Transportation


GETTING TO & FROM: Transportation Throughout Southeastern Wisconsin

One of Milwaukee’s greatest advantages is its central location and exceptional transportation network. Residents enjoy easy access to destinations throughout Wisconsin, the Midwest, and the world while avoiding many of the traffic and congestion challenges faced by larger metropolitan areas.  Whether traveling by car, plane, train, bus, bicycle, ferry, or streetcar, Southeastern Wisconsin offers transportation options that make it easy to get around without always relying on a personal vehicle.  For many newcomers, one of Milwaukee’s biggest surprises is how quickly they can get almost anywhere. Most commutes within the metropolitan area are less than 30 minutes, and major destinations such as Chicago, Madison, Green Bay, Wisconsin Dells, and Door County are easily accessible for day trips or weekend getaways.

Major Highway Network

Milwaukee sits at the crossroads of three major interstate highways:

  • I-94 – Connects Milwaukee to Chicago, Madison, Minneapolis, and Detroit.
  • I-43 – Runs north to Green Bay and Door County and south through Racine and Kenosha.
  • I-41/US-45 – Connects Milwaukee with Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Appleton, Green Bay, and communities throughout the Fox Valley.

Unlike many major metropolitan areas, traffic congestion is generally manageable, and travel times are relatively predictable.

 

Typical Drive Times

Destination Approximate Travel Time
Milwaukee Mitchell Airport 10 minutes from downtown
Waukesha 20–25 minutes
Racine 30 minutes
Kenosha 45 minutes
Madison 75–90 minutes
Green Bay 2 hours
Wisconsin Dells 2 hours
Door County 2.5–3 hours
Chicago Loop 90 minutes
Chicago O’Hare Airport 75–90 minutes

 

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Located just 10 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is consistently ranked among America’s most convenient airports.

MKE offers nonstop flights to dozens of destinations throughout the United States and one-stop access to hundreds more around the world.

Airport advantages include:

  • Easy parking and valet service
  • Short security lines
  • Convenient terminal layout
  • Rental car center
  • Business traveler amenities
  • Family-friendly facilities
  • The famous “Recombobulation Area”

Many Southeastern Wisconsin residents prefer MKE because travelers can often move from parking lot to gate in less than 30 minutes.

For international travel, residents also frequently utilize Chicago O’Hare International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, located approximately 75–90 minutes from Milwaukee.

Rail Transportation: Amtrak

 Amtrak Hiawatha Service

The Hiawatha Service connects downtown Milwaukee and downtown Chicago with multiple daily departures.

Benefits include:

  • Approximately 90-minute travel time
  • Comfortable seating
  • Wi-Fi service
  • No highway traffic
  • Easy access to Chicago’s business district
  • Connections to Amtrak’s national rail network

Many professionals use the Hiawatha for business meetings, sporting events, concerts, and flights departing from Chicago.

 Amtrak Empire Builder

The Empire Builder connects Milwaukee with:

  • Wisconsin Dells
  • La Crosse
  • Minneapolis–St. Paul
  • Glacier National Park
  • Spokane
  • Portland
  • Seattle

This iconic route offers one of the most scenic train journeys in North America.

Milwaukee Intermodal Station: The Region’s Transportation Hub

Located in downtown Milwaukee at 433 West St. Paul Avenue, the Milwaukee Intermodal Station serves as Southeastern Wisconsin’s primary transportation hub. The facility brings together passenger rail, intercity bus service, local transit connections, rideshare services, taxis, and bicycle facilities under one roof, making it easy to travel throughout Wisconsin, the Midwest, and the United States without a car.  Originally opened in 1965 and extensively renovated in recent years, the station welcomes more than one million passengers annually and is one of the busiest transportation centers in Wisconsin.

The station serves as the departure point for:

Amtrak Rail Service

  • Hiawatha Service to Chicago (multiple daily departures)
  • Empire Builder to Wisconsin Dells, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Glacier National Park, Portland, and Seattle

Intercity Bus Service

  • Badger Bus
  • Greyhound
  • FlixBus
  • Wisconsin Coach Lines
  • Airport Express service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Local Transportation Connections

Passengers can easily connect to:

  • Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus routes
  • CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit
  • The Hop streetcar
  • Taxi and rideshare services
  • Bublr Bikes bike-share stations

Traveler Amenities

The station offers:

  • Indoor waiting areas
  • Ticketing services
  • Restrooms
  • Food and beverage options nearby
  • Bicycle storage facilities
  • Accessible boarding areas
  • Short walking distance to downtown hotels and attractions

One of the station’s greatest advantages is its location. Visitors can walk to many downtown destinations, including the Historic Third Ward, Deer District, convention center, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.  For residents, the Intermodal Station provides convenient access to Chicago, Madison, Green Bay, Minneapolis, and destinations across the country without the expense and hassle of driving or airport parking.

 

Regional Bus Service

Milwaukee offers an extensive network of local, regional, and interstate bus services, making it possible to travel throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest without a car.

 Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS)

MCTS operates one of Wisconsin’s largest public transportation systems, serving Milwaukee County and connecting riders to employment centers, shopping districts, schools, healthcare facilities, and entertainment destinations.

