Milwaukee Airport Map & Terminal Guide 2026
One terminal, two concourses, 38 gates. Everything you need to navigate Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) — Concourses C and D, security, parking, Amtrak Hiawatha and ground transport.
Milwaukee Airport Map
The Milwaukee Airport map below shows the full layout of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE/KMKE). MKE welcomed over 6.3 million passengers in 2024 — a 5% increase over 2023 and the highest total since before the pandemic. It is served by nine carriers including Southwest Airlines, Delta, American, United and Frontier, with nonstop flights to more than 30 destinations coast to coast.
As you can see on the Milwaukee Airport map, the layout is compact and easy to navigate: one main terminal with two concourses (C and D) branching off a central atrium. Ticketing and check-in are on the lower level, while security, gates, shops and dining are all on the upper level. Study the MKE airport map before you travel so you know which concourse your airline uses.
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Milwaukee Airport Location Map
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is located approximately 8 miles (13 km) south of downtown Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Airport location map below shows MKE’s position relative to the city and Lake Michigan. The airport is accessed via South Howell Avenue, connecting to I-41/I-94 (downtown and Chicago) and WIS 119 from the south.
Milwaukee Airport Terminal
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has a single terminal building with two levels. All check-in, baggage claim and ground transportation are on the lower level. Security checkpoints, gates, shops and restaurants are on the upper level. The two concourses — C and D — branch off a central concession atrium on the upper level and are connected through the main terminal, making it easy to walk between them.
Terminal Levels
Milwaukee Airport Security Checkpoints
Milwaukee Airport has two security checkpoints, one at the entrance to each concourse on the upper level. If you are connecting between airlines on different concourses, you will need to clear the security checkpoint at your departure concourse.
Milwaukee Airport Concourse C
Concourse C is located to the north (left) of the main terminal atrium. As shown on the Milwaukee Airport map, it houses Gates C9–C25 and is primarily used by Southwest Airlines — MKE’s largest carrier by market share — along with United Airlines and Sun Country Airlines.
Southwest Airlines serves the most nonstop routes of any carrier at MKE. If flying Southwest or United, head to Concourse C’s security checkpoint directly from the upper level.
Milwaukee Airport Concourse D
Concourse D extends east (straight ahead) from the main terminal atrium, including a “hammerhead” extension added in 1990. It houses Gates D27–D56 and serves all remaining airlines at MKE, including Delta, American, Alaska, Frontier, JetBlue and Spirit.
The Delta Sky Club is open daily (hours vary). The USO Lounge in the main terminal near Concourse D serves active-duty military and their families. A rotating art exhibit by local Milwaukee artists is on display throughout the concourse.
New Concourse E — Under Construction
The $95 million Concourse E Redevelopment Project broke ground in September 2025 on the site of the former Concourse E (closed since 2017). The new concourse will feature two flexible-use gates for both domestic and international flights and a modern U.S. Customs facility capable of processing 400 international arrivals per hour — nearly triple the current capacity. It is expected to open in late 2027. Once complete, the existing standalone International Arrivals Building will close.
The new concourse will be connected directly to the main terminal, eliminating the need for a separate shuttle to the International Arrivals Building. Design by Alliiance features glass walls and solar shading fans inspired by Milwaukee’s sailing and lakefront culture.
Walking Between Concourses on the Milwaukee Airport Map
Unlike many larger airports, Milwaukee’s two concourses are connected through the main terminal building, so walking between them is straightforward. However, each concourse has its own security checkpoint. If you are connecting between an airline in Concourse C and an airline in Concourse D, you will exit the secure area and need to re-clear security at your departure concourse’s checkpoint.
Connection Times
The walk between the furthest gates in Concourse C and Concourse D takes approximately 10–15 minutes through the central atrium, plus time for the security re-screening. Allow at least 30 minutes for inter-concourse connections to account for security queues. If both flights are on the same concourse, connections are much quicker as no re-screening is required.
Getting to Milwaukee Airport
Ground transportation pick-up and drop-off areas are on the lower level of the terminal. MKE is well connected to downtown Milwaukee, Chicago and the wider region by bus, rail and road.
