How to Travel From the Milwaukee Airport to Downtown by Taxi, Bus, and Shuttle

With just one terminal—home to three concourses—General Mitchell International Airport on Milwaukee’s South Side is a breeze to travel through. And only 10 miles away, there are several easy options to get you to downtown Milwaukee so you can start enjoying the city and Lake Michigan as soon as possible. Whether you prefer to hail a cab, book a shuttle, or catch a bus, here are all the ways you can get from the airport to the city center.

Taxi

After exiting the building from Baggage Claim 3, cross the roadway and look for the taxi stand in the next lane. The typical fare between the airport and downtown Milwaukee will cost between $18 and $25. If you are using a ride sharing service like Uber and Lyft, you will have to wait to be picked up in the designated location near Baggage Claim 2. To get there, follow the signs that say "Exit to Ticketing."

Bus

Two lines on the Milwaukee County Bus System service the airport: the GreenLine which will take you along the east side of Milwaukee and Route 80 which travels along the west side. Both routes lead to the Bayshore Town Center and Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Downtown Campus. You'll find the bus stop when you exit the doors at Baggage Claim 1. One-way fare is $2.25 and you can either pay in cash or buy a pass at the vending machine located inside the airport near Carousel 1.

Shuttle

GO Riteway is the only shuttle service at Mitchell International Airport and you can arrange for transport directly to your hotel, whether it's in downtown Milwaukee or Chicago. The reservation desk is near Baggage Claim 1, but you can also book your trip ahead of time using the company's website. Rates for a shared shuttle are $15 one-way and $29 round-trip between downtown Milwaukee and the airport.

When Is the Best Time to Travel Milwaukee?

Notorious for its snowy winters, the Midwest is one of the best regions in the U.S. for snow sports. Ski season in Wisconsin typically lasts from late November to early April. If you'd rather avoid the low temperatures and knee-deep snow, plan your trip for the summer, when the beaches fill up and city comes alive with cultural festivals like Pridefest, Summerfest, the Lakefront Festival of Art, and the Locust Street Festival of Music & Art. Hotel rates do tend to go up at this time, but you can save money by visiting during the shoulder season in the spring or fall.

What Is There to Do in Milwaukee?

On the lake and under the radar, Milwaukee has a lot more going for it than first meets the eye. In addition to its historic landmarks and kid-friendly activities, you can have a good time exploring the local neighborhoods like Bay View, Brady Street and the Third Ward, where it's easy to find hip coffee shops, great restaurants, and art galleries. If it's time in the sun you're after, head to Bradford Beach, where you'll find a large spacious lakeshore with volleyball nets, a tiki bar, and cabanas for rent.