KAYAK’s insights & trends for Milwaukee car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Milwaukee with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Milwaukee?
You should book your rental car in Milwaukee around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Milwaukee?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Sixt (C$ 70.93/day), Budget (C$ 93.50/day), and National (C$ 178.39/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Sixt 5300 S Howell Ave (10.1 km from city centre).
What is the best rental car company in Milwaukee?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Milwaukee are Hertz (5.3, 62 reviews), Alamo (9.0, 14 reviews), and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (9.0, 10 reviews).
Intermediate rentals (Mazda Mazda3 or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Milwaukee. Intermediate rentals in Milwaukee cost C$ 50/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as C$ 50/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Milwaukee?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Milwaukee is January at an average cost of C$ 54/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Milwaukee when prices are C$ 100/day on average, which tends to be 86% above the yearly average rental price for Milwaukee.
What rental car company in Milwaukee has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Hertz each operate 5 locations in Milwaukee, more than any other rental company.
Give yourself plenty of time for pick up. The line was long & slow. Drop off very easy
KarenDec 2023
The city has poor drivers in some areas so make sure you are insured or purchase rental insurance.
Verified travelerSep 2023
Chaotic - lots of construction down town, but easy in and out.
Verified travelerAug 2023
make sure to check the tire pressure before renting out cars at all locations. This will save the renters a lot of headaches and make it easier for the company to ensure readiness to drive for the vehicles. It seems like an obvious thing, but somehow there is still no system to monitor this I later found out.
Verified travelerAug 2023
It's not difficult to drive around Milwaukee, but the roads are not in good condition. If you are not use to city driving in a city the size of Milwaukee be careful the roads are wide not because they are four lane roads the right is really a street parking lane. Where I'm from the traffic lights are above the roads and in Wisconsin the traffic lights are on the side of the road so you really need to pay attention. Also if you use the highways to get around be careful the locals speed and weave in and out of traffic. They also ride the back end of your vehicle as if they were stockcar racing.
DaveJul 2023
Easy navigating in Milwaukee. But watch for road construction. It's everywhere!
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Milwaukee
The city of Milwaukee, nestled on the edge of Lake Michigan, is the perfect place to rent a car, as it is easy to navigate with its wide roads and sparse traffic. Avoid the discomfort of public transportation by renting a car, which you can drive all over the city while visiting its famous sights, including the Miller Brewery, or Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. A rental car is also a great option for those looking to explore other areas around Lake Michigan, or even cross the state border for a day trip to Chicago, which is only 90 miles south of Milwaukee.
All the major car rental agencies can be found at General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), located just six miles south of downtown Milwaukee. The car rental counters are situated on the first floor of the main airport parking garage, right next to the baggage claim area. Most companies are open from early in the morning (6-7 a.m.) until late in the evening (11 p.m. to 12 a.m.).
Driving in Milwaukee is fairly easy, as the city features wide, uncongested roads, and a good highway infrastructure system. Drivers should know numbered streets run from north to south, while named streets run from east to west. Turning right on a red signal is usually allowed unless a sign states otherwise. While it's best to drive around in the summer months, those wishing to avoid big crowds should know that the summer season sees plenty of lakeside festivals.
Milwaukee traffic generally flows nicely throughout the day, with the city having one of the shortest commute times in the country, but congestion can still happen during rush hours. Avoid driving during peak times; traffic headed into the city gets worse between 7 and 8:30 a.m., and then again between 4 to 5:30 p.m. as people leave the downtown area. The main congestion points are the Marquette Interchange, the Stadium Interchange, and the Zoo Interchange.
When you think of picturesque scenery, Milwaukee should be given the credit it deserves. The city has generous options for outdoor enthusiasts. With a car rental in Milwaukee, you can conveniently navigate the city, exploring the various beauties of the city. It is crucial to adhere to the driving laws to avoid being on the wrong side of the law. For instance, it is essential to know that numbered streets start from north to south while streets are named from east to west. While driving on highways, always turn right on a red signal unless there are particular signals. Always move to the right lane regardless of the speed limit while driving in the left lane. The left lane should always be used for passing.
If you are not a Milwaukee native, you must have a legit driver’s license and an international driver’s permit from your state to rent a car. Also, ensure your driver’s license is up to date for the entire period of driving a car rental. You risk hefty penalties and breach of your car rental contract if your foreign driver’s license is invalid. It is vital to get insurance, especially if you’re contemplating navigating with a luxury car. Your car rental will give you comprehensive details about the insurance. Finally, ensure you have a credit card, which will be used for making payments.
