General Mitchell International Airport

Welcome

Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) offers a travel experience that's more akin to a Midwestern train station than a bustling airport. Conveniently located 5.8 miles south of downtown, MKE is cherished by frequent flyers for its compact layout and local charm—think Summerfest vibes, craft beers, and a connection into the Amtrak and city bus networks. For those weary of the sprawling and hectic Chicago hubs, MKE presents a calm and efficient alternative with its manageable security lines and short transit times.

At a glance

Handling 4.6 million passengers annually, MKE is Southern Airways Express' hub. It boasts a single, easily navigable terminal—aptly named the Main Terminal—enabling seamless strolls between gates. The airport's five runways maintain a smooth operational flow year-round, while parking is relatively stress-free, starting at $11 per day for the Saver Parking lot.

Terminals & layout

MKE’s Main Terminal is your gateway to airlines such as Air Canada, Southwest, and United. It's easy to navigate, with clear signage pointing you to the correct gate or baggage claim. The terminal’s design makes most connections doable within a mere 10 to 15 minutes. Even tight 35-minute connections are often achievable without rushing, weather permitting.

Getting to and from the city

You have an array of options to get to and from downtown Milwaukee. The Hiawatha train service links Chicago with a convenient stop at the Milwaukee Airport Railroad Station via a shuttle. For other options, the Milwaukee County Transit System’s Route 80 and Route 55 buses service the airport. For those preferring ride-shares, both Uber and Lyft operate here, with pick-up zones separate from the taxi ranks.

Traveller essentials

MKE is praised for its short security lines, often reported at under 10 minutes at non-peak hours. However, early mornings (6–8 a.m.) and weekends see a spike due to leisure travelers heading to sunny destinations like Florida. Parking is affordable with the SuperSaver lot costing just $11/day. Shuttle and rental car options are aplenty, although be prepared for a slightly longer walk than expected at times.

Dining & shopping highlights

Foodies can indulge in Milwaukee’s local flavor with eateries like Miller Brewhouse or MKE Streetside Market located within the Main Terminal. For a true local vibe, Renaissance Books offers a unique browsing experience, housing floor-to-ceiling stacks of used books—truly a hidden gem in an airport setting. Summerfest Marketplace in Concourse C provides festival-inspired merchandise for souvenirs that scream 'Milwaukee'.

Lounges

Travelers seeking lounge comforts will find limited options at MKE. The Club MKE and USO Lounge offer some respite for eligible visitors, but frequent flyers accustomed to expansive network-carrier lounges might find the offerings sparse. Nonetheless, these lounges provide a quieter area to relax away from the bustling terminal.

Insider tips

• Insider: If you're making a tight connection, MKE’s layout allows walking between any gate in under 15 minutes. Many travelers report stress-free 35-minute connections.
• Time: Plan to arrive 75–90 minutes before your flight during off-peak times; security wait times are often under 10 minutes, though earlier on Mondays and holidays, a greater buffer is advisable.
• Local: Stop by Renaissance Books in the Main Terminal for a pre-flight browse through its towering used book collection.
• Money: Parking at MKE is significantly less expensive than at larger hubs. The SuperSaver Lot is a budget-friendly choice at $11 per day.
• Avoid: Food options thin out after early evening. If arriving late, eat before reaching the airport or face limited choices.
• Quiet: Bay View Exchange in Concourse C offers a more peaceful shopping experience than the busier sections of the terminal.
• Local: Brew City Brand in Concourse C & D is the go-to for Milwaukee-themed apparel and quirky local designs.