The Hiawatha Service, or simply Hiawatha, is an Amtrak train line that runs 86 miles (138 km) along the western shore of Lake Michigan between Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Historically, the term was used for various routes from the Midwest to the Pacific Ocean. As of 2007, there were twelve to fourteen trains daily (six round-trips and five on Sundays) between Chicago and Milwaukee, with intermediate stops in Glenview, Illinois, Sturnett, Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The state governments of Wisconsin and Illinois partially fund the line. This connection connects the C&M Subdivision of the CPKC Railway to Metra’s Milwaukee District North Connection.
The service handled 636,854 passengers in FY2023, a 26.9% increase over FY2022. It is Amtrak’s sixth busiest route and the most popular railroad line in the Midwest. FY2011 revenue was $14,953,873, a 6.1% increase over FY2010. Ridership per mile is also exceptionally high, trailing only the Northeast Regional and Capital Corridor. A one-way trip between Milwaukee and Chicago takes about 90 minutes. In the 1930s, the same trip took 75 minutes on the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Hiawatha on the Pacific Railroad. Hiawatha Service began offering free Wi-Fi in 2014. The service is particularly popular with fans of baseball’s Brewers-Cubs rivalry who use public transportation, with trains often running to capacity before and after games at American Family Field or Wrigley Field.
Amtrak Thruway lines connect Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Fond du Lac to Milwaukee and Madison, Janesville, and Rockford to Chicago.
The COVID-19 outbreak forced Hiawatha to temporarily switch from bus service on April 24, 2020. Partial service resumed in June 2020, and full service in May 2021.
Schedule Highlights
- There are several trains daily.
- The first train from Chicago leaves at 6 a.m.
- The first train from Milwaukee arrives in Chicago at 8 a.m.
- The last trains from Chicago and Milwaukee depart in the evening.
Most popular Amtrak Hiawatha routes
The Sturtevant to Chicago train is Amtrak’s most popular Hiawatha route. Glenview to Milwaukee and Chicago to Milwaukee are also very popular.
TOP AMTRAK HIAWATHA ROUTES
| Route | Daily Trips | Duration | Price |
| Sturtevant to Chicago | 3 | 1h 7m | $13 |
| Glenview to Milwaukee | 12 | 0h 59m | $12 |
| Chicago to Milwaukee | 12 | 1h 22m | $14 |
| Sturtevant to Glenview | 2 | 0h 37m | $11 |
| Milwaukee to Sturtevant | 11 | 0h 17m | $6 |
| Glenview to Chicago | 6 | 0h 28m | $6 |
Stops and Stations
The Hiawatha train travels between Chicago and Milwaukee, making stops at several stations along the way. Here’s a breakdown of each station in a table format:
| Station | City, State | Amenities | Connection Options |
| Chicago Union Station (CHI) | Chicago, IL | Restrooms, restaurants, cafes, shops, ATMs, currency exchange | L lines (subway), buses, taxis |
| Glenview, IL (GLN) | Glenview, IL | Restrooms, waiting area, limited concessions (depending on time) | Pace suburban buses, taxis (phone dispatch) |
| Sturtevant, WI (SVT) | Sturtevant, WI | Restrooms, waiting area, limited vending machines (snacks/drinks) | Limited public transportation, taxis (phone dispatch) |
| Milwaukee, WI – General Mitchell Intl. Airport (MKA) (Optional stop on some routes) | Milwaukee, WI | Restrooms, restaurants, cafes, shops, ATMs | Milwaukee city buses, MCTS rail line, taxis |
| Milwaukee, WI – Intermodal Station (MK) | Milwaukee, WI | Restrooms, restaurants, cafes, shops, ATMs, car rentals | Milwaukee city buses, MCTS rail line, taxis |
Trip Planning
Booking Your Ticket:
- Online: Amtrak offers a user-friendly website (https://www.amtrak.com/home) where you can search schedules, compare fares, and book your tickets securely.
- Station Purchase: Tickets can also be purchased at staffed ticketing counters inside stations such as Chicago Union Station and Milwaukee Intermodal Station.
Amtrak App:
Download the free Amtrak app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amtrak/id405074003 or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amtrak.rider&hl=en) for on-the-go convenience. It allows you to manage bookings, view schedules, and real-time train status updates, and access your e-tickets.
Fares and Discounts:
Amtrak offers a variety of fare options to fit your budget. Here’s a quick overview:
- Base Fare: This is the initial price of your ticket and may vary depending on travel date, time, and demand.
- Discounts: Amtrak offers discounts for seniors (age 65+), students, AAA members, military personnel, and passengers with disabilities. Be sure to check their website for current discount details and eligibility requirements.
Baggage Policy:
The good news is that Amtrak allows generous baggage allowances on Hiawatha service:
- Checked Bags: You can check up to two bags, each weighing a maximum of 50 lbs (22.7 kg), free of charge.
- Carry-on: One carry-on bag (maximum 28″ x 22″ x 14″ or 71 cm x 56 cm x 36 cm) and one personal item (purse, backpack, etc.) are allowed onboard with you.
Tip: For detailed information and any possible exceptions, it is always best to refer to the official Amtrak Baggage Policy available on their website.
Onboard Experience
The Hiawatha train offers a comfortable and convenient travel experience between Chicago and Milwaukee. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect on board:
Seating Options:
- Coach Class: The most common option, offers comfortable reclining seats with plenty of legroom and plenty of space between passengers.
- Business Class (limited availability): Offers an upgraded experience with wider, more comfortable seats, additional lounge room, and access to additional amenities such as complimentary snacks and beverages.
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your journey with Amtrak’s onboard Wi-Fi service.
- Restrooms: Each car on the train is equipped with restrooms.
