Car Rental in Milwaukee

Why rent a car in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee may not top the list of places to visit for many, but it's certainly worthy of a weekend or week. A large, historic city on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has plenty to see and do. And of course, the best way to get around is by car as in many cities. 

Top ways to enter Milwaukee

Mitchell International Airport is Milwaukee's main airport. It is about 10 miles south of downtown. There are plenty of rental cars to choose from from all major rental companies.

You may want to fly into O'Hare in Chicago. It only takes about an hour and fifteen minutes (maybe more if traffic is bad) to reach Milwaukee from it. Midway is also a choice, but it's further away. These airports may have cheaper flights, especially if where you're flying from doesn't have a direct connection with Milwaukee.

Amtrak trains from Chicago stop at the Intermodal Station downtown and also at the airport. You may want to stop at the airport in order to pick up a rental car. The Empire Builder stops at the Intermodal Station only on its way from Chicago to Seattle via the upper midwest, Glacier National Park, and Spokane.

You can also reach Milwaukee easily by car. I-94 connects the city with Chicago and Madison (from where you can catch I-90 to go further west). I-43 connects near Rockford and I-90 and goes to Green Bay. I-41 also goes to Green Bay but via Lake Winnebago

City facts

Milwaukee was once the leading beer-producing city in the world. The city was home to Schlitz, Blatz, Pabst, and Miller. 

Laverne and Shirley and Happy Days were both set in Milwaukee. Younger generations will be more likely to remember That 70's Show, which was famously set in Wisconsin (that being yelled at the end of the intro along with a Wisconsin license plate shown). 

Top sights and activities

Tour a Brewery - The only large brewer still operating is Miller. You should, of course, take a tour of it. You can visit Pabst and take a tour, though its brewery no longer operates. There are also smaller breweries and craft beer breweries around the city that offer tours and tastings. 

Catch a Game - Milwaukee is home to the Brewers of the MLB and the Bucks of the NBA. Baseball season runs from spring to fall, and basketball season runs from fall to spring, so there's likely to be a game you can catch no matter what time of year you visit.

Museums - As with any large historic city, there are lots of museums to visit. From art to history, there's something for everyone. The Discovery World Museum is probably best for kids, while motorcycle riders will definitely want to visit the Harley Davidson Museum (they are made in the city). 

Toll roads

There are no toll roads in the state of Wisconsin. If you fly into O'Hare, though, you'll have to pay a toll to take the Tristate Expressway to Milwaukee. You can pay in cash, so you don't need to worry about a transponder or toll package. 

Ideas for day trips

Green Bay - Head north to visit the city of the fabled Lambo Field, which is also the smallest city to host an NFL team. There are some interesting museums, like the National Railroad Museum, there, too. 

Cedarburg - Just north of Milwaukee along I-43, Cedarburg is a lovely town whose downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town has many festivals, so if one's on when you're there, you should definitely go check it out. 

Ten Chimneys - The home of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, famous from Broadway, is a National Historic Landmark. You can tour the home which feels more like a home and less like a museum than other houses of its type. You likely want to make a reservation, particularly in the summer. 

Further destinations

Chicago - The windy city is a must-visit, whether you've been before or not. From going up the Willis Tower to hanging out on Navy Pier, there's an endless amount of things to do, fine cuisine to partake in, and fun to be had. 

Madison - The capital of Wisconsin and home of the University of Wisconsin is only an hour and a half away from Milwaukee. It sits on an isthmus surrounded by five lakes, making for a lovely location. It also has plenty to see, do, eat, and enjoy. 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - Head north to the island sand coastline of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. While you can relax and enjoy the scenery, don't plan on swimming, as the water temperature in summer doesn't get above 50. 

Car rental prices in Milwaukee

• Large cars - from $42 per day
• Premium cars - from $64 per day
• SUVs - from $46 per day
• Small cars - from $52 per day
• Medium cars - from $42 per day
• Convertibles - from $103 per day
• Vans - from $92 per day