Getting Around Milwaukee
Milwaukee Airport information
If you're flying into Milwaukee, the primary airport you'll use is Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE). It’s located just 5 miles south of downtown, which means getting to the city is quick and easy - perfect for event planners, business travelers, and visitors on a tight schedule.
The airport is modern, well-organized, and known for being traveler-friendly. You'll find everything from comfortable lounges and car rentals to easy ride-share access right outside baggage claim.
Here’s a quick guide to how you can travel from the airport to your destination:
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available outside Baggage Claim Exit 1. A one-way trip downtown usually costs $20–$40 and takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.
GO Riteway runs shared ride vans and shuttle services to downtown hotels and nearby business areas—booking online in advance is recommended.
Car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise have desks inside the terminal.
Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) operates budget-friendly bus routes: the GreenLine and Route 80 both connect the airport to downtown.
Travelers heading farther can use Amtrak’s Airport Rail Station, connected by a free shuttle that runs regularly between the terminal and train stop.
Tip for event planners: If you’re hosting conferences or corporate events, arranging group transfers in advance using GO Riteway or charter vans will make guest arrivals seamless.
The airport is modern, well-organized, and known for being traveler-friendly. You'll find everything from comfortable lounges and car rentals to easy ride-share access right outside baggage claim.
Here’s a quick guide to how you can travel from the airport to your destination:
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available outside Baggage Claim Exit 1. A one-way trip downtown usually costs $20–$40 and takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.
GO Riteway runs shared ride vans and shuttle services to downtown hotels and nearby business areas—booking online in advance is recommended.
Car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise have desks inside the terminal.
Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) operates budget-friendly bus routes: the GreenLine and Route 80 both connect the airport to downtown.
Travelers heading farther can use Amtrak’s Airport Rail Station, connected by a free shuttle that runs regularly between the terminal and train stop.
Tip for event planners: If you’re hosting conferences or corporate events, arranging group transfers in advance using GO Riteway or charter vans will make guest arrivals seamless.
Milwaukee Train information
Milwaukee’s main railway hub is the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, which is clean, modern, and well-located downtown. It serves both Amtrak and Greyhound passengers, making it a key spot for travelers coming from nearby states or connecting to local transport.
The Amtrak Hiawatha Service runs seven round trips daily between Milwaukee and Chicago’s Union Station, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes—fast, frequent, and ideal for business commuters. The station was completely renovated in 2015 and offers easy transfers to taxis, buses, and rental cars.
If you're traveling to the airport, Amtrak also stops at the Milwaukee Airport Rail Station, which connects to the terminal via a free shuttle bus.
Key travel tips for train passengers:
Travel time to Chicago: around 90 minutes.
Coach USA’s Wisconsin Coach Lines also operates express buses from the Intermodal Station to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, taking about 2 hours.
The station offers comfortable seating, restrooms, cafes, and easy access to the downtown business district.
For event planners, scheduling delegates on Hiawatha trains between Chicago and Milwaukee ensures on-time arrival for conferences and corporate gatherings.
The Amtrak Hiawatha Service runs seven round trips daily between Milwaukee and Chicago’s Union Station, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes—fast, frequent, and ideal for business commuters. The station was completely renovated in 2015 and offers easy transfers to taxis, buses, and rental cars.
If you're traveling to the airport, Amtrak also stops at the Milwaukee Airport Rail Station, which connects to the terminal via a free shuttle bus.
Key travel tips for train passengers:
Travel time to Chicago: around 90 minutes.
Coach USA’s Wisconsin Coach Lines also operates express buses from the Intermodal Station to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, taking about 2 hours.
The station offers comfortable seating, restrooms, cafes, and easy access to the downtown business district.
For event planners, scheduling delegates on Hiawatha trains between Chicago and Milwaukee ensures on-time arrival for conferences and corporate gatherings.
Milwaukee Ground information
Milwaukee has a variety of ground travel options suited for all kinds of visitors—whether you prefer to drive yourself, catch a shuttle, or even take a ferry across Lake Michigan.
Here’s what you should know:
Bus: Greyhound, Megabus, and Wisconsin Coach Lines operate from the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, providing routes across Wisconsin, Illinois, and other states.
Ferry: The Lake Express Ferry connects Milwaukee to Muskegon, Michigan, in only two hours—a scenic alternative to driving around the lake.
Bike: With over 130 miles of trails, the Bublr Bikes bike-share system has more than 60 docking stations across the city—great for exploring or short trips between venues.
Car: Milwaukee is less than 90 miles north of Chicago, sitting right at the crossroads of Interstates 94 and 43. Parking is affordable and plentiful downtown.
Walkability: Downtown Milwaukee is pedestrian-friendly, with its popular 3-mile RiverWalk praised for safety and scenery, earning it a “Walker’s Paradise” score from Walkscore.com.
For event guests, the blend of buses, bikes, and rideshares makes it easy to move between hotels, meeting spaces, and entertainment spots.
Here’s what you should know:
Bus: Greyhound, Megabus, and Wisconsin Coach Lines operate from the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, providing routes across Wisconsin, Illinois, and other states.
Ferry: The Lake Express Ferry connects Milwaukee to Muskegon, Michigan, in only two hours—a scenic alternative to driving around the lake.
Bike: With over 130 miles of trails, the Bublr Bikes bike-share system has more than 60 docking stations across the city—great for exploring or short trips between venues.
Car: Milwaukee is less than 90 miles north of Chicago, sitting right at the crossroads of Interstates 94 and 43. Parking is affordable and plentiful downtown.
Walkability: Downtown Milwaukee is pedestrian-friendly, with its popular 3-mile RiverWalk praised for safety and scenery, earning it a “Walker’s Paradise” score from Walkscore.com.
For event guests, the blend of buses, bikes, and rideshares makes it easy to move between hotels, meeting spaces, and entertainment spots.
Milwaukee Public information
Milwaukee’s city buses are operated by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), which recently rolled out major upgrades under its MOVE 2025 plan. These updates make getting around the city smoother than ever, especially for visitors attending large events or conventions.
Some recent improvements include:
New and upgraded routes with more reliable schedules and better citywide coverage.
Faster service on key routes like Route 57 and Route 63 during morning and evening rush hours.
Digital tools: Travelers can now use the Umo Mobility App or the WisGo card to plan, track, and pay for rides easily.
Additionally, VISIT Milwaukee, along with city departments, has installed new pedestrian signage and digital kiosks downtown to help visitors navigate easily between venues, hotels, and attractions.
For event planners, clear wayfinding and reliable public transport mean guests can move between sessions, dine downtown, and explore the city without hassle.
Some recent improvements include:
New and upgraded routes with more reliable schedules and better citywide coverage.
Faster service on key routes like Route 57 and Route 63 during morning and evening rush hours.
Digital tools: Travelers can now use the Umo Mobility App or the WisGo card to plan, track, and pay for rides easily.
Additionally, VISIT Milwaukee, along with city departments, has installed new pedestrian signage and digital kiosks downtown to help visitors navigate easily between venues, hotels, and attractions.
For event planners, clear wayfinding and reliable public transport mean guests can move between sessions, dine downtown, and explore the city without hassle.
