Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE): The Complete Guide

MKE Airport Overview

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) serves the Milwaukee metro area and the broader southeast Wisconsin region, but it also draws travelers from northern Illinois who prefer its smaller scale and less congested experience over O'Hare or Midway. The airport handles around 6 million passengers per year and offers domestic service from all major US carriers plus international routes to Canada and popular vacation destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.

MKE has two unique selling points that make it stand out: an Amtrak train connection that links the airport to both downtown Milwaukee and Chicago Union Station, and the Mitchell Gallery of Flight — a nonprofit aviation museum inside the terminal with historic aircraft and exhibits that is genuinely worth a stop.

Terminal and Concourse Layout

MKE has a single mid-sized terminal with three concourses — C, D, and E — comprising a total of 38 gates. The concourses are all connected post-security and walkable without any shuttles or trains needed.

Concourse C

Concourse C primarily serves Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Southwest has a significant presence here, with multiple daily departures to major domestic destinations.

Concourse D

Concourse D serves several airlines and is home to the Delta Sky Club, which is a significant amenity for an airport of MKE's size. This is the most premium concourse at the airport from a lounge standpoint.

Concourse E

Concourse E handles remaining airline operations and some international departures. The concourse connects to the rest of the terminal without requiring security re-entry.

Airlines at MKE

MKE is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. International service includes Air Canada, WestJet, and seasonal charter flights to Mexican and Caribbean resorts. Popular nonstop routes from MKE include Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Chicago.

Getting To and From MKE

Amtrak (Unique Advantage)

One of MKE's most distinctive features is its Amtrak station connection. A free shuttle bus runs between the terminal and the Milwaukee Airport Rail Station every 15 minutes. From the station, Amtrak's Hiawatha Line runs north to downtown Milwaukee (Milwaukee Intermodal Station) in about 15 minutes, and south to Chicago Union Station in about 90 minutes. This makes MKE one of the few US airports with convenient rail access to a major city in another state — an extraordinary feature for Chicago-area travelers who want to skip O'Hare and Midway.

Rideshare and Taxi

Uber and Lyft pick up outside Baggage Carousel 2 on the lower level. Taxi service is at Baggage Carousel 3. Downtown Milwaukee is about 10 to 15 minutes and $20 to $30. The Third Ward, Brady Street, and East Side neighborhoods are 15 to 20 minutes. Kenosha (the Illinois border) is about 35 to 40 minutes south and $45 to $60. Downtown Chicago is about 90 minutes and $120 to $160 — far better via Amtrak.

Rental Cars

All major rental car brands operate at MKE. The consolidated rental car facility is accessible from the terminal. A rental car is useful for exploring the Milwaukee suburbs, Door County (about 2.5 hours north), and other Wisconsin destinations.

Parking

MKE has terminal-adjacent garages and economy lots. Daily garage rates run $18 to $24. Economy lots are $10 to $14 per day with shuttle service. MKE parking is generally cheaper than O'Hare or Midway.

Lounges

• Delta Sky Club (Concourse D) — An impressive amenity for an airport of MKE's size. Hot food, full bar, showers, and workspaces. Available to Sky Club members and eligible Delta passengers.
• USO Lounge — Free for active duty military and their families.

The Mitchell Gallery of Flight

The Mitchell Gallery of Flight is a non-profit aviation museum located on the concession level of the terminal (before security). It houses historic aircraft, aviation artifacts, and exhibits honoring General Billy Mitchell, the Wisconsin-born aviation pioneer who was a major advocate for US air power in the early 20th century. The gallery is genuinely excellent and worth visiting even if you have limited time — it is one of the few legitimate reasons to arrive at an airport earlier than necessary.

Dining and Shopping

MKE has approximately two dozen restaurants, bars, and retail kiosks spread across the landside hall and secure concourses.

• Lakefront Brewery — Milwaukee's beloved craft brewery has an airport bar. Riverwest Stein and Fixed Gear are the signature beers worth trying.
• Usinger's Famous Sausage — A Milwaukee institution since 1880. Buy the best bratwurst and summer sausage in the terminal for yourself or as a Wisconsin gift.
• Stone Creek Coffee — Milwaukee's local coffee roaster, a much better alternative to generic coffee chains.
• Starbucks, McDonald's, Potbelly — National quick-service options available throughout the terminal.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

MKE offers unlimited free Wi-Fi powered by Boingo. An ad-free paid upgrade is available. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the security checkpoints. Power outlets are available at most gate areas.

Tips for Navigating MKE

• MKE is a serious Chicago alternative. If you live in the northern Chicago suburbs (Waukegan, Kenosha, Racine, or further north), MKE can be closer and easier than O'Hare or Midway. Check fares from both airports — Southwest often has competitive prices from MKE on routes where it also serves MDW.
• Take the Amtrak to Chicago if needed. If your connection requires getting to Chicago Union Station, the Hiawatha Line from the airport shuttle is by far the most pleasant and reliable option.
• Visit the Mitchell Gallery. The aviation museum is accessible pre-security, so it works even for people dropping off or picking up passengers. It is one of the best hidden gems in any US airport.
• Buy Usinger's sausage. It is a Wisconsin obligation. The airport location is convenient for last-minute Wisconsin food souvenirs.

Nearby Hotels

The Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport is the most convenient on-airport option. The Holiday Inn Express Milwaukee Airport and the Radisson Hotel Milwaukee Airport are both within a 5 to 10 minute drive. Downtown Milwaukee, about 10 to 15 minutes by rideshare, has excellent hotel options including the Iron Horse Hotel and the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel.