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Find lower car rental prices in Milwaukee with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Pick up at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport or a downtown branch to skip extra airport taxes and get rolling on I-94 toward Chicago, Madison or Lake Geneva. Reserve early for Summerfest and fall Packers weekends to lock in low rates and the vehicle style you need.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Airport (MKE) |
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| Downtown/City |
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On average, car rentals in Milwaukee cost around $67 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Milwaukee's downtown branches often skip the 11 % airport concession fee. Land at MKE, grab an Uber downtown, then collect the car if you're hanging out in the city first.
Play with dates & events: Summerfest, State Fair and Harley rallies spike prices fast. For those weeks lock in 2-3 months out. Winter (except holidays) is about 40 % cheaper, so a February visit can slash the bill.
Use "Pay Later" and keep stalking prices: Book a cancel-free rate, then re-search every few days. Milwaukee prices can drop last-minute outside festival weekends and you can rebook in two clicks.
Weekend hacks: Many city locations run Friday-PM-to-Monday-AM specials that beat 3 single days. Perfect if you only need wheels for a Lake Geneva or Madison run.
Cut parking costs: Register your rental for Milwaukee's free visitor overnight permit (up to 3 nights per month) instead of paying $20-plus at the hotel garage.
Headed to Chicago? Dodge Illinois tolls and save ~$12 round-trip by cruising Hwy 32/US-41 along the lake instead of I-94.
Milwaukee offers various options depending on your destination.
| Area | Cost | Time Limits | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Streets | Varies | Usually 2-hour limits | Enforced 8 am-6 pm Mon-Sat Free overnight and Sundays/holidays ParkMobile app available |
| City Garages | Varies | Varies | Fourth Street Garage, Chase Tower Garage, etc. |
| Historic Third Ward | Varies | Varies | Dedicated structure Street spots fill quickly on weekends |
| Airport Parking | Garage and economy lots available | No limit | Multiple lots available |
| Event Parking | Flat rate | During event | Near Fiserv Forum, Summerfest grounds |
Overnight Regulations:
Local Driving Rules:
Book a car rental so you can easily:
Lake Geneva – lakefront, dining
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive – forest trails, glacial terrain
Madison – State Capitol, university campus
Chicago – museums, Navy Pier
Door County – wineries, shoreline towns
Green Bay – Lambeau Field, football events
How early should I arrive at the rental counter at Mitchell Airport?
At busy times like Monday mornings, Friday afternoons and summer weekends, expect to wait about 45 to 60 minutes. You can join a rental loyalty program to skip the line.
Are there toll roads in Milwaukee?
No, Wisconsin does not have any toll roads. You will only pay tolls if you drive into Illinois on I-94 or I-90. You will see the first toll booth about 5 to 7 miles after you cross the state line.
How does the overnight parking permit system work for visitors?
As a visitor, you can get up to three free overnight parking passes each month by calling the city's non-emergency line or using the website. If you need more than three, a 30-day permit costs about $20.
What's the best way to handle parking during major festivals?
For big events like Summerfest, you can park downtown and use the festival shuttle, or you can use a park-and-ride lot. Garages downtown often charge a single event fee of $10 to $20.
How do I navigate Milwaukee's freeway system?
You should pay attention to the signs at major interchanges like Marquette and Zoo. Get into the correct lane early, since exits can come up fast and may require you to be in a specific lane.
What should I know about winter driving in Milwaukee?
The city plows snow quickly on main roads. During a snow emergency, they change the parking rules to make it easier to clear the streets. You should drive slower, leave more room for stopping and be extra careful on bridges and overpasses.
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