Getting Around Milwaukee Without a Car
By the Local Limo Network editorial team · Sources: MCTS, Milwaukee Mitchell Airport, Urban Milwaukee · Local Limo Network is operated by Eagles Media; some companies mentioned are paid listings.
Quick answer: Getting around Milwaukee without a car is easy in the core. The Hop streetcar is free and links the Intermodal Station, downtown, the Third Ward, East Town and the lakefront. MCTS buses cost $2.75 a ride, capped at $8.25 a day, and the GreenLine connects MKE airport with downtown. Rideshare covers one-way trips, and a private car or hourly chauffeur is best for groups, airport runs and nights with several stops.
Visiting Milwaukee without a car?
Compare the options below, then find a private ride in our directory if you need one.
In this guide
- Getting around Milwaukee at a glance
- Private car service and hourly chauffeurs
- Which option fits which trip
- Quick facts
- Frequently asked questions
- About Local Limo Network
Getting around Milwaukee at a glance
Milwaukee is easy to explore without a car if you stay near downtown, the Historic Third Ward, East Town or the lakefront. Farther out, buses, rideshare and private cars fill in. Here’s how the options compare.
| Option | Cost | Coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hop streetcar | Free | Intermodal Station, downtown, Third Ward, East Town and the lakefront | Short hops in the core |
| MCTS buses | $2.75 a ride, capped at $8.25 a day | Citywide and suburbs, including the airport | Longer trips on a budget |
| Walking | Free | Downtown, Third Ward and lakefront are close together | Good weather, short distances |
| Rideshare and taxis | Varies; can surge | Everywhere | On-demand, one-way trips |
| Private car or chauffeur | Priced per trip or per hour | Door to door, any hour | Groups, airport runs, nights out, events |
Private car service and hourly chauffeurs
A private car is the most flexible way to get around without your own vehicle. You book ahead, a chauffeur picks you up at the door and the price is set before you ride. Hourly service keeps the same car and driver with you between stops, which suits nights out, business meetings and house-hunting days. Point-to-point service fits single trips, such as an airport run. Vehicles range from sedans and SUVs for up to about six to Sprinter vans for groups. Before you compare, see what a limo quote should include.
In Milwaukee, Pharaoh’s Transportation runs airport transfers, hourly chauffeur service and group rides across Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Book an MKE airport car service or hourly chauffeur service in Milwaukee ahead.
Comparing private rides?
Find limo and black car companies by city and service in our directory.
Which option fits which trip
| Trip | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel downtown to the Third Ward | The Hop or walk | Free and close |
| MKE to downtown, solo, light bags | GreenLine bus | Lowest cost |
| MKE to downtown, family with bags | Private SUV | Door to door, room for luggage |
| Night out across several neighborhoods | Hourly chauffeur | Waits at each stop |
| Brewers or Bucks game with a group | Sprinter van | Everyone together, easy pickup |
| Quick one-way trip | Rideshare | On demand |
Quick facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The Hop | Free; M-Line and L-Line |
| MCTS adult fare | $2.75; capped at $8.25 a day |
| Fare payment | WisGo card or Umo app |
| Airport bus | GreenLine, MKE to downtown and Bayshore |
| MKE rideshare | Signs near Carousel 2 |
| MKE to downtown | About 6 miles |
| Walkable areas | Downtown, Third Ward, lakefront |
Frequently asked questions
Can you get around Milwaukee without a car?
Yes, especially downtown, in the Third Ward, East Town and along the lakefront, using The Hop, MCTS buses, walking, rideshare and private car service.
Is The Hop streetcar free?
Yes. The Hop is free to ride.
How much is the bus in Milwaukee?
An adult MCTS ride is $2.75, capped at $8.25 a day, $33 a week or $99 a month.
Is there a bus from MKE airport to downtown Milwaukee?
Yes. The MCTS GreenLine runs between the airport and Bayshore through downtown.
Where is rideshare pickup at MKE?
Follow the signs near Carousel 2.
How far is MKE from downtown Milwaukee?
About six miles south, off I-94 at Exit 318.
What’s the best way to get around Milwaukee at night?
Rideshare for short one-way trips, or an hourly chauffeur for nights with several stops.
How do groups get around Milwaukee?
A Sprinter van keeps a group together for games, concerts and nights out.
About Local Limo Network
Local Limo Network is a directory of limousine, black car and airport transportation companies across the United States, with travel guides written by our editorial team. Riders book directly with the companies listed. Local Limo Network is operated by Eagles Media, a marketing agency for transportation companies; some companies mentioned in our guides are paid listings or agency clients, and links to their websites are marked as sponsored. We update guides when schedules, rules or prices change. See about us or contact the editors.
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