- Concessions: A cafe car offers a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals for purchase.
Food and Drinks:
Amtrak’s cafe car provides a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. You can purchase:
- Snacks: Chips, cookies, pretzels, and other pre-packaged options.
- Beverages: Coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices, and bottled water.
- Light Meals: Sandwiches, salads, and other grab-and-go options.
Bringing Your Own Provisions:
Amtrak allows you to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages onto Hiawatha. However, there are a few restrictions:
- Strong Odors: Avoid bringing food with strong odors that might disturb fellow passengers.
- Glass Containers: For safety reasons, glass containers are not permitted onboard.
- Alcohol: No alcoholic beverages are allowed to be brought on the train.
Stay Charged:
Don’t worry about running out of power! Most seats on the Hiawatha are equipped with electrical outlets or USB charging ports, allowing you to keep your devices charged throughout your journey.
What to Do in Chicago and Milwaukee
Chicago:
The Windy City offers a vibrant mix of famous landmarks, world-class museums, and the great outdoors. Here are a few must-sees:
- Millennium Park: Home to Cloud Gate (“The Bean“), Lurie Garden, and Crown Fountain, this sprawling park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Art Institute of Chicago: Immerse yourself in a vast collection of art spanning centuries, from Impressionist masterpieces to modern installations. (https://www.facebook.com/artic/)
- Navy Pier: This lively waterfront district features amusement rides, restaurants, shops, and stunning lake views. (https://navypier.org/)
- Skydeck Chicago: Ascend to the top of Willis Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the famous glass-floored ledges. (https://theskydeck.com/)
- Lincoln Park Zoo: Explore a variety of animal exhibits and lush gardens, all for free! (https://www.lpzoo.org/)
Milwaukee:
This Midwestern gem boasts a rich history, a thriving brewery scene, and a beautiful lakefront. Here are some highlights:
- Milwaukee Art Museum: Discover an impressive collection of art from around the world, with a stunning architectural marvel as its backdrop – the Santiago Calatrava-designed wings. (https://collection.mam.org/)
- Harley-Davidson Museum: Delve into the history of this iconic motorcycle brand and witness legendary bikes up close. (https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/museum.html)
- Historic Third Ward: Explore this trendy neighborhood with its art galleries, boutiques, and award-winning restaurants.
- Milwaukee Riverwalk: Take a scenic stroll or boat tour along the Milwaukee River, offering stunning views and access to various attractions.
- Mitchell Park Conservatory: Immerse yourself in a vibrant world of plants and flowers within this historic glasshouse complex. (https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/What-We-Do/Conservation)
Planning Resources:
For more detailed information and itinerary ideas, you can visit the official tourism websites of each city:
- Chicago: https://twitter.com/choosechicago?lang=en
- Milwaukee: https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/
FAQs
Yes, Amtrak Hiawatha provides Wi-Fi on its trains. While most Amtrak Hiawatha trips will have Wi-Fi as stated, some trains may not have Wi-Fi, and onboard Wi-Fi may lose connectivity in rural areas. We urge you to bring a book or download a movie to be safe. Amtrak Hiawatha WiFi is generally best used for browsing the web, reading emails, and chatting with friends. Don’t expect to see your favorite program.
Yes, Amtrak Hiawatha trains have power outlets. You can usually find one or two outlets in each row of seats, so be a careful passenger and check to see if your seatmate also wants to charge their electronics. Onboard power outlets allow you to charge both computers and USB devices using a USB power adapter, which is usually included with most phones and tablets.
Because Amtrak Hiawatha may sometimes employ alternate train units, not all trips are guaranteed to include power outlets. We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your phone for trips longer than 2 hours, just in case.
Amtrak Hiawatha typically has 83 scheduled trains per day. However, actual departure and arrival times vary by day and route. To get the exact timetable for your journey, use the search function on this page.
No, Amtrak does not provide Hiawatha Will Call tickets. Buy your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station.
Yes, Amtrak Hiawatha requires that you present your identification to an agent before boarding the train. Make sure you have government-issued identification that matches the carrier’s standards. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, will not work.
Amtrak Hiawatha trains have restrooms. Toilets are very basic, with a toilet, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Most toilets lack running water. Be careful when using the toilet in a moving vehicle and hang on to the rail at all times.
Amtrak Hiawatha does not serve food or beverages on board. We recommend that you pack drinks and food for your excursion. To limit your environmental impact, we recommend carrying a reusable water bottle. However, most trains do not allow you to carry your own alcoholic beverages.
To board an Amtrak Hiawatha train, a paper ticket is not required. Instead, when you make your reservation, you will receive an e-ticket via email. You can show this eTicket on your smartphone to the ticketing agent when you board.
Amtrak Hiawatha goes above and beyond to provide its passengers with top-notch amenities.
Do you find yourself stuck in a standard seat, or do you like to have more room to spread out? You’re in luck, because the Amtrak Hiawatha has extra legroom seats. As there is no standard for how extra legroom is designed, the amount of extra space you get can vary between train lines, although more is usually beneficial.
Additional Tips for Riders
- Arrive early for boarding (recommended time: 30 minutes before departure) to ensure enough time to check in, stow luggage, and find your seat.
- Carry necessary identification (valid ID) for boarding the train.
- Pack comfortable clothing and essentials for your trip. Consider the weather conditions at your destination and choose appropriate attire.
- Bring entertainment for the train ride to keep yourself occupied. Books, magazines, music, podcasts, or even downloading a movie or show in advance are all great options.
Additional Resources
- Amtrak Website: Amtrak
- Hiawatha Service Page: Amtrak Hiawatha Service
Optional Resources for Trip Planning:
- Chicago Tourism Board: Choose Chicago
- Milwaukee Tourism Board: Visit Milwaukee