Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is having a moment. Passenger traffic hit 6.3 million in 2024 — up 5% from the year before and the highest total since before the pandemic. Eight airlines now serve 34+ nonstop destinations. A $95 million Concourse E redevelopment broke ground in September 2025. And in October 2026, MKE turns 100 years old — a century of connecting Milwaukee to the world.
For a mid-sized Midwest airport, MKE punches well above its weight. It’s compact, easy to navigate, and genuinely pleasant to use. It also happens to be 5 miles south of downtown Milwaukee — one of the most conveniently located urban airports in the country. And for travelers coming from Chicago, its location on I-94 makes it a legitimate alternative to fighting through O’Hare or Midway traffic.
This guide covers everything you need to know about MKE in 2026 — the terminal layout, every airline and where they fly, parking costs, lounges, ground transportation, and how Wisconsin Limo Service makes every MKE transfer as smooth as possible.
📞 Call or Text: (608) 904-2660 🌐 wisconsinlimoservice.com/reservations
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport — one of the most conveniently located urban airports in the United States, just 5 miles south of downtown Milwaukee.
MKE at a Glance
Official Name: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport IATA Code: MKE Address: 5300 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207 Phone: (414) 747-5300 Website: mitchellairport.com Distance from Downtown Milwaukee: ~5 miles, 10–15 minutes Distance from Chicago O’Hare (ORD): ~90 miles, 75–100 minutes Annual Passengers (2024): 6.3 million Daily Flights: ~93 departures Nonstop Destinations: 34+ Airlines Serving MKE: 8 Terminal Structure: Single terminal with two concourses (C and D) 100th Anniversary: October 5, 2026
One of the most important things to know about MKE right away: it is a single terminal airport. Unlike O’Hare with its four separate terminals, or Chicago’s Midway, Milwaukee’s airport is all under one roof. Check-in, security, gates, shopping, dining, and baggage claim are all in the same building. This makes MKE one of the most straightforward airports to navigate in the Midwest — a genuine pleasure compared to the complexity of larger hubs.
Terminal Layout: Everything in One Building
MKE has one main terminal building with two levels and two concourses.
Lower Level
- Airline ticket counters and check-in
- Baggage claim carousels (Doors 1–8)
- Ground transportation and curbside pickup/dropoff
- Rental car center (in the attached parking garage)
- Cell phone waiting lot
- Taxi, rideshare, and limousine pickup
Upper Level
- Both security checkpoints (one per concourse)
- All gates — Concourses C and D
- All dining and retail options
- Airport lounges
- Mitchell Gallery of Flight (pre-security, main terminal)
There are two skywalks connecting the terminal to levels 3 and 5 of the attached parking garage — both enclosed, heated, and air-conditioned. In Milwaukee winters, this detail matters.
Concourse C
Airlines: Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Volaris Gates: C1–C25 (approximately) Security checkpoint: Left side of the main terminal upper level
Concourse C is the heart of MKE. Southwest Airlines — the airport’s largest carrier — operates from here, making it the busiest concourse on most days. United and Air Canada also check in at the main terminal counters for Concourse C gates.
The concourse underwent significant renovations in recent years to modernize seating, gate hold rooms, and amenities. If you’re flying Southwest or United, budget slightly more time — Concourse C security can get backed up during the 5–8 AM morning peak.
What’s in Concourse C:
- The Club at MKE — The airport’s only passenger lounge, located near Gate C9. Open to qualifying members and day pass holders.
- Miller Brewhouse — Local Wisconsin beer and pub fare. A solid pre-flight option.
- Northpoint Custard — Famous Milwaukee frozen custard. Don’t skip this.
- Hudson News — Wisconsin-branded merchandise, travel essentials, local snacks
- Make-A-Wish Kids Zone — Remodeled play area near the concourse entrance
Concourse D
Airlines: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Sun Country Airlines Gates: D1–D30 (approximately) Security checkpoint: Right/center side of the main terminal upper level
Concourse D serves a mix of major legacy carriers and budget airlines. Delta operates from here, as do American, Frontier, Spirit, JetBlue, Alaska, and Sun Country. If you’re flying Delta, American, or any of the budget carriers, this is your concourse.
