MILWAUKEE — Summerfest and Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) officials on Thursday unveiled transit options for the three weekends of the festival this year.

Most of the options remain similar to 2024.

Last year was the second year MCTS returned to provide shuttles; they had been suspended in 2021 due to a shortage of drivers.

Summerfest will span across three weekends this summer: June 19-21, June 26-28 and July 3-5.

Here are the three ways you can ride to and from the festival using MCTS.

OPTION 1: MCTS Summerfest shuttles

Special service shuttles, according to Summerfest officials, have always been a “favorite among Summerfest goers.”

This year, three shuttles will run about every 15 minutes from the College Avenue, Brown Deer and Hales Corners park and ride lots. From there, they’ll take festivalgoers directly to the festival grounds entrance, or the Summerfest Mid Gate.

Payment options:

Shuttles are cashless and trips are paid for upon arrival at the festival. They will accept Umo app, WisGo card, VISA, Mastercard, Discover card, Google Pay and Apple Pay. A round-trip ride for those ages 12 and up will cost $12. For those that are reduced fare riders (ages 11 and under, 65 and over or those with qualifying disabilities) it will cost $6.

Hours of operation:

The first shuttle will leave the parking lot at 11:30 a.m.; the last bus will leave the Summerfest grounds at 12:30 a.m. Parking at each of the shuttle lots is free, but it is first come, first served.

OPTION 2: MCTS CONNECT

The CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit line bus route will be available again this year. It stops on Michigan Avenue and Lincoln Memorial Drive at The Couture, which is close to the Summerfest North Gate. Buses will run every 10 minutes on Saturdays.

Payment options:

The nine-mile route, which runs from Wauwatosa’s Watertown Plank Road Park and Ride lot to downtown Milwaukee, will cost riders ages 12 and up $2 each way. For those 11 and under, seniors 65 and older or people with qualifying disabilities, it will cost $1 each way.

Riders can pay for CONNECT 1 using the Umo app, WisGo card, or by VISA, Mastercard, Discover card, Google Pay or Apple Pay or cash at the Ticket Vending Machines located on platforms.

Hours of operation:

During weekdays, this line runs from approximately 4:35 a.m. to 1:39 a.m. On Saturdays it runs from about 4:45 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. It does not run on Sundays.

OPTION 3: MCTS regular service buses

Several local routes are within walking distance to Summerfest. You can find route schedules, hours and more at Summerfest.com or by visiting RideMCTS.com/Summerfest. To plan a route, riders can use the Trip Planning features on RideMCTS.com and the Umo app.

Here are the routes to check out for closest drop-off points:

  • GreenLine: drop-off location is in the Third Ward on Water Street at either Chicago Street or St. Paul Avenue
  • Route 15: drop-off location is in the Third Ward along North Water Street
  • Route 18: drop-off location is in the Third Ward along North Water Street
  • Route 30: drop-off location is at Jackson and Wisconsin

Payment options:

Riders can pay using the Umo app, WisGo card or cash. Riders ages 12 and up will pay $2 for a 90-minute fare. Youth 11 and under, seniors 65 and over and those with qualifying disabilities will pay $1.

Hours of operation:

Hours vary for each bus route. Visit RideMCTS.com/Summerfest for update-to-date hours for each route. Officials reminded riders that MCTS will follow a Sunday schedule on the July 4 holiday.

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