MCTS and Summerfest Reveal Easy Transit Options for 2025 Festival Season

Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance, in collaboration with the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), has officially announced transportation options for this year’s highly anticipated music festival, taking place over three weekends: June 19–21, June 26–28, and July 3–5, 2025.

Whether you’re coming from across the city or outside the metro area, MCTS has a convenient, cost-effective option to get you to the heart of the Summerfest grounds. Here’s everything you need to know:

---

🚍 MCTS Summerfest Shuttles: Direct, Easy, and Cashless

One of the easiest ways to get to the festival is via non-stop Summerfest Shuttles departing every 15 minutes from three Park and Ride locations:

• College Avenue
• Brown Deer Park
• Hales Corners

These shuttles drop you off right at the Mid Gate entrance, making access simple and stress-free.

Pricing:

• $12 round-trip for riders ages 12+
• $6 for youth (11 and under), seniors (65+), and those with qualifying disabilities

Payment Options: Umo App, WisGo Card, VISA, Mastercard, Discover, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
Note: No cash accepted. Riders pay upon arrival at Summerfest.

Schedule:

• First shuttle departs at 11:30 a.m.
• Last return bus leaves at 12:30 a.m.
• Free parking at the Park and Ride lots (first-come, first-served).

---

🚏 CONNECT 1 BRT Line: Fast & Convenient from Downtown

The MCTS CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line will also serve Summerfest attendees, stopping at The Couture station (Michigan Ave & Lincoln Memorial Drive), just steps from the North Gate.

Saturday Bonus: Buses arrive every 10 minutes!

Amenities:

• USB chargers under most seats
• Easy payment before boarding via app, card, or ticket machines

Fares (90 minutes):

• $2 for ages 12+
• $1 for youth, seniors, and qualifying riders

Service Hours:

• Weekdays: 4:35 a.m. – 1:39 a.m.
• Saturdays: 4:45 a.m. – 2:15 a.m.

---

🚌 Regular MCTS Bus Routes Near Summerfest

Prefer taking a local route? Several MCTS buses stop within walking distance of Summerfest grounds. Fares remain $2 for adults and $1 for youth, seniors, and qualifying individuals.

Accepted Payments: Umo App, WisGo Card, or cash (on the bus)

Nearby Routes:

• GreenLine: From Bayshore to Airport; drops off on Water St.
  ⏰ Weekdays 4 a.m.–2 a.m., Saturdays 4 a.m.–3 a.m.
• Route 15: From Riverwest to South Milwaukee; drops off on Water St.
  ⏰ Weekdays 3 a.m.–1 a.m., Saturdays 4 a.m.–1 a.m.
• Route 18: From Greenfield/National to Downtown; drops off on Water St.
  ⏰ Weekdays 4 a.m.–1 a.m., Saturdays 5 a.m.–12 a.m.
• Route 30: From Sherman Blvd/UWM to Downtown; drops off at Jackson & Wisconsin
  ⏰ Weekdays 4 a.m.–2 a.m., Saturdays 4 a.m.–3 a.m.

---

🔍 Best MCTS Routes by Region:

From the South:

• MCTS Shuttle (College Ave or Hales Corners)
• GreenLine, Route 15, Route 18

From the West:

• MCTS Shuttle (Hales Corners)
• CONNECT 1, Route 18, Route 30

From the North:

• MCTS Shuttle (Brown Deer Park)
• GreenLine, Route 15

From Downtown Hotels:

• CONNECT 1, GreenLine, Routes 15, 18, and 30

---

🎆 Important Reminder:

MCTS operates Sunday schedules on holidays, including July 4.