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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE). Compare prices and book in one place. Simple. All the major rental brands are housed in the airport's consolidated facility, so you can walk from the terminal to your car and be on I-94 to downtown Milwaukee in about 15-20 minutes. Reserve early to secure low prices during busy summer festivals and Friday game days.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| MKE Consolidated Rental Facility |
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| Off-Airport Rental Locations |
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On average, car rentals at General Mitchell International Airport cost around $63 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Compare airport vs neighborhood locations: MKE's off-airport spots often beat airport prices by 10-20%. Factor in a quick rideshare (5-10 min) to see if the savings outweigh the airport's concession fees.
Winter steals, Summerfest splurges: Rates crater in February but jump during June–July festivals. Lock something in early for peak weeks and use free-cancellation to re-shop if prices dip.
Weekly can cost less than 5–6 days: If you need the car for most of a week, price out a full 7-day rental—it's often cheaper than a shorter booking thanks to weekly promo rates.
Tuesday or Wednesday pickup = lower bill: Midweek starts dodge the Monday morning and Friday afternoon surcharges that hit business and weekend travelers.
For those who might need a temporary spot before picking up or after dropping off a rental.
| Spot Type | Rate | Time Limits | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly/Short Term | Check current rates | No limit | Closest to terminal |
| Daily | Check current rates | No limit | Covered garage, walking distance |
| Surface/Economy | Check current rates | No limit | Outlying lot and shuttle |
| Cell Phone Lot | Free waiting only | 30-minute limit | For meeting arriving passengers |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental so you can visit:
Downtown Milwaukee – RiverWalk, art museum, Public Market
Historic Third Ward & Lakefront – Summerfest grounds, boutiques, cafes
American Family Field – Brewers games, tailgating, stadium tours
Brookfield & Western Suburbs – shopping centers, corporate offices, golf courses
How long does it take to pick up a car at MKE?
When it's not busy, you can get from the counter to your car in about 15 to 20 minutes. During busy times like Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, it might take you 45 to 60 minutes. If you are part of a loyalty program, you can save a lot of time by skipping the counter.
Can I return my rental car with less than a full tank?
Yes, but the rental company will charge you a lot more to refill the tank. They often charge two to three times the local price for gas. You'll save money if you fill up at a nearby station on Howell Avenue before you return the car.
Do I need a special vehicle for winter travel from MKE?
You don't have to have one, but you might feel safer in an AWD or 4WD vehicle during the winter months from November to March. Milwaukee gets about 45 inches of snow each year and road conditions can change fast.
Is there a grace period for returns at MKE?
Most companies give you about 30 to 60 extra minutes after your scheduled return time. If you are later than that, they might charge you for a full extra day. You should always ask about the company's rule when you pick up your car.
Can I pick up at MKE and return to another location?
Yes, rental companies offer one-way rentals. If you return the car to a Chicago location, there is often little or no extra fee. If you return it to a Chicago location, the company may charge you a fee.
What if my arrival is delayed and the counter is closed?
If you gave the company your flight number when you booked, they usually watch for flight delays and will keep someone at the counter for you. However, if your flight is very late, you should call the rental company to make sure they will stay open or to get instructions for picking up your car after they close.
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