Getting Around Milwaukee Without a Car
There’s a growing buzz about Milwaukee, thanks to its cool museums and craft beer culture. However, the city is large and spread out. Thus, if you want to explore every corner, you’ll need a car, be it a rideshare or rental. That said, neighborhoods with the most attractions and accommodations are walkable and bikeable, making it possible to plan a completely car-free adventure.
Exploring Downtown Milwaukee
If you’re happy to explore downtown, public transport and a bit of foot power may suffice. Here are the best ways to navigate Milwaukee.
How to Get Around Milwaukee Without a Car
Renting a car is not mandatory in Milwaukee. Many neighborhoods are walkable and bikeable. If you want to explore areas farther out, you can easily catch a rideshare to get there. It’s advisable to base yourself in a neighborhood with numerous local attractions, such as downtown, or in an area with great restaurants, bars, theaters, and shops within walking distance, like Bay View, Westown, or the East Side.
Using Public Transportation
All these neighborhoods are serviced by the MCTS bus service and the Bublr bike share system, making getting around effortless. For a completely car-free experience, catch the Amtrak train or Greyhound bus to Milwaukee and stay downtown, allowing you to walk, bike, streetcar, or use the bus to reach almost anywhere.
Taxi Services in Milwaukee
Do taxis exist in Milwaukee? Yes. Are they practical? No. Aside from the airport and Amtrak station, idle cabs are rarely found. If you arrive by plane or train, hailing a cab to your destination is feasible. However, for pick-ups and short trips around the city, rideshares like Uber or Lyft are far more practical.
Rideshare Options
Uber and Lyft are widely used in Milwaukee and are excellent options for getting around town. Both companies can pick you up at the Amtrak train station or at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport, which has a well-marked rideshare waiting area.
Bus Services
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) operates dozens of bus routes across the city. The MCTS website and Ride MCTS mobile app provide a convenient trip-planning tool for easy navigation. Route 80 and the GreenLine connect Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport with downtown, servicing approximately every 15 minutes throughout the day.
If you’re planning a short visit, consider downloading the Ride MCTS app (available for Apple and Android) to purchase an e-ticket. A 90-minute ticket costs $2, while a 24-hour unlimited ride ticket costs $5. Cash is also accepted ($2.25 per ride) when boarding the bus, but ensure to bring the exact amount since bus drivers cannot provide change.
For long-term visits, consider acquiring an M-CARD. These cards can be loaded with credits for individual rides or passes for unlimited bus travel for seven or 31 days. M-CARD vending machines are located in the airport baggage claim area and at various retailers around the city.
The Hop Streetcar
The Hop Streetcar is a fun and convenient way to navigate downtown Milwaukee. It runs through the heart of downtown, close to popular attractions such as Cathedral Square Park, Pabst Theater, Milwaukee Public Market, and the Milwaukee RiverWalk.
The best part is that this service is completely free! Streetcars operate every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes on weekends and off-peak times. Operating hours include 5am to midnight Monday to Friday, 7am to midnight Saturday, and 7am to 10pm Sunday.
Cycling in Milwaukee
While most Milwaukee residents get around by car, cycling is growing in popularity, and many areas are connected by bike lanes. If you wish to explore the city on two wheels, bikes are available for rent at several bike shops (try Milwaukee by Bike downtown or Wheel Fun near the lakefront).
Bike crime is not unheard of in Milwaukee, so ask about renting a lock if it’s not included. For navigation, Google Maps provides decent directions for cyclists, but checking the bike maps on the city website is wise; some are available as downloadable files, while others are interactive maps. Don’t miss the Oak Leaf Trail system, which features 135 miles of paved, car-free trails stretching from the city center out to rural areas beyond the suburbs.
If a bike share program better suits your style, consider the Bublr bike share initiative. These charming blue bikes are suitable for short rides through the city without worrying about carrying a lock.
Accessible Transportation in Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s entire bus service is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Additionally, the Amtrak station and all trains, along with the Hop Streetcar and platforms, are wheelchair accessible. The Bublr bike share program also features adaptive bikes, such as upright tricycles, side-by-side bikes, and hand cycles available at any Bublr docking station. Travelers with physical and cognitive challenges can access Tootl, an accessible transportation service around Milwaukee and its neighboring counties.
For more information on accessibility for travelers with disabilities, refer to the city government’s Accessibility in Milwaukee webpage.