Milwaukee Airport Parking
MKE offers on-site parking options ranging from short-term hourly to budget long-term. The first 30 minutes are free in all on-site facilities. Pre-book via the MKE SmartPark app for faster entry and exit. Full details at mitchellairport.com.
Milwaukee Airport Map — Arrivals
If you are arriving at Milwaukee Airport or meeting a passenger, the arrivals area is on the lower level of the terminal. After landing, passengers walk from their gate through the concourse to the central atrium, then down to the lower level for baggage claim. International arrivals without U.S. pre-clearance are currently processed at the separate International Arrivals Building, with a free shuttle to the main terminal.
Ground Transportation from Arrivals
Baggage claim carousels are on the lower level. From there, taxis are outside Baggage Claim Door 3, Uber/Lyft pick-up is near Carousel 2, MCTS buses stop outside Exit 1, and shuttles (GO Riteway, Badger Coaches, Coach USA) pick up outside Exit 2. The free Saver Lot and Amtrak shuttle depart from Baggage Claim Door 5. A real-time bus arrival display is located near Carousel 1.
Milwaukee Airport Map — Departures
Departing passengers should enter the terminal on the lower level via curbside drop-off or the parking garage skywalk. Check in at your airline’s ticket counter on the lower level, then proceed upstairs to the upper level. Head to the security checkpoint for your concourse — Concourse C (left) or Concourse D (straight ahead) — and proceed to your gate.
Recommended Arrival Times
Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. The busiest security periods are early morning (5–8 a.m.). Check in online before arriving and have your boarding pass ready (printed or mobile) to speed things up. Gate assignments are displayed on screens throughout the terminal.
Insider Tips
MKE is compact — if you already have a boarding pass and aren’t checking bags, 75 minutes before departure is usually enough. The airport offers free Wi-Fi, coat check at the Summerfest Marketplace store (handy for winter travel), and a children’s play area in each concourse. Don’t miss the Mitchell Gallery of Flight aviation museum and Renaissance Books — believed to be the world’s first used bookstore in an airport. For cheese curds, frozen custard and a taste of Milwaukee before your flight, try Northpoint Frozen Custard or Miller Brewhouse. If heading to Chicago, the Amtrak Hiawatha from MKE’s own rail station is often faster and cheaper than driving to O’Hare.
Milwaukee Airport Map — FAQ
How many terminals does Milwaukee Airport have?
One terminal with two concourses: Concourse C (Gates C9–C25) and Concourse D (Gates D27–D56), totalling 38 gates. A new Concourse E for international flights is under construction and expected to open in late 2027.
Which airlines fly from each concourse?
Concourse C: Southwest, United and Sun Country. Concourse D: Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue and Spirit.
How do I get between concourses?
Concourses C and D are connected through the main terminal atrium. If connecting between airlines on different concourses, you must re-clear security at your departure concourse’s checkpoint.
Where is security at Milwaukee Airport in 2026?
Upper level of the terminal. One checkpoint per concourse, both with TSA PreCheck lanes. Arrive 2 hours before domestic, 3 hours before international flights.
How far is Milwaukee Airport from downtown?
About 8 miles south. MCTS GreenLine bus: ~30 min ($2.25). Taxi: 15–20 min ($25–$30). Uber/Lyft: $20–$40.
Can I take a train to Chicago from Milwaukee Airport?
Yes. The Amtrak Hiawatha stops at the Milwaukee Airport Rail Station and reaches Chicago Union Station in about 90 minutes. Fares: $19–$37. Free airport shuttle to the station from Baggage Claim Door #5.
Where can I find Milwaukee Airport parking?
Parking garage (hourly $2/hr or daily $15/day), Surface Lot ($15/day, walking distance), Saver Lot ($10/day, free shuttle). First 30 minutes free in all facilities. Use the MKE SmartPark app.
What does the Milwaukee Airport map show?
The Milwaukee Airport map shows the main terminal, Concourses C and D, both security checkpoints, the parking garage, Surface Lot, Saver Lot, the Amtrak Hiawatha rail station, cell phone lot, and ground transportation pick-up areas. Use the MKE airport map to find your concourse before you arrive.
Is there a lounge at Milwaukee Airport?
Yes. The Delta Sky Club is in Concourse D (open daily, hours vary). A USO Lounge for active-duty military and families is in the main terminal near the Concourse D entrance.