtrak’s website or mobile app.
• Phone: Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-Rail.
• Ticket Machine: The airport station has a ticket kiosk where you can purchase or print tickets.
• Staffed Stations: Purchase tickets at any staffed station, such as the Chicago Union and Milwaukee Intermodal Stations.
• Travel Agents: Some agencies can assist you in booking a trip.

If you have questions, Amtrak has more information about purchasing Amtrak tickets.

Understanding Amtrak Station Codes in Milwaukee: Avoid Booking Errors

When booking an Amtrak ticket to or from Milwaukee, it’s easy to make a mistake; I’ve been there myself. To avoid any booking issues, pay attention to the station codes listed below so you know which code you need:

• MKA: This is the Milwaukee Airport Rail Station code, where you can catch the Hiawatha or Borealis trains.
• MKB: This code refers to the Amtrak bus stop at Milwaukee Airport, which serves the I-41 connection bus service.
• MKE: This is the Downtown Milwaukee Intermodal Station code. From here, you can connect with the Empire Builder and take advantage of additional bus services.

Double-checking these codes when booking will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Traveling Between Milwaukee Airport and Milwaukee Intermodal Station

Amtrak offers three transportation options between Milwaukee Airport and the Milwaukee Intermodal Station: two trains and a bus, all of which do not have intermediate stops.

Trains

The Hiawatha and Borealis trains connect you to the Downtown Milwaukee Intermodal Station, where you can catch the Empire Builder and various non-Amtrak bus services. There are seven daily trips in each direction between the two train lines, except on Sundays.

Bus Service

Amtrak’s Thruway Bus Service: This bus service extends Amtrak’s train routes, providing transportation between the airport and the Fox Valley. It also has direct connections to Amtrak trains at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station. Check for signs, as pickup locations are subject to change.

Milwaukee County Transit

Milwaukee County Transit is the most affordable option. It costs approximately $2 (as of November 2024) and takes 25 to 27 minutes.

• Route 80: N 6th & Clybourn .2-mile walk
• Green Line: Water & St Paul .4-mile walk

From Milwaukee Airport to Chicago’s Union Station

The southbound Hiawatha and Borealis trains terminate at Chicago Union Station, which offers connections to many of Amtrak’s long-distance and regional trains. Chicago Union Station also provides several Metra and CTA bus connections and is within walking distance of many ‘L’ and subway lines.

The last train leaving Milwaukee Airport Station connects with Amtrak’s long-distance trains.

Below are the long-distance trains you can connect to at Chicago Union Station via the Milwaukee Airport, except for the Empire Builder, which connects in Milwaukee. The recommended Hiawatha and Borealis times are based on suggested schedules available on Amtrak.com and the Amtrak app.

Note that all three-digit trains are the Hiawathas. Those trains do not have cafe cars, but the ride takes an average of an hour and twenty minutes, so plan accordingly.

These are the times Amtrak suggested for leaving the MKA Station for the above routes.

You can take the Empire Builder from Chicago instead of Milwaukee at this station.

If you leave Chicago from this stop, you will have to double back approximately 78 miles. This way, you can see both sides of the journey as you pass through parts of Wisconsin and Illinois.

However, purchasing tickets for this route can be tricky, as Amtrak does not automatically present this option. You must book it as a Multi-City ticket or two separate one-way tickets.

I recommend taking train 334, which departs at 11:10 am from MKA. This timing gives you ample opportunity to enjoy the lounge if you are in a sleeper car and ensures you won’t feel rushed upon arrival. Additionally, this schedule allows for some buffer time in case the train runs late.

Luggage Handling

Amtrak and the airport will not transfer your bags between the two services, so do not leave your luggage behind at the airport or on the train. If you do, you and your luggage may go on separate trips.

Those flying to catch a train can check luggage in Chicago or Milwaukee stations if they do so at least 45 minutes before departure. Your destination must also offer checked baggage services to check a bag from those stations.

Sturtevant: A Budget-Friendly Alternative to MKA

For those of us in Southeast Wisconsin or Northeast Illinois, this can be a cost-effective alternative to the hassle and expense of driving to the Milwaukee airport.

The Sturtevant Depot, situated less than 3 miles from I-94, provides convenient parking at a flat rate for up to 30 days, making it an ideal choice for travelers. From Sturtevant, you can easily reach Chicago and connect to either of the two airports.

I often use this stop when flying out of Milwaukee or Chicago because parking is cheaper and more convenient, and I can avoid driving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taking Amtrak to and from the Milwaukee Airport

• Does my baggage transfer between trains and the airport?
  • You are responsible for transferring your baggage. The Hiawatha and Borealis trains do not permit checked baggage.
  • Luggage racks are available in both the shuttle and on the train.
  • Conductors can assist you with loading and unloading your luggage on and off the train.

• Is the Amtrak station connected to the MKE terminal?
  • No, but there is a free shuttle that connects the station to the terminal.

• What trains service the Milwaukee Airport Station?
  • The Hiawatha and Borealis services serve this station. There are seven trains in each direction, except on Sundays.

Airlines Serving Milwaukee Airport

You can fly into or out of the Milwaukee airport with the following airlines:

The list is subject to change at any time; please verify it on the official Milwaukee Mitchell Airport website.

If you need to fly to catch a train, I hope this article helps you. Those flying out of the MKE airport should consider the Sturtevant option.

Safe Travels!
Kev