Commuting from Chicago to Milwaukee

[reppin_the_847]

Amtrak may be a commuting option. The Hiawatha line (Chicago - Milwaukee) would begin at Chicago's Union Station and have intermediate stops at Glenview, IL, (not Northbrook like someone else stated), Sturtevant, WI (close to Racine), Milwaukee Airport stop, and then finally Milwaukee Intermodal Station very close to downtown Milwaukee. Amtrak is fast, reliable, but a bit expensive. If you want to balance out those rides with some cheap Megabus rides, that would certainly be an option.

Just to give you an idea, if you booked a Megabus ticket last minute to ride tomorrow from Milwaukee to Chicago, the ticket would run you $11 ($10 less than the Amtrak train). The Milwaukee stop right now temporarily picks up near the corner of N 4th St & W St. Paul Ave (very close to the Milwaukee Amtrak station). It has one more south Milwaukee stop on its way to Chicago near the W College Ave & S 20th St intersection (I-94/College Avenue interchange). After this stop, the bus takes you directly to Chicago's Union Station! However, keep in mind that the bus will have to fight traffic just like vehicles would have to. And you also need to purchase tickets for the bus on their website (low cost inter city travel). It's a great alternative, or a way to mix & match your commuting options. Amtrak is better when you're in a hurry and cost doesn't matter as much. Megabus would be nice if you're looking to save a few bucks and in no hurry to reach your destination.

Originally Posted by CHI/MKE Commuter

I was just offered a GREAT one-year job in Milwaukee... the only problem is that my husband and I live in Chicago and for various reasons cannot move from the Chicago-metropolitan area. What are the options for commuting from the Chicago-area to Milwaukee? Am I crazy to even consider this commute, even if it is only for a years time?

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by CHI/MKE Commuter

I was just offered a GREAT one-year job in Milwaukee... the only problem is that my husband and I live in Chicago and for various reasons cannot move from the Chicago-metropolitan area. What are the options for commuting from the Chicago-area to Milwaukee? Am I crazy to even consider this commute, even if it is only for a years time?

How about, where in Chicagoland? It does matter. Aurora, or Long Grove? Big difference. Tinley Park? Ha!

The options are Amtrak from the Loop or Northbrook, or car. Forget Metra even if he leaves a car in Kenosha or whatever. Too long, too slow.

Car is not bad from any north or north shore suburb. Not bad at all. I worked for a guy until two years ago, who commuted Niles to Milwaukee every day for four years. Despite putting a lot of (highway) miles on his car, he found that his drive was easy, compared to the commute from Niles to the Loop. He reported no traffic and 1:15 "office to easy chair" and vice versa.

Parking was cheaper too, but you knew that already.

Also I commuted from Lake Forest to Milwaukee a long time ago. No problem there, less than one hour, little traffic. I now work in Bolingbrook, but live in Scottsdale with a place in Milwaukee. Milwaukee to Bolingbrook is not bad either, at the right times of the day. But the reverse commutes always have it easier.

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by 43north87west

How about, where in Chicagoland? It does matter. Aurora, or Long Grove? Big difference. Tinley Park? Ha!

The options are Amtrak from the Loop or Northbrook, or car. Forget Metra even if he leaves a car in Kenosha or whatever. Too long, too slow.

Car is not bad from any north or north shore suburb. Not bad at all. I worked for a guy until two years ago, who commuted Niles to Milwaukee every day for four years. Despite putting a lot of (highway) miles on his car, he found that his drive was easy, compared to the commute from Niles to the Loop. He reported no traffic and 1:15 "office to easy chair" and vice versa.

Parking was cheaper too, but you knew that already.

Also I commuted from Lake Forest to Milwaukee a long time ago. No problem there, less than one hour, little traffic. I now work in Bolingbrook, but live in Scottsdale with a place in Milwaukee. Milwaukee to Bolingbrook is not bad either, at the right times of the day. But the reverse commutes always have it easier.

There is a big difference between different commutes from Chicago to Milwaukee.....agree with that...such as saying big difference between a commute from Lake Forest to Milwaukee and Bolingbrook to Milwaukee. Not even close. .....generally North of hwy 90 is where you want and need to be....and preferrably as close to 294 as possible(or 41). ....once you get way out Western burbs in Chicago....or deep into the city....or frankly, Evanston is a little tough traffic area via car....or further South to 290 or past.....it gets in the couple hour range quickly....

Chicago traffic is generally okay from 10am-2pm.....rolling the dice any other time...so a 45-1 hr drive could become 2hrs before you know it....and in bad situations more than that.


I believe doing any of the Chicago to Milwaukee commutes for one year is doable....poster said it was for one year.....you will not want to do it much longer than that...if you drive...it'll wear you down over time....train not as much....and hopefully you are North of 90.