Amtrak at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Traveling to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport? You don’t have to stop there—this airport provides one of the easiest air-to-rail connections in the country. Just steps away, the Milwaukee Airport Rail Station (MKA) provides direct access to Amtrak service.

From this location, you can travel south to Chicago and connect with numerous Amtrak long-distance and regional trains. Alternatively, you can travel north to Milwaukee to board the Empire Builder or take a bus to Green Bay. From this stop, you can board the Borealis to the Twin Cities and other communities.

Whether you’re arriving from across the country or overseas, this connection makes it simple to continue your trip without renting a car or navigating city traffic. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need—train schedules, connection options, and tips for a smooth transfer—so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

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. Please inform the driver that your destination is the railway station. 

Parking Fees at Milwaukee Airport Depot

According to the MKE Airport website’s parking section, parking fees are $2 for the first two hours (or any part of that period) and up to $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 not to drive 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, and it connects with other Amtrak trains or links 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 delay 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 passenger rail expansion. 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 at no extra charge 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 help you book 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 is no longer a stop due to budget cuts by the Wisconsin Republican-controlled state legislature.
• 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, none of which 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

The I-41 Amtrak’s Thruway Bus Service was discontinued in October 2025 due to Wisconsin State legislation.

Milwaukee County Transit

Milwaukee County Transit is the most affordable option. The cost is approximately $2 (as of November 2025), and the duration is 25-27 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.

What Is The Last Train You Can Take From MKE To Connect With An Amtrak Long-Distance Train?

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 averages 1.5 hours, so plan accordingly.

These are the departure times Amtrak suggested from the MKA Station for the routes listed above.

All trains except the Empire Builder have a layover at Chicago Union Station; the Builder’s layover is in Milwaukee. Amtrak may also offer earlier departures.

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 from MKA at 11:10 am. 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 services, so do not leave your luggage 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 their luggage at the Chicago or Milwaukee stations if they do so at least 45 minutes before departure. Your destination must also offer checked baggage services at 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 airport.

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 Amtrak 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