Transportation

GETTING TO & FRO: Transportation Options in The Region

Milwaukee is blessed with a variety of transportation options that make it easy to get both in and out of the region as well to various points within the region. In addition to the three interstate highways that intersect the city – I-94, I-41 and I-43 – the region offers convenient options to travel by air, train or boat.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Located just 10 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) offers nonstop flights to more than 30 destinations coast-to-coast, and hundreds of national and international destinations with just one connection. The MKE experience is considered “first class” with easy parking (including valet), convenient access and minimal stress – getting from car to gate can be accomplished in as little as 10 minutes. There’s even a coat-check for leaving your winter coat behind when traveling to warmer destinations, and the world’s only named recombobulation area after you pass through security. MKE has received top honors from both Condé Nast Traveler and J.D. Power, and in 2021 and 2022 was named a “Best Airport” by Airport Service Quality, the world’s leading airport passenger service benchmarking program. For more information, please visit: flymke.com.

Bikeshare With Bublr

Bublr Bikes is Greater Milwaukee’s non-profit bikeshare program. You can check out a classic bike or ebike from any of the more than 110 Bublr stations in the network in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa and West Allis and return it to any other station in the network. Pay-by-the-minute, short & long-term pass options are available in the BCycle app. For information about locations and how to use the bikes, please visit bublrbikes.org. #ExploreMKE #BublrBikes 

Amtrak®

Milwaukee is served by two major Amtrak routes. Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service to Chicago is the busiest route on the Amtrak Midwest network with several daily trains connecting Milwaukee with Amtrak’s national network, where passengers can board trains to destinations throughout the nation. Milwaukee is also served by Amtrak’s Empire Builder, which provides service to Wisconsin Dells, La Crosse, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Glacier National Park on its way to Portland and Seattle. The Amtrak station is located at the Intermodal Station in downtown Milwaukee. Website: amtrak.com. 

Lake Express Ferry

High-speed ferry that connects Milwaukee and Muskegon, Michigan, bypassing Chicago’s congested roadways. Two round trips daily spring and fall (weather permitting); three in summer. Website: lake-express.com.

Milwaukee County Transit

Milwaukee County has an extensive bus system that connects communities within Milwaukee County as well as select destinations within the region, including CONNECT1 rapid transit service that uses designated traffic lanes to provide faster passenger service between downtown Milwaukee, Wauwatosa and the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center. Website: ride.mcts.com 

Jump on "The Hop"

Modern, fixed-transit network connecting the Milwaukee Intermodal Station (Amtrak passenger rail and intercity bus service) with the Historic Third Ward, East Town business district, Lower East Side and Lakefront. All rides are free. Trains run 5am-midnight, M-F; 7am-midnight, Sat; 7am-10pm Sun. Website: thehopmke.com