Summerfest Shuttle and Transportation Services 2024

Summerfest is here! After weeks of anticipation, all the performers, admission promos, special experiences, and new foods have been announced. Now, it’s time actually to get to the Big Gig.

Want to ensure you don’t miss even the opener? And get home before the stage crew has packed up? Here’s a guide to transportation options to and from Summerfest – from buses to bikes and more.

MCTS Shuttles

MCTS’s special service is a favorite among Summerfest goers. There will be three shuttles running approximately every 15 minutes from College Avenue, Brown Deer Park, and Hales Corners Park and Ride lots. These shuttles offer convenient, non-stop, direct access to the festival grounds entrance located outside the Summerfest Mid Gate.

The shuttles are cashless, and riders will pay upon arrival at Summerfest. Payment options include the Umo app, WisGo card, VISA, Mastercard, Discover card, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Round-trip fare is $10 for riders ages 12 and up, and $5 for Reduced Fare riders (youth 11 and under, seniors 65 and over, and those with qualifying disabilities).

The first shuttle will depart the lot at 11:30 a.m., with the last buses leaving the Summerfest Mid Gate at 12:30 a.m. Parking at the Park and Ride lots is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

MCTS’s CONNECT 1 BRT

The CONNECT 1 BRT line will again be available for Summerfest riders this year. It offers a smooth, quiet, and eco-friendly ride around town. New for 2024, the CONNECT 1 BRT will extend to the lakefront, with a new stop at the Couture on Michigan Avenue and Lincoln Memorial Drive. Buses will also run more frequently on Saturdays, every 10 minutes! Riders can charge their phones using the USB chargers located under many seats. Pay before boarding using the Umo app, WisGo card, VISA, Mastercard, Discover, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or cash at the Ticket Vending Machines on platforms. A 90-minute fare is $2 for riders ages 12 and up and $1 for youth 11 and under, seniors 65 and over, and people with qualifying disabilities. All MCTS buses are accessible for persons using mobility devices.

The line operates weekdays from 4:35 a.m. to 1:39 a.m. and Saturdays from 4:45 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. it’s free for Summerfest riders.

MCTS Buses

If the special routes don’t work for you, several regular MCTS bus routes can also get you close to the concerts.

• From the north: Use the GreenLine, Route 15, Route 18, or the Brown Deer Park park-and-ride shuttle.
• From the west: Use Route 18, Route 30, or the CONNECT 1 line.
• From the south: Use the GreenLine, Route 15, Route 18, or the College Avenue park-and-ride shuttle.

Regular routes offer a cost-effective option at just $2 for a 90-minute fare for those 12 and up, and $1 for kids and seniors.

• GreenLine: Runs 3 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturdays.
• Route 14: Runs 4:30 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 6 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays.
• Route 15: Runs 3 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays.
• Route 18 and Route 30: Run 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturdays.

The Hop

The Hop offers another convenient way to get to the Big Gig from various Downtown neighborhoods. It’s free to ride, letting you save money for the festival itself. For route details and arrival info, click here.

Bublr Bikes

Consider using Bublr Bikes to enjoy the summer weather while getting to the festival. Bike stations around the city make it an easy and eco-friendly option. For station locations and rental information, click here.

Bar Shuttles

Many bars offer transportation to and from the festival if you plan to pregame. Here’s a list of some participating bars:

• Belmont Tavern – 784 N. Jefferson St.
• Caffrey’s Pub – 717 N. 16th St.
• Camp Bar Wauwatosa – 6600 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
• Clementine’s Tavern – 3143 S. Clement Ave.
• Dale Z’s – 3585 S. Howell Ave.
• Gingerz – 3915 S. Howell Ave.
• Izzy Hops – 2311 N. Murray Ave.
• Jack’s American Pub – 1323 E. Brady St.
• Jersey’s – 4024 S. Howell Ave.
• King Pins Spirits – 4102 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
• McBob’s – 4919 W. North Ave.
• Milwaukee Brat House – 1013 N. Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr.
• Milwaukee Brat House (Shorewood) – 4022 N. Oakland Ave.
• Murphy’s Irish Pub – 1613 W. Wells St.
• The Newport – 939 E. Conway St.
• O’lydia’s – 338 S. 1st St.
• Patti’s Power Plant – 2800 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
• Paulie’s Pub – 8031 W. Greenfield Ave.
• Redbar – 2245 E. St. Francis Ave.
• Spirits – 922 Milwaukee Ave.
• Spitfire’s – 5018 W. State St.
• Steny’s – 800 S. 2nd St.
• Uncle Buck’s – 1125 N. Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr.
• Who’s on Third – 1007 N. Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr.
• The Wisconsin Club – 900 W. Wisconsin Ave.
• WurstBar – 1239 E. Brady St.

Ride Sharing

For those using Uber or Lyft, the designated pickup and drop-off point is outside the north gate to Henry Maier Festival Park, around North Harbor Drive.

You can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Summerfest by choosing the best transportation option for you!