Milwaukee Bus Routes, Times, Stops, Fares & Live Tracking
Milwaukee County Transit System operates the main local bus network in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, including regular numbered routes, high-frequency branded lines, CONNECT 1 BRT, airport service and school-focused routes.
Use the official MCTS route page for your timetable, then confirm your stop with Real-Time before leaving. The current adult regular fare is $2.75, reduced fare is $1.25, and MCTS recommends reaching the stop at least a few minutes before the predicted arrival.
How to Find a Milwaukee Bus Schedule Fast
Go to the official MCTS Routes & Schedules page, select your route, choose the direction, then choose weekday, Saturday or Sunday service. For the final boarding decision, use the MCTS Real-Time Bus Tracker by route, stop number or nearby location.
Use route number, BlueLine, GreenLine, PurpleLine, RedLine or CONNECT 1.
Match the bus destination sign with your intended direction.
Weekday, Saturday and Sunday timetables can be different.
Use stop ID or exact intersection rather than only a neighborhood name.
Refresh Real-Time before leaving because detours and traffic affect arrivals.
Milwaukee Wisconsin Bus Guide
Major MCTS Routes and Branded Lines
MCTS operates a large network, so the fastest way to plan a trip is to identify the corridor first. Below are some of the most useful route groups and high-profile services; the official MCTS route directory should be used for the complete current list.
CONNECT 1 — Wisconsin Avenue BRT
CONNECT 1 is Milwaukee’s Bus Rapid Transit service along the Wisconsin Avenue corridor, connecting downtown with destinations west of the city.
Current construction note: the northbound BRT station at N. 92nd Street and Connell Court/Avenue has had a temporary boarding location during 2026 construction.
GreenLine — Bayshore to Airport
GreenLine is one of the most useful routes for visitors because it serves Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and continues north toward Bayshore.
MCTS currently lists an airport-related stop change affecting the GreenLine, so confirm the active boarding point before leaving the terminal.
Route 80 — 6th Street / Airport
Route 80 serves the 6th Street corridor, downtown-area destinations, Milwaukee Intermodal Station, MATC and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
The official Route 80 guide lists weekday service from roughly 4:09 AM to 1:12 AM, Saturday to about 1:15 AM and Sunday/holiday service from about 5:11 AM to 1:15 AM.
BlueLine — Fond du Lac–Mill
BlueLine is a major cross-city MCTS corridor. Use the route page to confirm current direction, stops, timetable and any detour notices.
PurpleLine — 27th Street
PurpleLine serves the 27th Street corridor. Construction around the 27th Street Viaduct has produced long-term detours, so riders should check active alerts.
RedLine — Capitol Drive
RedLine is the branded Capitol Drive corridor. Check MCTS for exact stop times because frequency and service span can change with quarterly service updates.
How to Read MCTS Bus Times
MCTS route pages let you choose the route direction and service day. Individual stop times are then shown across major timepoints. Do not use one terminal time as the departure time for every stop.
| Trip check | What to do | Why it matters | Rider action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route | Choose the exact route number or branded line. | Several corridors intersect downtown and can appear similar. | Match the front destination sign. |
| Direction | Select north, south, east, west or the destination shown by MCTS. | The stop across the street often serves the opposite direction. | Verify direction before boarding. |
| Service day | Choose weekday, Saturday or Sunday. | Departure times and frequency can differ. | Do not reuse a weekday screenshot on Sunday. |
| Stop ID | Use the three- or four-digit MCTS stop ID. | Real-Time predictions are stop-specific. | Save the stop number for future trips. |
| Live arrival | Open Real-Time shortly before travel. | Traffic, detours, weather and construction can change arrival predictions. | Be at the stop a few minutes early. |
MCTS Service to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
MCTS specifically identifies GreenLine and Route 80 as public transit options to and from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
Compare GreenLine and Route 80 for your destination.
Airport redevelopment can move the active boarding point.
Plan the trip and prepare payment before leaving the terminal.
Use the exact stop and route for current arrival estimates.
Do not plan a tight flight connection around the timetable alone.
Milwaukee Bus Fare and WisGo Fare Capping
Regular adult fare applies with Umo, WisGo, contactless payment or cash.
Children age 5 and under ride free under the current published fare structure.
Current adult WisGo caps are $8.25 daily, $33 weekly and $99 monthly.
Current reduced caps are $4 daily, $16.50 weekly and $49.50 monthly.
After scanning or tapping, the fare includes a free transfer valid for 90 minutes. Tap again whenever you board.
Cash remains accepted, but cash riders do not receive the fare-capping or transfer benefits available through WisGo.
Umo, WisGo, Contactless or Cash
Track a Milwaukee Bus by Route or Stop ID
MCTS Real-Time uses GPS information to estimate when a bus will reach your stop. The system can be searched by stop ID, near me, or bus route. MCTS says bus location data generally refreshes every 15–30 seconds.