What’s in Concourse D:
- Usinger’s Famous Sausage — A Milwaukee institution. Authentic Wisconsin bratwurst and hot dogs at the gate. A mandatory stop.
- Central food court connecting Concourses C and D
- Abundant charging stations throughout
- Nursing room for traveling families
- Delta Sky Club — Premium Delta lounge in Concourse D for eligible members
International Arrivals: Concourse E Redevelopment
Concourse E is currently not used for standard passenger boarding. In September 2025, MKE officially broke ground on the $95 million Concourse E Redevelopment Project — a major capital investment that will transform Concourse E into a modern international arrivals facility with expanded customs processing capacity.
This project signals MKE’s commitment to growing international service. When complete, it will dramatically improve the experience for international arrivals — which currently use a separate International Arrivals Building with a complimentary shuttle to the main terminal.
If you’re arriving on an international flight before the redevelopment is complete, follow signs to the International Arrivals Building after landing, clear customs there, and take the free shuttle to the main terminal.
Inside MKE — a compact, easy-to-navigate single-terminal airport with dining, retail, and both concourses accessible from one building.
Airlines and Nonstop Destinations from MKE in 2026
MKE is served by 8 airlines with nonstop service to 34+ destinations as of April 2026. Here’s the complete breakdown:
Southwest Airlines — Concourse C
Southwest is MKE’s largest carrier by far, operating 19 nonstop routes and dominating the schedule with roughly 182 weekly departures. Southwest expanded significantly at MKE in 2025–2026 with several new routes.
Nonstop Southwest destinations from MKE: Atlanta, Austin (new 2025), Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, Dallas (Love Field), Denver, Fort Lauderdale (new April 2026), Fort Myers (seasonal), Houston (Hobby), Kansas City (seasonal), Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami (new April 2026), Nashville (seasonal), Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego (new Oct 2025), Tampa, Cancun MX (seasonal, Saturdays/Sundays)
Delta Air Lines — Concourse D
Delta provides connectivity to its Atlanta hub and other major metros.
Nonstop Delta destinations from MKE: Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York (LaGuardia)
American Airlines — Concourse D
American serves its Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare, Philadelphia, Washington, and Miami hubs.
Nonstop American destinations from MKE: Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami (new 2026), Philadelphia, Washington Reagan
United Airlines — Concourse C
United connects MKE to its hub network at Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston, and Newark.
Nonstop United destinations from MKE: Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston (Bush), Newark
Frontier Airlines — Concourse D
Budget carrier with Florida and leisure-focused routes.
Nonstop Frontier destinations from MKE: Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix
JetBlue — Concourse D
Nonstop JetBlue destinations from MKE: Boston, New York (JFK)
Alaska Airlines — Concourse D
Nonstop Alaska destinations from MKE: Seattle/Tacoma, Portland (seasonal)
Spirit Airlines — Concourse D
Nonstop Spirit destinations from MKE: Detroit, Los Angeles, Orlando
Sun Country Airlines — Concourse D
Seasonal leisure carrier.
Nonstop Sun Country destinations from MKE: Cancun MX (seasonal), Fort Myers (seasonal), Las Vegas (seasonal), Minneapolis/St. Paul
Air Canada — Concourse C
International service to Canada.
Nonstop Air Canada destinations from MKE: Toronto (Pearson)
Volaris — Concourse C
Mexican budget carrier.
Nonstop Volaris destinations from MKE: Guadalajara, Mexico
MKE Lounges: Where to Relax Before Your Flight
MKE has two lounge options — modest compared to a major hub, but both worth knowing.
The Club at MKE — Concourse C, near Gate C9
The airport’s primary passenger lounge is located in Concourse C. Access options include a day pass purchase at the door, membership programs, and certain credit card Priority Pass benefits. The lounge offers comfortable seating away from the gate crowds, Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages, and a quieter pre-flight environment. If you have a long wait or a delayed flight and you want somewhere to decompress — this is your option.
Delta Sky Club — Concourse D
Delta’s premium lounge in Concourse D is available to Delta SkyMiles Medallion members, Delta credit cardholders (with applicable annual visit policies), and first/business class passengers on eligible Delta flights. If you’re a Delta frequent flyer from Milwaukee, this is the best lounge experience at MKE.
