Car Travel

From the north, I–43 provides controlled access into downtown Milwaukee. I–94 leads to downtown from Chicago and other points south and west of the city. If you are traveling to sites in the wider metropolitan area, from I–94 you can connect to I–894, which bypasses central Milwaukee.

Lake Michigan is the city's eastern boundary; Wisconsin Avenue is the main east–west thoroughfare. The Milwaukee River divides the downtown area east and west. The East–West Expressway (I–94/I–794) is the dividing line between north and south. Streets are numbered in ascending order from the Milwaukee River west well into the suburbs.

Car Rentals

Rates in Milwaukee begin at around $30 a day and $170 a week. This does not include tax on car rentals, which is 8.6%.

At Home

Alamo. 800/327–9633; 020/8759–6200.

Avis. 800/331–1212; 800/879–2847; 02/9353–9000; 09/525–1982.

Budget. 800/527–0700; 0144/227–6266.

Dollar. 800/800–4000; 020/8897–0811; 02/9223–1444.

Enterprise. 800/325–8007.

Hertz. 800/654–3131; 800/263–0600; 020/8897–2072; 02/9669–2444.

National. 800/227–7368; 0345/222525.

Rules of the Road

To drive in Wisconsin, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's license. Residents of Canada and most other countries may drive as long as they have a valid license from their home country.

In most of Wisconsin you can make a right turn at a red light after coming to a full stop. At some intersections, "no turn on red light" signs are posted.

Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times. Children under age four must use a federally approved child safety seat.

Speed limits in Wisconsin vary widely. On expressways they can range from 50 to 65 mph, and on highways from 40 to 55 mph. In residential areas, posted speed limits can range from 25 to 40 mph. In areas where there are schools, signs are often posted indicating speed limits of 15 to 20 mph when children are present. Be sure to check signs carefully, and don't drink and drive in Wisconsin, as police aggressively pursue drunk drivers.

Department of Transportation. For more information, contact the Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles. 414/266–1000.