Getting There
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) sits about 8 miles south of downtown, making it one of the more conveniently located major airports in the Midwest. Rideshare via Uber or Lyft averages around $27 and takes roughly 15 minutes to downtown; both services pick up outside Baggage Claim Exit 1. Budget travelers can take the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) GreenLine bus for $2.75, reaching downtown in about 30 minutes; Route 80 also serves the airport along the 6th Street corridor for riders heading to the north or south sides.
Getting Around
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is the primary public transit option, with the Umo mobile app providing real-time tracking and mobile fare payment. That said, American Family Field is located a few miles west of downtown in the Story Hill neighborhood off I-94, and the dedicated MCTS Brewers Line that once served the stadium was permanently eliminated in 2022 — so a rideshare or car is the most practical option for Brewers games, especially post-game when options are limited. Fiserv Forum is right in the heart of downtown, making it very walkable from most hotels and easily accessible by MCTS or rideshare.
Where to Stay
The downtown core, specifically the East Town and Historic Third Ward neighborhoods, puts you within easy walking distance of Fiserv Forum and close to rideshare access for American Family Field. Expect to pay $130 to $200 per night for a mid-range hotel downtown on standard dates, with prices spiking to $250 or more during Bucks playoff runs or marquee Brewers series. The area around Old World Third Street just north of Fiserv Forum is ideal for Bucks fans, with bars and restaurants within a short walk of the arena. Visiting fans should book early for weekend Brewers-Cubs or Brewers-Cardinals series, which draw large away crowds and sell out nearby hotels quickly.
Sports Fan Notes
Milwaukee punches above its weight as a two-sport town, and a well-timed trip can let you catch a Brewers day game followed by a Bucks evening game, since both seasons overlap in April and May. The Brewers have a fiercely loyal local fanbase and a genuine regional rivalry with the Chicago Cubs, making those series among the most energetic home dates of the season. Bucks fans are loud and passionate, and Fiserv Forum is consistently rated among the best arenas in the NBA for atmosphere. Milwaukee also has a strong beer-and-tailgate culture tied to its brewing history, so the pregame scene outside American Family Field is a legitimate part of the experience.
Venues in Milwaukee
Al McGuire Center
Klotsche Center
UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from MKE to downtown Milwaukee?
The fastest and most convenient option is Uber or Lyft, which pick up outside Baggage Claim Exit 1 and average about $27 for a 15-minute ride to downtown. Taxis are also available outside Baggage Claim Exit 3 for roughly $25 to $30. If you want to save money, the MCTS GreenLine or Route 80 bus costs $2.25 and takes about 30 minutes, departing from outside Baggage Claim Exit 1.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Milwaukee for a sports trip?
Downtown Milwaukee, specifically the East Town neighborhood near the Milwaukee River and Old World Third Street, is the top choice. It puts you within walking distance of Fiserv Forum for Bucks games and gives you easy rideshare access to American Family Field for Brewers games, plus a dense concentration of bars and restaurants for pre- and post-game activity.
Which sports teams play in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is home to two major professional sports teams: the Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) at American Family Field and the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) at Fiserv Forum. Their seasons overlap in spring, so a trip in April or May gives you a realistic shot at catching both a Brewers and a Bucks game on the same visit.
Is Milwaukee a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Milwaukee is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Chicago, Illinois, which is approximately 90 miles south of Milwaukee and easily reachable by Amtrak's Hiawatha service from Milwaukee Intermodal Station.
Sports cities near Milwaukee
Close enough to pair with a Milwaukee trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.