USO Lounge — Main Terminal
Located near the Concourse D entrance in the main terminal, the USO Lounge provides active duty military members and their families a quiet, comfortable space. Open to qualifying military travelers at no cost.
MKE Parking: Every Option with Honest Costs
MKE has one parking garage and multiple surface lots. Here’s the complete breakdown with current 2026 rates:
Parking Garage (Hourly Section — Levels 3 & 4)
Best for: Trips under 5 hours, quick pickups, dropping off passengers
- First 30 minutes: Free
- $2 per hour
- Maximum per 24 hours: $22–$27
- Connected to the terminal via an enclosed, heated skywalk on Level 3
- Height restriction: 7’0″ — taller vehicles must use Surface or Saver Lots
Pro tip: The first 30 minutes free makes this the go-to for anyone waiting for an arriving passenger. Park here, meet your person at baggage claim, and walk out together.
Parking Garage (Daily Section)
Best for: Overnight stays, trips of 1–3 days
- $2 per hour
- Maximum per 24 hours: $14–$18
- Same connected skywalk access
- EV charging available (Level 3, aisle E) at $5/charge plus parking rate
Surface Lot
Best for: Short-term parking, larger vehicles, overflow
- $2 per hour / $15 per day
- Walking distance to terminal (no shuttle required)
- Height-unrestricted — good for SUVs, vans, and taller vehicles
- First 30 minutes free
- Doubles as the Cell Phone Lot — you can wait here for free while your passenger deplanes
Saver Lot (Long-Term)
Best for: Multi-day trips — 4+ days
- Located on Air Cargo Way, ~1 mile from terminal
- $8 per day
- Free shuttle every 5–10 minutes, 24 hours a day
- Shuttle picks up right at your car — no walking to a shelter with luggage
- Credit card only
- EV charging available in Saver Lot A ($5/charge)
The Saver Lot math: A 5-day trip costs $40 in the Saver Lot vs. $70–$90 in the garage. For any trip over 3 days, the Saver Lot is the clear winner on cost. The shuttle is genuinely convenient — MKE Parking Ambassadors give you a card identifying your vehicle’s location so you find it immediately on return.
Valet Parking
- Available by reservation via the MKE SmartPark app
- $25–$27 per day
- Located at the ticketing area curb
- Less than 1 minute walk to the terminal entrance
- Best for travelers who want maximum door-to-door convenience on the departure side
Amtrak Station Parking
- Located at 5601 S 6th St (near Grange Ave)
- $11 per 24-hour period
- Designed for Amtrak Hiawatha passengers connecting to flights
- Free shuttle between the rail station and MKE terminal
The MKE SmartPark App
Download this before you arrive. It lets you enter and exit any parking facility via your smartphone, reserve a spot in advance, and pre-pay to speed up your exit. Available for both Android and iOS.
Getting to MKE: Distance and Drive Time Guide
From Downtown Milwaukee
Distance: ~5 miles Drive time: 10–15 minutes via I-94 South or Howell Ave MKE is one of the closest major urban airports to a city center in the entire Midwest. On a normal day, you can leave downtown Milwaukee 75 minutes before a domestic departure and have plenty of time.
From Milwaukee Suburbs
| From | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wauwatosa / Brookfield | ~15 miles | 20–30 min |
| Waukesha | ~25 miles | 30–40 min |
| Racine | ~25 miles | 30–40 min |
| Kenosha | ~35 miles | 40–55 min |
| Menomonee Falls | ~25 miles | 30–40 min |
| Germantown / West Bend | ~35 miles | 40–55 min |
| Sheboygan | ~60 miles | 60–75 min |
From Other Wisconsin Cities
| From | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Madison | ~80 miles | 75–90 min via I-94 East |
| Green Bay | ~115 miles | 100–120 min via US-41 South |
| Appleton | ~100 miles | 90–110 min via US-41 South |
| Fond du Lac | ~65 miles | 60–75 min |
| Oshkosh | ~85 miles | 80–95 min |
From Chicago
Many Chicago-area travelers use MKE as an alternative to O’Hare or Midway — especially for Southwest flights, which Southwest operates as a focus city at MKE with more routes than at either Chicago airport.
