From Chicago O’Hare to The Westin Milwaukee
There are several convenient options with a breakdown shown below:
🚍 1. Coach USA Airport Express (Shuttle Bus)
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cost: Around $38 per person
- Details: Coach USA operates direct shuttle services from O’Hare’s Multi-Modal Facility to Milwaukee, including stops at downtown Milwaukee, which is convenient for reaching The Westin Milwaukee.
- Booking: You can reserve tickets online via Coach USA Airport Express.
🚗 2. Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft)
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cost: Estimated at $120
- Details: Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer direct transportation from O’Hare to The Westin Milwaukee. This option provides door-to-door convenience, especially if you're traveling with luggage or in a group.
🚆 3. Train from downtown Chicago (not Airport)
- Duration: Approximately 1 hours 29 minutes
- Cost: Fares start at $19
- Details: Take the Hiawatha line to Milwaukee Intermodal Station. From there, The Westin Milwaukee is a short taxi or rideshare ride away.
🚘 4. Car Rental or Private Car Service
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes
- Cost: Varies; car rentals start around $50/day, while private car services may cost upwards of $200
- Details: Renting a car or hiring a private car service offers flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the Milwaukee area.
✈️ 5. Flight from O’Hare to Milwaukee
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours 3 minutes (including airport procedures)
- Cost: Between $160 and $650
- Details: While flying is an option, it's generally not time-efficient given the short distance between Chicago and Milwaukee.
From Milwaukee Airport to The Westin Milwaukee
🚖 1. Taxi
- Duration: Approximately 15–20 minutes
- Cost: $25–$30
- Details: Taxis are readily available outside Baggage Claim 3 at MKE. Simply cross the roadway and follow signs to the taxi stand.
🚗 2. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
- Cost: $19.50–$24.15
Details: Uber and Lyft operate at MKE, with pickup zones located next to Baggage Claim 2.
🚌 3. Bus (Wisconsin Coach Lines)
- Duration: Approximately 16 minutes
- Cost: $10–$12
- Details: Wisconsin Coach Lines offers direct service from Mitchell Airport to Michigan Avenue and Cass Street, which is a short walk from The Westin Milwaukee. Buses depart every four hours.
🚙 4. Private Car or Shuttle Service
- Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
- Cost: Varies; typically higher than taxis or rideshares
Details: Services like GO Airport Shuttle and Jayride offer private transfers, which can be pre-booked for added convenience.
🚆 5. Train (Amtrak Hiawatha Service)
- Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
- Cost: Varies
- Details: Amtrak's Hiawatha line connects Milwaukee Airport to downtown Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Airport Rail Station is accessible via a free shuttle from the airport terminal
Recommendation: For the quickest and most convenient option, consider taking a taxi or rideshare. If you're looking for a budget-friendly choice and don't mind a slightly longer journey, the bus service is reliable and affordable.
Traveling Within Milwaukee City Center
🚋 The Hop Streetcar
Cost: Free
Details: The Hop is a modern streetcar system connecting key downtown neighborhoods, including the Lower East Side, East Town, Historic Third Ward, and Westown. The L-Line extension, added in April 2024, links the main route to the lakefront, with vehicles arriving every 20 minutes.
🚌 Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS)
Cost:
Details: MCTS operates an extensive network of clean diesel buses throughout the city and surrounding areas. Most routes intersect downtown Milwaukee, providing convenient access to various destinations.
Extra: The Umo mobile app allows you to plan trips, track buses in real-time, and purchase fares directly from your phone.
🚲 Bublr Bikes
Cost: $0.25 per minute, or you can purchase a $25 24-hour pass
Details: Bublr Bikes is Milwaukee's public bike-sharing system, offering both traditional and electric bikes. With over 100 stations across the city, it's a convenient option for short trips.Stations are available throughout downtown and neighboring communities.
🛴 Dockless Scooters
Details: Dockless scooters from Lime, Spin, and Veo are available for rent throughout Milwaukee, including downtown and the Third Ward. These scooters offer a flexible and eco-friendly way to explore the city. You can find and unlock them using their respective mobile apps.
🚗 Ride-Sharing Services
Details: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Milwaukee, providing convenient door-to-door service. You can book rides using their mobile apps.
Extra: Lyft offers a $10 discount on two rides with the code VISITMKE.
🚶♂️ Walking
Downtown Milwaukee is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. The 3-mile Milwaukee RiverWalk winds through downtown, connecting neighborhoods like the Beerline B and Historic Third Ward.
🚙 Parking
Parking is readily available downtown, with updated parking meter technology and payment options. You can use the MKE Park app to pay for meter parking directly from your phone or find an Interstate Parking garage.
