Car Rental at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.

Renting a car at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is one of the most convenient ways to explore the city and the surrounding region. Thanks to the airport’s compact design, rental facilities are located close to the terminal, allowing for quick pick-up and drop-off. With competitive pricing and minimal waiting times compared to larger airports, MKE is an excellent starting point for road trips across Wisconsin and nearby states.

Booking in advance online can significantly reduce prices, especially during peak travel seasons.

Rental Companies & Location

All major car rental companies operate at MKE and are located in the Rental Car Center within walking distance of the terminal.

Hertz
Avis
Budget
Enterprise
National
Alamo

Follow airport signage for “Rental Cars”. No shuttle is usually required.

Prices & Most Popular Car Types

Rental prices vary depending on demand, season, and vehicle type.

Economy cars: from $35–50/day
Mid-size / Sedan: $45–65/day
SUVs: $60–90/day
Luxury / Premium: $90+/day

The most commonly rented vehicles are economy and mid-size cars, ideal for city driving and short trips. SUVs are popular in winter due to weather conditions.

If traveling in winter, consider renting an SUV for better traction on snowy roads.

Popular Destinations by Car

Downtown Milwaukee – 15–20 minutes
Chicago – 1h 30min
Madison – 1h 30min
Lake Geneva – 1 hour

Driving to Chicago from MKE can be cheaper and easier than flying.

Car Rental Insurance Explained

When renting a car, you will be offered several insurance options:

CDW/LDW (Collision/Loss Damage Waiver): Covers damage or theft of the vehicle
Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles or property
Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses
Personal Effects Coverage: Covers theft of belongings

Check if your credit card or travel insurance already covers rental cars to avoid paying extra.

Company Comparison

Company	Avg Price / Day	Vehicle Range	Customer Rating
Hertz	$50–80	Wide	8.5/10
Avis	$45–75	Wide	8.2/10
Budget	$35–65	Medium	7.8/10
Enterprise	$45–70	Wide	8.7/10
National	$55–85	Premium	8.8/10

Estimated Waiting Times

Company	Average Wait Time	Fast Track Option
Hertz	10–20 min	Yes
Avis	10–25 min	Yes
Budget	15–30 min	Limited
Enterprise	10–20 min	Yes
National	5–15 min	Yes

Best Car Type by Trip

Trip Type	Recommended Vehicle	Reason
City Travel	Economy	Easy parking, low cost
Family Trips	SUV / Minivan	More space and comfort
Winter Travel	SUV AWD	Better traction
Business Travel	Sedan / Premium	Comfort and image