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How to Get to Milwaukee

How to Get to Milwaukee

Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel Options

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport MKE

MKE is the main airport, located about 8 miles (13 km) south of downtown. It connects to numerous domestic destinations.

MKE Airlines & Routes

  • American, Delta, Southwest, United, Spirit, Frontier, Alaska Airlines.
  • Direct flights to major U.S. Cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Denver.
  • International travelers connect through larger U.S. Hubs (ORD, DTW, MSP, ATL).

Chicago O'Hare International ORD

ORD is a major international gateway, approximately 85 miles (137 km) south of Milwaukee. Many global connections.

ORD Connectivity

  • Extensive global connections via major U.S. Hubs.
  • Flight prices fluctuate seasonally; summer and holidays have higher demand.
  • Consider flexible travel dates; mid-week flights often cost less.

Airport Facilities

MKE offers dining options, retail shops, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, ATMs, and car rental agencies.

Price Fluctuations

Peak travel season (summer, holidays) means higher prices. Shoulder and low seasons offer competitive pricing.

Airport Transfers

MKE to downtown: Taxi/Ride-share ($25-$35, 15-20 min), MCTS bus ($2.00, 30 min), Amtrak ($7-$10, 10 min).

Transfers from Chicago O'Hare ORD

Bus Service

  • Coach USA Wisconsin Coach Lines offers direct bus service from O'Hare to Milwaukee Intermodal Station.
  • Journey time is approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic.
  • A convenient and popular option.
  • Buses depart regularly from the O'Hare Bus Shuttle Center.

Train Connection

  • Take CTA Blue Line from O'Hare to Chicago Union Station.
  • Connect to Amtrak Hiawatha Service to Milwaukee Intermodal Station.
  • Total travel time is generally 2.5-3.5 hours, including transfers.
  • A direct train journey offers a comfortable ride.

Train & Long-Distance Bus

Amtrak Hiawatha Service

Frequent, high-speed rail service between Milwaukee Intermodal Station and Chicago Union Station.

Amtrak Empire Builder

Milwaukee is a stop on the long-distance Empire Builder route to the Pacific Northwest.

Long-Distance Buses

Greyhound and Jefferson Lines serve Milwaukee Intermodal Station, connecting to other U.S. Cities.

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

Driving Requirements

A valid U.S. Driver's license or International Driving Permit (IDP) with home country license.

Rental Car Essentials

  • Renters typically need to be 21+ (surcharge under 25).
  • Major credit card in renter's name for payment and deposit.
  • Major Car rental companies are at MKE and city locations (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz).

Road Conditions & Safety

Major roads are well-maintained. Potholes appear after winter. Winter driving requires preparation.

Driving Tips

  • Obey standard U.S. Driving laws (drive on right, seatbelts).
  • Be prepared for snow/ice in winter. Ensure good tires on rental cars.
  • Downtown parking can be costly; research options. Metered street parking has limits.

Lake Michigan Ferry

The SS Badger carferry runs seasonally (typically May through October) between Manitowoc, Wisconsin (about 1.5 hours north of Milwaukee by car), and Ludington, Michigan, across Lake Michigan.

Carferry Details

  • Transports passengers and vehicles across Lake Michigan.
  • An option for travelers from Michigan, though not directly to Milwaukee.
  • Operates outside Milwaukee, about 1.5 hours north by car from the city.

Cruise Ports & River Travel

Port Milwaukee serves as a port of call for some Great Lakes cruises. The Milwaukee River mainly supports recreational boats.

Water-Based Travel

  • International cruise passengers undergo U.S. CBP procedures upon disembarkation.
  • Milwaukee River supports recreational boats and guided tours, not intercity transport.
  • From Port Milwaukee or river docks, taxis, ride-shares, or MCTS buses connect to the city.

Driving Safety Considerations

  • Be attentive to traffic, especially during rush hour.
  • Awareness for deer in rural areas outside the city, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Winter driving conditions include snow, ice, and potential blizzards.
  • Ensure your vehicle's defroster and wipers function effectively in cold weather.
  • Roads are slippery, and visibility may reduce during winter.
  • Plan fuel stops, especially on longer drives outside urban areas.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees when departing the U.S. From Milwaukee. Taxes are typically included in ticket price.

Departure Timing

Domestic flights: arrive 1.5-2 hours before. International connections: allow 2-3 hours. Train/bus: 30-45 minutes.

Airport Facilities

MKE offers dining, retail for souvenirs, and free Wi-Fi. Milwaukee Intermodal Station has vendors, seating, Wi-Fi.

Smooth Departure

Always have your boarding passes, ID, and travel documents readily accessible for check-in and security screening.