Use RideMCTS Real-Time or the Umo app.
Choose CN1, GreenLine, Route 80 or your numbered route.
Pick the correct travel direction or destination.
Use the stop ID or exact stop description.
Refresh before leaving because predictions can move.
Construction and Detours Matter in Milwaukee
Milwaukee has several major road projects affecting MCTS service. Check MCTS Alerts immediately before travel, especially when a route crosses a major construction corridor.
How to Avoid Boarding the Wrong Milwaukee Bus
- Check the route number or branded line on the front destination sign.
- Confirm the destination, not only the route number.
- Use the three- or four-digit stop ID when checking Real-Time.
- Be at the stop at least several minutes early.
- Check whether your normal stop is temporarily inactive.
- For the return trip, verify the opposite-direction stop before you leave.
- Pull the stop-request cord a block or two before your destination.
- Check the last usable departure from your actual stop, not only a terminal.
MCTS Accessible Buses and Transit Plus
MCTS states that every MCTS bus is an accessible low-floor bus. Operators can kneel the front of the bus, and buses are equipped with boarding ramps for riders using wheelchairs, walkers, canes or small scooters.
Every MCTS Bus Has a Front Bike Rack
MCTS says every bus has a front rack that can carry up to two bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis. Most standard bikes with wheels 16 inches or larger fit.
Milwaukee Intermodal Station Area
Milwaukee Intermodal Station is a major downtown transfer point for intercity rail and buses, and Route 80 serves the area. Riders connecting between Amtrak/intercity service and MCTS should still use the MCTS route map and Real-Time to identify the exact local stop.
- Check the correct street-side MCTS stop.
- Allow extra time when transferring from rail.
- Check construction detours before leaving the station.
- Use Umo or WisGo to prepare fare before boarding.
Milwaukee Bus Trip Checklist
- Open the official MCTS route page.
- Select your route and direction.
- Choose weekday, Saturday or Sunday.
- Find your exact stop or stop ID.
- Check current fare and payment option.
- Open Real-Time shortly before leaving.
- Check MCTS Alerts for detours and moved stops.
- Arrive at least a few minutes early.
- Confirm the destination sign before boarding.
- Plan your return trip and last useful departure.
Use These Sources for Your Actual Trip
Current route list, route pages, timetable tables, route maps and active route alerts.
Open Routes & SchedulesCheck arrivals by stop ID, nearby location or route and direction.
Open Real-TimeInteractive network map, Real-Time map and downloadable system map.
Open System MapAdult fare, reduced fare, fare caps, WisGo, contactless payment and cash details.
Open Fare PageGreenLine and Route 80 airport travel guidance for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
Open Airport GuideActive stop moves, construction detours, event reroutes and service disruptions.
Open AlertsAccessible bus features, travel training, wayfinding support and Transit Plus.
Open AccessibilityBike-rack capacity, loading steps, allowed bike types and rider safety tips.
Open Bike GuideMilwaukee Wisconsin Bus Schedule FAQs
Where can I find the Milwaukee bus schedule?
Use the official MCTS Routes & Schedules page. Select your route, direction and service day, then use MCTS Real-Time for your exact stop before boarding.
How much does the Milwaukee bus cost?
The current MCTS adult regular fare is $2.75 per ride. Reduced fare is $1.25 for eligible riders, and children age 5 and under ride free.
Does MCTS have free transfers?
With qualifying WisGo or Umo payment, a fare includes a free transfer period valid for 90 minutes. Cash riders do not receive transfer or fare-capping benefits.
Which Milwaukee bus goes to the airport?
MCTS identifies GreenLine and Route 80 as routes serving Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
Where does Route 80 board at Milwaukee Airport?
During the current airport construction change, MCTS lists the Airport Departure stop, stop ID 9775, as the Route 80 boarding location while the cell phone lot and baggage claim stops are bypassed for Route 80.
How do I track an MCTS bus live?
Use MCTS Real-Time and search by stop ID, nearby location or bus route. You can also use the Umo app, text MCTS and the stop ID to 41411, or call 414-344-6711.
How early should I arrive at an MCTS stop?
MCTS recommends being at the stop at least a few minutes before the bus is expected to arrive; a five-minute buffer is a practical target.
Are Milwaukee buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes. MCTS states that every bus is an accessible low-floor bus and buses are equipped with ramps. Priority seating and mobility-device securement areas are also provided.
Can I take a bike on an MCTS bus?
Yes. Every MCTS bus has a front rack for up to two bicycles, available first-come, first-served.
How can I check Milwaukee bus detours?
Use the official MCTS Service Alerts page and check your specific route. Construction, event closures and temporary stop moves can change the normal boarding location.