| From | Distance | Drive Time (Off-Peak) | Rush Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Loop | ~90 miles | 80–90 min via I-94 North | 100–130 min |
| Chicago O’Hare | ~90 miles | 75–90 min via I-94 North | 90–120 min |
| Chicago North Shore | ~70 miles | 65–80 min | 80–110 min |
| Evanston | ~75 miles | 70–85 min | 85–110 min |
Ground Transportation at MKE
Wisconsin Limo Service — Your Best Option for MKE Transfers
Wisconsin Limo Service provides professional, flat-rate limo and black car service to and from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For arrivals: Your chauffeur tracks your flight in real time from the moment you book. Whether your flight lands early, late, or exactly on time — we know. When you land, collect your bags at baggage claim on the lower level and head outside. Your chauffeur meets you curbside with your vehicle ready, or upgrades to full Meet & Greet inside the terminal at baggage claim for a name sign and luggage assistance.
For departures: Your chauffeur arrives at your home, hotel, or office at your scheduled pickup time and drops you directly at the departure curb for your airline. No parking. No shuttle. No stress.
Pickup location at MKE: Ground transportation and limousine pickup is on the lower level, curbside along the baggage claim roadway. Rideshare and livery vehicles stage in the designated area on the lower level.
Why Wisconsin Limo Service over rideshare at MKE:
- Flat rate — no surge pricing on Summerfest weekends, Brewers playoff games, or holiday travel
- Flight tracking — your driver adjusts automatically for any change
- Professional chauffeurs — vetted, background-checked, trained for airport transfers
- 2025 fleet — Cadillac Escalades, Lincoln Navigators, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Sprinter vans
- 24/7 availability — early morning departures, late-night arrivals, no problem
Other Ground Transportation at MKE
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Pickup on the lower level baggage claim roadway — follow signs to the designated TNC (Transportation Network Company) area. Typically $15–$25 to downtown Milwaukee. Surge pricing applies during peak demand periods.
Taxi Available at the lower level taxi stand outside baggage claim. Metered fare to downtown Milwaukee runs approximately $25–$35.
MCTS Public Bus
- GreenLine: Stops at the baggage roadway traffic island outside Exit 2. Connects to downtown Milwaukee. Fare: $2.25.
- Route 80: Stop on the ticketing curb near the airline entrance. Budget option for solo travelers traveling light. Not practical with significant luggage.
Amtrak Hiawatha The Milwaukee Airport Rail Station is located at 5601 S 6th St, a short free shuttle ride from the terminal. The Hiawatha line runs between Milwaukee and Chicago Union Station — a genuinely good option for Chicago travelers who want to skip the drive entirely. Roughly 90-minute train ride to Chicago. Free airport shuttle connects the station to the terminal.
Rental Cars All rental car counters are located on the ground floor of the attached parking garage. Major providers represented include Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, and Dollar. Accessible via the parking garage — no separate bus or shuttle required.
MKE Dining: The Best Spots in the Airport
MKE’s food scene is genuinely Milwaukee — local flavors, Wisconsin brands, and a few surprises.
Must-Visit
Usinger’s Famous Sausage (Concourse D) — A Milwaukee culinary institution since 1880. Authentic Wisconsin bratwurst, sausages, and hot dogs. If you’re flying out of MKE and you skip Usinger’s, you’ve made a mistake.
Miller Brewhouse (Concourse C) — Wisconsin beer and pub food. Local drafts, cheese curds, and classic Milwaukee bar fare. A solid pre-flight meal.
Northpoint Custard (Concourse C) — Milwaukee’s famous frozen custard. Light, creamy, and genuinely excellent. The chocolate concrete is the move.
Grab and Go
Colectivo Coffee — Milwaukee’s beloved local coffee roaster. Better than any national chain option. Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s — Both added in July 2025 at MKE. Hudson News — Travel essentials and Wisconsin-branded merchandise including cheese, local snacks, and branded goods.
Central Food Court
Located in the connector between Concourses C and D — a mix of national quick-service brands for when you need something fast.
MKE in 2026: What’s New and What’s Coming
100th Anniversary Year
MKE officially celebrates its 100th anniversary on October 5, 2026. The airport opened in 1926 and has served Milwaukee continuously for a full century. Centennial celebrations are planned throughout 2026 — check mitchellairport.com for events.