You will disembark from your flight at General Mitchell International Airport. The airport is situated a few miles south of downtown. To proceed to the car rental facility, you can board a bus situated outside baggage claim Exit 1. Some top car rental companies include Avis car rental, Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget car rental, and others. Some companies will still give you their cars even if you are below 25 years. However, the policies are not the same for all the suppliers. Therefore, do in-depth research before looking for a car rental company.
Intermediate rental cars in Milwaukee are around 43% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Milwaukee
What type of car is recommended for driving in Milwaukee?
Single travelers who don't require much space for passengers and luggage and are visiting in the summer should opt for a small convertible to enjoy the Lake Michigan views and the nice weather. Families embarking on a road trip across the area might prefer a small van or a sedan, which will give everyone plenty of space and comfort.
What’s the speed limit in Milwaukee?
The speed limit is usually 25 miles per hour in the city (with the exception of certain residential areas that demand a lower limit, in which case the speed limit signs will be posted), 35 mph in city limits or uncongested towns, 45 mph on rustic roads, and 65 mph on freeways or expressways.
Where are the best places to park in Milwaukee?
The closer you get to downtown, the more regulated street parking is. Metered spaces have different time limits depending on their locations, and prices range between $0.50 and $1.50 per hour. Saturdays are free in some areas downtown, and street parking is free on Sundays and public holidays everywhere. You can apply for Temporary Overnight Parking Permission, which will let you park your car for free overnight on any Milwaukee street.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Milwaukee?
A Compact car rental in Milwaukee costs C$ 89 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Milwaukee?
An Intermediate car rental in Milwaukee costs C$ 50 per day, on average.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Milwaukee?
So, can you rent a car for a month or longer in Milwaukee? The simple answer is Yes. Car rental companies can allow you to stay with the car for up to six months. Depending on the company, you can even enjoy a rental duration of up to 12 months.
What happens if I need to cancel my Milwaukee car reservation?
Most companies will allow you to amend a reservation up to two times. If you happen to cancel your car reservation, you will get a complete refund if canceled six hours prior to picking up your car. A refund is only made if the cancellation is made no later than midnight, 48 hours before your scheduled pick-up date.
Tesla was dirty inside, clearly vacuumed but the windows had fingerprints all over and it was just not wiped inside. All of the features weren’t working on the car either. The left side camera didn’t work, and the cruise control didn’t work, which made driving long distances quite uncomfortable. Additionally, even though it was the card I used to rent through Kayak, Hertz did not accept my credit card so I had to have a friend use their card and I had to pay to add me as the driver. The customer service at this Hertz location was absolute trash. Rude and unhelpful staff. Will use a different company besides Hertz in the future.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Intermediate SUV
I arrived to the rental office for it to be locked and closed at 5:20pm, when advertised to be open til 6pm. There was a temporary sign outside saying they’re suddenly closed this week at 5pm but no communication. I was stranded and had to find new accommodation when any communication would’ve been appreciated.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Economy
To Whom It May Concern, I never picked up the rental, Re: RentalCoverage Ref: 2QKK-S4BD-INS May I have my monies back? Refunded to the original method of payment. Please and thank you. Best Regards, Dorothy Singleton
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Intermediate
The nice lady at the counter was great!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Supplier choice
Why would you suggest a pick-up at a time Hertz is closed? You're app caused me a huge amount of unnecessary strife because Hertz here's was closed at my pickup time
Very simple and professional. Was in and out within minutes. Car was clean and perfect for what I needed.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Compact
All good.
2.0 Poor
Mike, Dec 2023
Minivan
The car pickup was at noon but the office closed at noon. This should not be possible.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2021
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and helpful. Drop-off was a breeze.
Cons:
A staff person called me a few hours after picking up the car saying they needed to verify the mileage and it may need to come back and swapped for a different car due to a possible need for an oil change. Tried calling back, but they were closed, and didn’t open until 9:00am the next day. The main Enterprise toll free number we tried had hours that started at 7:00am, but we would have been already long gone. When I picked up the car, the staff said to “call us anytime if you need anything” but the branch’s restrictive hours and the toll free number’s lack of 24-hour service prevents this. In the end, the staff person said don’t worry about it, there’s typically a 1500 mile buffer built in. All turned out well, but we were stressed after getting that initial voicemail because there was no way we could go all the way back to swap out a car, nor divert our course to go to a different Enterprise to do it, as we were on strict time constraints.
I got there to pick up my rental and was told all cars are going in for maintenance. So I didn't get a car and now I'm going back and forth with priceline to get a refund. It been a week.
