Welcome Pickups / Milwaukee / Airport to Downtown Milwaukee

How to get from Milwaukee Airport to Downtown

Dori Rauschenberger

November 16, 2022

The Great Lake city of Milwaukee is situated along the western shore of Lake Michigan. Along with offering fun water-related activities, Milwaukee boasts top-notch breweries and a variety of historical and cultural attractions. The city is known for its Midwest charm, while a recent revival is breathing some fresh energy into the area.

Milwaukee airport is located just over 13 kilometres (8 miles) from downtown Milwaukee. After landing at the airport, you can reach downtown by taxi or bus. Choosing an airport taxi for your Milwaukee airport transportation to downtown is the most comfortable and easiest way to travel. The journey takes 15 to 20 minutes by taxi, and the fare costs around $25 (€25) to $30 (€30). The GreenLine or Route 80 bus is also a great, inexpensive option for budget-conscious travellers. The journey by bus takes around 30 minutes and costs $2.25 (€2.20) for a standard ticket.

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€25	15min	24/7
Bus	€4.50	30min	03:28–02:17

How to get from Milwaukee airport to downtown by taxi

Taking a taxi from Milwaukee airport to downtown is the safest, easiest, and most comfortable transfer option. Several taxi companies serve the airport, and taxis are available 24/7. The trip from Milwaukee airport to downtown Milwaukee typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. Taxi fares are metered and generally, it costs $25 (€25) to $30 (€30) to cover the route. For a flat rate with no additional charges, you can also book your Milwaukee airport transportation to downtown Milwaukee in advance with Welcome Pickups.

Taxi fare from Milwaukee airport to Downtown Milwaukee

Milwaukee taxis charge based on metered rate. The rate can be estimated by a base rate of $4.20 (€4.20), $2.50 per km (€1.60), and $27.70 (€27.70) per hour of standing or waiting. Taxis also charge $3 (€3) for airport pickups/drop-offs, while other surcharges for excess luggage or additional passengers may apply as well. Generally, to reach downtown Milwaukee from the airport, you can expect to pay around $30 (€30). For a competitive flat rate with no hidden charges, you can book your ride in advance with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

$25-30

Trip Duration

15-20 min

Fares may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis from General Mitchell International - Milwaukee Airport are available 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

After landing at Milwaukee airport and gathering your luggage, you can find Milwaukee airport taxis at the designated taxi rank located outside Baggage Claim 3. Once outside, cross the Baggage Claim roadway. Then you can follow the signs to the taxi stand.

Convenience

Taking a taxi is the easiest way to reach downtown Milwaukee from the airport. Taxis offer comfortable and speedy transfers. Plus, they offer 24/7 door-to-door services, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost or losing time navigating public transportation.

Editor’s Note

If you are headed to the airport from downtown Milwaukee, it may be difficult to flag down a taxi from the street. You can either pre-book your ride online, call a taxi company to request a ride, or you can find taxis waiting at major hotels in the city.

Useful Tips

Tipping taxi drivers is a standard practice throughout the US. It is common to tip great drivers 20% for their service.

Most taxis will accept payment by card, but you may want to double-check with your driver before starting your ride.

How to get from Milwaukee airport to Downtown by bus

Taking the GreenLine or Route 80 bus is the cheapest form of Milwaukee airport transportation to downtown. Buses are available from 3:28 to 2:17 on weekdays, 4:52 to 1:30 on Saturdays, and 4:46 to 1:13 on Sundays. The trip downtown takes around 30 minutes, and both bus lines stop at the airport about every 20 to 30 minutes. The standard fare for the bus costs $2.25 (€2.20) per traveller.

How much is fare for the bus from Milwaukee airport to downtown?

If you buy a standard adult ticket with cash, the fare costs $2.25 (€2.20). Tickets can be purchased from the driver with exact change. You can also load the fare onto the WisGo app (after downloading the app to your smartphone) or you can load the fare onto an M-CARD. With the WisGo app or M-CARD, the standard fare costs $2 (€1.90). M-CARDs can be purchased from the bus vending machine near Carousel 1 at the airport. Discounted fares are offered to kids 11 and younger, adults over the age of 65, and persons with disabilities.

Cost

$2.25

Trip Duration

30 min

There is a wait time of up to 30 minutes for the bus.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Buses are available from 3:28 to 2:17 on weekdays, 4:52 to 1:30 on Saturdays, and 4:46 to 1:13 on Sundays.

Where can I find the bus?

The GreenLine and Route 80 buses pick up passengers from the airport at the bus stop outside of Baggage Claim Exit 1.

Convenience

Taking the bus from Milwaukee airport to downtown is a great way to save some money. However, taking the bus does require a bit more time and effort for the transfer, as you might have to wait for the next departure and you may have to do some walking or take another form of transport to reach your exact destination upon arriving downtown.

Timetables

GreenLine bus

Route 80 bus

Real-time Bus tracker

UMO App

Editor’s Note

You can track buses in Milwaukee via the Ride MCTS website or check out the Umo app for live timetables and route information.

Useful Tips

You can find real-time bus arrivals and departures on the electronic displays in the airport’s baggage claim area.

You can also purchase 1-day passes, 7-day passes, or 31-day passes if you intend to use the bus regularly during your stay in Milwaukee.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the distance from Milwaukee airport to downtown Milwaukee?

Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is a little over 13km (8 miles) from downtown Milwaukee. By taxi, the trip from Milwaukee airport to downtown takes 15 to 20 minutes, and by bus, it takes around 30 minutes.

What’s the average cab fare from Milwaukee airport to downtown?

Milwaukee airport cabs charge their fares based on a taximeter calculation; that can be estimated based on a base rate of $4.20 (€4.20), a $2.50 per mile (€1.60 per kilometre), and a $27.70 (€27.70) per hour of standing or waiting, where applicable. Other surcharges may apply. Generally, you can expect your Milwaukee airport transportation to downtown Milwaukee by taxi to cost around $25 (€25) to $30 (€30). As that fare cannot be guaranteed, for your peace of mind you may wish to pre-book your ride with a reliable company like Welcome Pickups and secure a competitive fixed fare.

Where can I find the bus schedule for the Milwaukee airport to downtown Milwaukee route?

You can find the Milwaukee bus schedule in several places. The GreenLine and Route 80 bus schedules can be attained via the Milwaukee County bus website or via the Uma mobile app. You can also use Google Maps throughout your visit to access updated bus times and routes in Milwaukee. Live bus arrivals and departures are also displayed in the baggage claim area at the airport.

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How to get from Milwaukee airport to downtown by taxi

Taxi fare from Milwaukee airport to Downtown Milwaukee

Cost

$25-30

Trip Duration

15-20 min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis from General Mitchell International - Milwaukee Airport are available 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Milwaukee airport to Downtown by bus

How much is fare for the bus from Milwaukee airport to downtown?

Cost

$2.25

Trip Duration

30 min

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Buses are available from 3:28 to 2:17 on weekdays, 4:52 to 1:30 on Saturdays, and 4:46 to 1:13 on Sundays.

Where can I find the bus?

Convenience

Timetables

GreenLine bus

Route 80 bus

Real-time Bus tracker

UMO App

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

What’s the distance from Milwaukee airport to downtown Milwaukee?

What’s the average cab fare from Milwaukee airport to downtown?

Where can I find the bus schedule for the Milwaukee airport to downtown Milwaukee route?

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in Milwaukee

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Transfer Options in Milwaukee

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Milwaukee Taxi - Prices and Useful Tips for Taxis in Milwaukee

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