Concourse E Redevelopment ($95 Million)
Construction officially began September 2025. Concourse E will be transformed into a modern international arrivals and expanded travel facility, significantly increasing MKE’s capacity for international service and improving the customs processing experience. This is the largest infrastructure investment at MKE in years.
New Air Cargo Facility
In February 2025, MKE broke ground on a new state-of-the-art air cargo facility developed with Crow Holdings. The facility positions MKE as a cargo alternative for businesses looking to avoid Chicago airport congestion and costs — a significant economic development for southeast Wisconsin.
Make-A-Wish Kids Zones
Both Concourses C and D now feature remodeled children’s play areas — the Make-A-Wish Kids Zones — unveiled in March 2025. Updated equipment, new décor, and custom carpeting. A meaningful upgrade for families.
Southwest Expansion
Southwest added several new nonstop routes in 2025–2026: San Diego (October 2025), Austin (March 2025), and new seasonal service to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Cancun in spring 2026. Southwest now serves 19 nonstop destinations from MKE.
Spirit Airlines LA Service
Spirit launched nonstop service from MKE to Los Angeles in May 2025, adding a budget-friendly option to the West Coast.
Tips for Flying Out of MKE
How early to arrive:
- Domestic flights: 90 minutes minimum; 2 hours for checked bags or busy periods
- International flights: 3 hours minimum
- Busiest security time: 5–8 AM — if you’re on an early morning departure, the lines can be surprisingly long for a mid-sized airport
TSA PreCheck at MKE: Dedicated PreCheck lanes at both security checkpoints. Enrollment center available in the terminal — check TSA.gov for current hours. Highly recommended for regular travelers — makes MKE’s already reasonable security even faster.
The skywalk is heated: This sounds minor but matters in Wisconsin. The enclosed, heated skywalk connecting the parking garage to the terminal is one of MKE’s most practical features. You don’t have to walk through a Wisconsin January morning to get from your car to the gate.
Use the MKE SmartPark app: Pre-reserve parking, pay via smartphone, and skip the ticket machine entirely. Worth the 2-minute setup.
Check which concourse before you leave: Both concourses are in the same building, but security checkpoints are separate. Southwest and United passengers use the Concourse C checkpoint. Delta, American, and other airlines use the Concourse D checkpoint. Going through the wrong one adds time.
MKE vs. O’Hare vs. Midway: When Does Milwaukee Make Sense?
This is one of the most common questions Wisconsin and northern Illinois travelers face. Here’s the honest breakdown:
Choose MKE when:
- You’re flying Southwest (MKE is a Southwest focus city with 19 nonstop routes — more than MDW for most destinations)
- You live in Milwaukee, southeastern Wisconsin, or the northern Chicago suburbs (shorter drive to MKE)
- You want a less stressful airport experience (one terminal, compact layout, easy parking)
- You’re flying to Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix — well-served at MKE
- Parking costs matter — MKE’s Saver Lot at $8/day beats O’Hare’s economy lots
Choose O’Hare when:
- You need international nonstop flights to Asia, Europe, South America, or the Middle East
- You’re flying United or American and need the full hub network
- Your destination isn’t served nonstop from MKE
- You’re already in the Chicago area
Choose Midway when:
- You’re coming from Chicago’s south or west sides
- You need a Southwest flight with more frequency than MKE offers
For Milwaukee-area residents: MKE is almost always the right choice unless your specific itinerary requires O’Hare’s international network.
Book Your MKE Airport Transfer with Wisconsin Limo Service
Whether you’re flying out at 5 AM or arriving late on a Sunday night after a long trip, Wisconsin Limo Service is ready. Flat-rate pricing. Real-time flight tracking. A 2025 fleet that makes every MKE transfer feel like the trip started — or ended — the right way.
📞 Call or Text: (608) 904-2660 🌐 Reserve online: wisconsinlimoservice.com/reservations ✉️ info@wisconsinlimoservice.com 🕘 Available 24/7 — 365 days a year
Use promo code PREMIER15 for 15% off your next booking.
Wisconsin Limo Service is Wisconsin’s premier chauffeured transportation company, specializing in Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) transfers and ground transportation throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. Information in this guide is accurate as of April 2026 and subject to change — always verify current details at mitchellairport.com before travel.
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