8.0 Very good
Karen, Dec 2023
Intermediate
The check in process was efficient and quick and ereturn was great.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Economy
Great front desk staff, who were actually at the Hertz counter covering for Dollar.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, May 2021
Cons:
on 2nd day dashboard said tire air pressure low. garage took a nail and some staples out of the right rear tire and said the tread was worn.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Apr 2021
Pros:
I got the Nissan Pathfinder I wanted and it was a good drive
Cons:
When I dropped the car off, luckily I stayed around for the person to examine. She told me I had not filled up the gas - but actually, I did, to just above 1/2, as the the tank was right at 1/2 when I picked it up. She told me this wasn't correct, but after a few minutes of me telling her I definitely left the car with more gas than I started with, she said it was cool - but if I had just left it, I would have been charged extra for refueling.
I am currently working on getting money back. I picked up and dropped off car to and when agreed upon. Unfortunately they show the car dropped off at a different location. To make matters worse, they show a different vehicle than what I used. I hope they are able to resolve this.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2024
Supplier choice
they closed the rental counter before my flight arrived. i had to rent a car from another company.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Intermediate SUV
Pickup experience was horrible. Long lines. Rental agent completed paperwork then directed us to garage to pickup car. But, surprise, another line because no cars were available until someone returned one.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Intermediate SUV
Drop off was easy. Car windows were pretty dirty when I picked the car up.
10.0 Wonderful
Anthony, Sep 2024
Saw we were a family and upgraded us for free - super easy experience on both ends!
4.0 Mediocre
charles, Jun 2024
Intermediate SUV
Had to wait in line for 1 hour 5 mins to get my car.
The vehicle was dirty inside and outside. I took pictures of everything. Car smelled like smoke and I told the lot attendant when I first got the vehicle. Also a bunch of scratches on the truck, passenger side running board was falling apart. But the worst thing was the smoke smell and I tried calling them but no response. Sent me to a call center.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
Nothing
Cons:
I reserved by vehicle for 12pm noon and arrived at 12:05pm to find the location closed. Kayak didn't give me any notification that I would have to arrive earlier than noon if I expected to get a car. It caused a huge logistical headache for my trip and I won't be booking cars through Kayak again.
The car was horrible. The engine had serious issues, the car was so scratched up it was a 15 minute project to document all the damage, the radio didn't even work well. Won't be using Sixt again.
2.0 Poor
Mary, Feb 2025
Intermediate SUV
Getting blamed for wheel scuffing (painted surface) which I adamantly did not do. I did a walk around at pickup and took several photos of minor bumper scuffs but did not examine wheels or take photos. And this was a 5 series BMW. A high end vehicle that I did not rent and did not want but was given NO choice because the class of car (economy) was not available. And it took Sixt 11 days after return to inform me of this. This was a shakedown by Sixt. Beware buyers - examine your rental vehicles VERY carefully and take numerous photos.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Full-size
This was easy. Counter service was fast and friendly, car was clean and nice, return was fast and friendly. Car was what we expected, the service was exceptional.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Premium
Was charged a crazy deposit and they kept it because they said the windshield had a less than 1cm chip for a rock and I only drove the car for 87 miles. Absolute scam.
when I got to rental counter in Mke- Marie argueed with me re. me wanting to return the car with a full tank of gas- so I got taken- a 10 gallon tank at $2 a gallon - and was charged 27....
Cons:
when I got to rental counter in Mke- Marie argueed with me re. me wanting to return the car with a full tank of gas- so I got taken- a 10 gallon tank at $2 a gallon - and was charged 27....explain it better and given me my options- car was too small .....
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2020
Pros:
None
Cons:
Our reservation for a speciality van was at noon. We arrived at the location at 12:07 and the location was closed. The sign on the door and the website both said the location was open until 2:00. Avis was very unhelpful, insisting that it was my fault for “missing my appointment.” I told them that there were several steps they could have taken to make the situation a more customer service friendly experience, when the rental office saw they had a specialized reservation at noon, and they closed early, they should have had the courtesy to call us to alert us that our reservation was at closing time. The evening before, I called Avis to confirm the reservation, at that point the agent should have mentioned that the location closes at the time of my reservation. Neither steps were taken. I ended up having to drive to an airport location, and pick up a much smaller car, they didn’t have my specialty van in stock. I now have to pay $400 in shipping to get the remaining items shipped that was intended to go into the van. Avis customer service has been unhelpful, and maintains this is “my fault.” Buyer beware.
Easirent
4.6
Mediocre
One location in Milwaukee
Locations in Milwaukee
General Mitchell International Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Eagle Rent A Car
No score available yet
2 locations in Milwaukee
Locations in Milwaukee
6221 W. Layton Ave
Opening times not available
Milwaukee airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
2 locations in Milwaukee
Locations in Milwaukee
5300 South Howell Avenue
Opening times not available
Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Mayfair
No score available yet
One location in Milwaukee
Locations in Milwaukee
6841 W Brown Deer Road
414.354.8600
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
347 travellers who rented a car in Milwaukee gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.9
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