Features include:

  • More than 40 local bus routes
  • Real-time bus tracking
  • Airport service
  • Park-and-ride connections
  • Affordable fares
  • Accessible vehicles

CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit

CONNECT 1 provides enhanced rapid-transit service between:

  • Downtown Milwaukee
  • Marquette University
  • Near West Side
  • Milwaukee Regional Medical Center
  • Wauwatosa

Dedicated bus lanes, upgraded stations, and faster boarding create a transit experience similar to light rail.

Intercity Bus Service

Wisconsin Coach Lines Airport Express

One of the most popular transportation services in Southeastern Wisconsin is the Airport Express shuttle connecting Milwaukee and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

The service provides:

  • Multiple departures daily
  • Direct airport transportation
  • Convenient luggage handling
  • Service from downtown Milwaukee and suburban locations
  • Affordable alternative to airport parking

For travelers seeking international flights, Airport Express offers a stress-free connection to one of the world’s largest airports.

 Badger Bus

Badger Bus provides scheduled service between Milwaukee and Madison and has long been a favorite transportation option for:

  • University of Wisconsin students
  • State government employees
  • Business travelers
  • Badger sports fans

The service offers comfortable motor coaches, Wi-Fi, and convenient departures throughout the day.

 Greyhound

Greyhound connects Milwaukee with destinations throughout the Midwest and across the country.

Popular destinations include:

  • Chicago
  • Minneapolis
  • Indianapolis
  • Detroit
  • St. Louis
  • National Greyhound network cities

 FlixBus

FlixBus provides affordable service between Milwaukee and numerous destinations including:

  • Chicago
  • Madison
  • Green Bay
  • Appleton
  • Minneapolis–St. Paul

The service has become increasingly popular because of:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Mobile ticketing
  • Wi-Fi service
  • Frequent departures

 Traveling to Chicago

Chicago is one of Milwaukee’s greatest regional advantages.

Residents can easily access:

  • International flights
  • Major league sports
  • Broadway touring productions
  • Museums and cultural attractions
  • Business opportunities
  • Shopping and dining

Transportation options include:

By Car:  Approximately 90 minutes (traffic dependent).

By Train:  Amtrak Hiawatha Service (approximately 90 minutes).

By Bus:  Greyhound and FlixBus offer frequent daily departures.

To O’Hare Airport:  Wisconsin Coach Lines Airport Express provides direct service from Milwaukee to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Many residents regularly travel to Chicago without needing a car.

Traveling to Madison

Wisconsin’s capital city is approximately 80 miles west of Milwaukee.

Popular reasons to visit include:

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Badger athletics
  • State government offices
  • Concerts and festivals
  • Healthcare and research institutions

Transportation options:

  • I-94 (75–90 minutes)
  • Badger Bus
  • FlixBus

Traveling to Green Bay

Home of the legendary Green Bay Packers, Green Bay is approximately two hours north of Milwaukee.

Transportation options include:

  • I-43
  • I-41
  • FlixBus service
  • Regional airport connections

Many Milwaukee-area residents travel to Green Bay for Packers games, Fox Valley business travel, and access to Northeastern Wisconsin attractions.

The Hop Streetcar

Milwaukee’s modern streetcar system connects:

  • Intermodal Station
  • Downtown business district
  • Historic Third Ward
  • East Town
  • Lower East Side
  • Lakefront attractions

Current service is free to riders.

The Hop is especially popular with visitors, downtown residents, and commuters connecting between neighborhoods.

Bicycle-Friendly Transportation

Bublr Bikes

Milwaukee’s nonprofit bike-sharing system operates more than 100 stations throughout:

  • Milwaukee
  • Wauwatosa
  • West Allis

Both traditional bicycles and e-bikes are available.

Oak Leaf Trail

Oak Leaf Trail

The Oak Leaf Trail provides approximately 135 miles of paved trails connecting parks, neighborhoods, employment centers, beaches, and suburban communities throughout Milwaukee County.

Many residents use the trail for both recreation and commuting.

Lake Michigan Ferry Service

Lake Express

The Lake Express Ferry provides high-speed passenger and vehicle service between Milwaukee and Muskegon, Michigan.

Benefits include:

  • Avoiding Chicago traffic
  • Bringing your vehicle
  • Scenic Lake Michigan crossing
  • Convenient access to Michigan’s beaches and vacation destinations

Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.

A Transportation Sweet Spot

Few metropolitan areas of Milwaukee’s size offer such a wide variety of transportation options. Residents enjoy:

  • A highly rated international airport
  • Direct train service to Chicago and the West Coast
  • Extensive local transit
  • Regional and interstate bus connections
  • Convenient airport shuttles to O’Hare
  • Free downtown streetcar service
  • Nationally recognized bicycle infrastructure
  • Ferry service across Lake Michigan
  • Short commute times and manageable traffic

Whether commuting downtown, catching a flight, taking a train to Chicago, riding a bus to Madison, attending a Packers game in Green Bay, or exploring the Midwest, Milwaukee provides transportation flexibility that makes living in Southeastern Wisconsin both convenient and connected.