Milwaukee General Mitchell

General Mitchell Station (Milwaukee Airport Railroad Station) is a modern and convenient transport hub located on the southern outskirts of Milwaukee. It is one of the few railway stations in the USA that directly serves an international airport, offering travelers a seamless transfer from train to plane. Served by the popular Amtrak Hiawatha line, the station connects the airport with downtown Milwaukee and Chicago, making the journey fast and comfortable.

It is important for passengers to know that the station operates primarily in an automated mode. The terminal building is equipped with a waiting area and restrooms. The main feature is the availability of a complimentary shuttle that runs between the railway station and the main airport terminal, ensuring easy access to departures.

• Official Website: Amtrak.com (Station MKA section) or Mitchellairport.com
• Amtrak Helpline: +1-800-872-7245 (1-800-USA-RAIL)
• Address: 5601 South 6th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221, USA
• Opening Hours: The waiting room opens and closes according to the train schedule (usually from early morning to late evening).
• Luggage Storage: Not available at the station itself (available only for Amtrak passengers with tickets to Chicago at Union Station, or please check at the airport).
• Accessibility: The station is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility (ramps, wheelchair lifts).

There are several ways to get to General Mitchell Station, depending on your starting point. If you are travelling from downtown Milwaukee, the fastest option is the Amtrak Hiawatha train; the travel time is only about 10–15 minutes.

From the Airport Terminal: Use the complimentary shuttle bus, which stops outside the baggage claim area (Baggage Claim, Exit 4). The trip takes just a few minutes.

By Car and Taxi: The station is located near the I-94/I-41 highway. For taxis and car-sharing services (Uber/Lyft), there is a convenient drop-off zone right at the station entrance. Walking from the airport terminal is possible but not recommended due to the distance and luggage; it is better to use the shuttle.

Despite its compact size, the station offers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait for the train. Inside the heated building, passengers will find a spacious waiting room with seating and restrooms. Please note that there are no staffed ticket counters here.

For purchasing and printing tickets, Quik-Trak self-service terminals are installed. The station ensures accessibility for all categories of citizens: there are wheelchair lifts and an accessible platform. Wi-Fi is usually available on Amtrak trains, but the signal inside the station building may be unstable. Checked baggage services are not provided at this station; only carry-on luggage is permitted.

Dining options at General Mitchell Station itself are limited. Vending machines with drinks and light snacks are installed in the waiting room, which is suitable for a quick bite.

If you have time (more than 40–50 minutes), it is better to use the free shuttle to reach the main terminal of Milwaukee Airport. There, you will find a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops, including 24-hour options. The average cost at the airport will be higher, but the choice of hot meals is significantly better.

The station was inaugurated on 18 January 2005, becoming a symbol of the region's transport system modernization. Construction cost approximately 7 million dollars and was funded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

The goal of the project was to create an efficient intermodal hub connecting air and rail transport to relieve road congestion and provide an alternative to cars for residents of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Since opening, passenger traffic on the Hiawatha Service line has grown significantly, confirming the demand for the station.

Arrival: It is recommended to arrive at the station 20–30 minutes before the train departs. Since the station is unstaffed, ensure your ticket is printed or downloaded to your smartphone in advance.

Transfer to the Plane: If you are travelling to the airport, allow at least 30–40 minutes for the shuttle transfer and security screening at the terminal, although the transfer itself takes little time.

Safety and Waiting: The station area is calm, but at night it is better to wait for the train inside the building. The platform is open, so dress warmly in winter. Listen carefully to announcements: trains stop at the station for a very short time.