Fastest way from Minneapolis to Milwaukee: Flight, about 1h 13min (from €100). Cheapest: Bus, from €51 (about 5h 45min – 6h 50min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): Greyhound, FlixBus; main departure point: Minneapolis Bus Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Minneapolis to Milwaukee
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | Bus | Minneapolis Bus Station | €51 | 8 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Minneapolis Bus Station | €80 | 4 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
If you have a fixed appointment or a connecting flight the same day, the plane protects your time. If your day is flexible and your budget is tight, the bus is the sensible choice. Compare both before booking.
Do not assume a station. Open your e-ticket and read the boarding address in both cities, then check it on a map. Some US stops are on a street curb with little signage.
Flights leave from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International and land at Milwaukee Mitchell International. Check your terminal on the booking confirmation, since it depends on the airline, and allow extra margin for security.
Bus and flight prices usually rise as departure approaches, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking ahead gives you a better fare and more choice of departure times, so you avoid the last seats.
Do not cut it close. Arrive at the stop early with your ticket on your phone, and avoid planning a tight connection afterwards. If you miss the last service of the day, your options narrow quickly.
The journey experience
Minneapolis and Milwaukee look close on a map, but they sit a long way apart across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The real question is simple: do you save money on the bus, or save most of a day in the air? This page puts both options side by side so you can decide quickly and book with confidence.
The bus is the budget choice. You ride city to city with reclining seats, space for your luggage under the vehicle and, on many services, Wi-Fi and power outlets, though comfort varies by carrier. It makes for a long day of sitting, but you avoid airport security and arrive straight in the city. The plane is far quicker in the air, yet you must add the trip to the airport, check-in, security and the ride from Milwaukee's airport into town. If you carry a big bag, travel on a tight budget or have a flexible schedule, the bus often feels easier. If your time is short, flying wins.
Whichever you choose, check the exact departure point on your e-ticket before leaving. In the US a bus stop can be a street corner rather than a station, and airports have several terminals. Keep your confirmation on your phone, arrive early and book ahead for better fares. There is no border to cross, so this is a straightforward domestic trip.
Frequently asked questions — Minneapolis → Milwaukee
It depends on your priority. The bus is the cheapest option, from about 51 €, but it takes a good part of the day. The plane is much faster, around 1 h 15 in the air, from about 100 €, though you must add airport time. Choose the bus for budget, the plane for speed.
By bus, plan for about 6 to 7 hours depending on the service and traffic. By plane, the flight itself takes around 1 h 15. For the plane, remember to add time to reach the airport, check in, pass security and travel from Milwaukee's airport to the city.
Bus tickets start from about 51 €, and typically go up to 58 €. Flights start from about 100 €. Fares change with the date and how early you book, so reserving ahead usually gives you the best price, especially on busy weekends.
The bus leaves from a stop in the Minneapolis area and arrives in Milwaukee. The exact boarding and drop-off points depend on the service you book and are shown on your e-ticket. Check the address on a map before travelling, as some stops are on a street rather than in a station.
It depends on the service you choose. Some options may include a change, others may not. Your booking page shows whether a service is direct or requires a connection, so check this before paying, especially if you have a tight schedule or heavy luggage.
Why visit Milwaukee?
- ✓ Tour the Harley-Davidson Museum and see iconic motorcycles from over a century of Milwaukee history
- ✓ Admire Santiago Calatrava's Quadracci Pavilion, with its moving wings, at the Milwaukee Art Museum on Lake Michigan
- ✓ Sample craft beer and local history at Lakefront Brewery or the historic Pabst Brewery complex
- ✓ Browse the Milwaukee Public Market in the Third Ward for cheese curds, fresh seafood and local specialties
- ✓ Stroll the Milwaukee Riverwalk and the lakeside paths of Veterans Park, with views over Lake Michigan
When to visit Milwaukee?
HUMID CONTINENTAL CLIMATE
June to September — warm, sunny days ideal for festivals, lakefront walks and outdoor beer gardens
What to do in Milwaukee?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Milwaukee?
Plan 2 to 3 days in Milwaukee. Two days cover the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Public Market, the Historic Third Ward, a brewery tour and the Riverwalk; a third day adds Lake Michigan beaches, Lakefront trails or a Brewers game. Visit between June and September for festivals like Summerfest and outdoor patios, and rent a car if you want to day-trip to Chicago or Door County.
Related searches