Chicago to Milwaukee: Road Trip Guide & Distance

81.5 miles 131.1 km · straight line
88.9 miles actual route 143.1 km · driving distance
1h 51min estimated drive time
$9 - $11 estimated fuel cost
~40min flight time · usually no direct flights
350° N bearing direction

How far is Chicago from Milwaukee?

The distance from Chicago to Milwaukee is 81.5 miles (131.1 km) as the crow flies. Milwaukee is located N of Chicago. By car, the driving distance is approximately 88.9 miles, taking about 1h 51min. A direct flight would take roughly 40min. Both are located in United States — Chicago in Illinois and Milwaukee in Wisconsin.

This is a quick and easy drive, perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. You can easily make the round trip in a single day. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Chicago and Milwaukee. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Chicago to Milwaukee

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 1h 51min $9 - $11 Flexible stops
Bus ~2h 13min $7–$13* Budget
Train ~1h 45min $11–$31* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Chicago & Milwaukee

Quick Facts

Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Milwaukee
43.04°N, 87.91°W
America/Chicago
188m elevation
Explore more routes from Milwaukee

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 27 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 7 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 305.7 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM