How to Get to Summerfest from Milwaukee’s North Shore

The CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit line has been extended specifically for Summerfest

Summerfest, "The World's Largest Music Festival," draws thousands of attendees to Milwaukee's lakefront each summer. For residents of Milwaukee's North Shore communities like Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, and Bayside, navigating to the festival grounds efficiently can significantly enhance the festival experience. This guide provides detailed information on transportation options specifically tailored for North Shore residents attending Summerfest.

Summerfest Shuttle Services

Brown Deer Park and Ride Shuttle

The most direct public transportation option for North Shore residents is the MCTS Summerfest shuttle service from the Brown Deer Park and Ride lot. This service has consistently been a favorite among festivalgoers for its convenience and reliability.

The Brown Deer Park and Ride lot, located at 9126 N. Green Bay Road, is the northernmost shuttle location and most accessible for North Shore communities. Shuttles run approximately every 15 minutes, offering non-stop, direct access to the Summerfest grounds via the Mid Gate entrance. This option eliminates the need for transfers or navigating downtown traffic, making it ideal for those who prefer a straightforward journey.

The first shuttle departs the lot at 11:30 AM, with the final return shuttle leaving the Summerfest grounds at 12:30 AM. This extended service accommodates both early arrivers and those staying for headline performances. Parking at the Brown Deer lot is free but operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends or for major headline acts.

GreenLine Bus Route through the North Shore

The GreenLine route serves the North Shore, including Oakland and Capital in Shorewood and Bayshore in Glendale/Whitefish Bay. Buses run every 15 minutes during the daytime. The drop off location for Summerfest is on Water Street at either Chicago Street or St. Paul Avenue. The hours of service are weekdays - approximately 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturdays - approximately 4 a.m. to 3 a.m. 

Check out Summerfest.com, RideMCTS.com/CONNECT for route schedules, hours of service, and more.  Riders can also use the Trip Planning features on RideMCTS.com and the Umo app to plan their route. 

Shuttle Payment Information

The Summerfest shuttles are completely cashless for 2024. Round-trip fare is $10 for riders ages 12 and up, and $5 for reduced fare eligible riders (children 11 and under, seniors 65+, and those with qualifying disabilities). Payment is collected upon arrival at Summerfest and can be made via the Umo app, WisGo card, credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, Discover), or mobile payment platforms (Google Pay and Apple Pay)4.

CONNECT 1 BRT Line Service

For North Shore residents willing to drive a short distance or connect via local bus routes, the CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit line offers an excellent option. This "faster" and "eco-friendly" bus route has been extended specifically for Summerfest, now reaching all the way to The Couture transit concourse, which provides a short walk to the festival's north entrance.

The CONNECT 1 line runs from Wauwatosa's Watertown Plank Road Park and Ride lot to downtown Milwaukee, with enhanced frequency during Summerfest. Particularly noteworthy for weekend attendees is the increased Saturday service, with buses arriving every 10 minutes34. This frequency reduction minimizes wait times and provides flexibility for festival arrival and departure.

Accessing CONNECT 1 from the North Shore

North Shore residents can access the CONNECT 1 line by:

1. Taking a local MCTS route to a CONNECT 1 station

2. Driving to one of the Park and Ride locations along the route

3. Using ride-share services to connect to the line

The fare for the CONNECT 1 is significantly less expensive than the dedicated shuttles at just $2 each way for regular riders (ages 12+) and $1 each way for reduced fare eligible riders. This makes it a cost-effective option, particularly for those attending multiple days of the festival.

Regular MCTS Bus Routes

North Shore to Summerfest Connections

Several regular MCTS routes serve the North Shore communities and can connect riders to the Summerfest grounds or to transfer points for festival-bound routes. While the search results don't specify exact North Shore routes, MCTS notes that several local routes stop within walking distance of Summerfest.

For these regular routes, the standard MCTS fare structure applies: $2 for a 90-minute fare for riders ages 12 and up, and $1 for youth 11 and under, seniors 65+, and people with qualifying disabilities. Riders can pay on the bus using the Umo app, WisGo card, or cash, providing flexibility for occasional transit users.

Planning Your Route

MCTS specifically encourages riders to download the Umo mobile app to plan the most convenient route to the festival. This app provides real-time bus tracking, route planning, and electronic payment options, making it an essential tool for navigating to Summerfest from the North Shore.

For those who don't live directly on a bus route, MCTS offers a helpful tip: Park your car near one of the bus routes (for free), then ride the bus to and from the festival. This approach combines the flexibility of personal transportation with the convenience of public transit for the final leg to the crowded festival area.

Alternative Transit Options

The Hop Streetcar

The Hop, Milwaukee's streetcar system, is mentioned as a transportation option to Summerfest in the search results. While The Hop doesn't directly serve the North Shore communities, it can be accessed by connecting from MCTS bus routes that travel downtown. For North Shore residents, this would typically involve taking a bus downtown and then transferring to The Hop for the final leg to the festival area.

Bublr Bikes

For those who enjoy cycling, Bublr Bikes, Milwaukee's bike-share program, is noted as a transportation option to Summerfest15. There are Bublr stations throughout downtown Milwaukee, though availability in North Shore communities may be limited. This option combines public transportation (taking a bus downtown) with bicycle rental for the final approach to the festival grounds.

Driving Options from the North Shore

With Lake Drive under construction through late summer 2025, North Shore residents heading to Summerfest will need to navigate detours and plan their routes carefully.

Parking Options Near Summerfest

Official Summerfest Parking

Summerfest offers official parking lots near the festival grounds. These lots are highly convenient but can be costly and fill up quickly.

• Cost: $30–$40 per vehicle (depending on the day and performer lineup).

• Location: Lots are adjacent to the Summerfest grounds, with entrances near the Mid Gate.

• Pre-Paid Passes: Purchase online in advance via the Summerfest website to guarantee a spot.

Downtown Parking Structures

Parking downtown and walking or taking a short ride-share trip is another viable option. Many structures are within a mile of the festival grounds:

1. The Brewery District Parking Garage (9th & Juneau)

2. Milwaukee Center Garage (108 E. Wells St.)

3. Historic Third Ward Garages (Water & Chicago Streets)

• Cost: $10–$25 per day (varies by location and time).

• Look for Summerfest signage with QR codes that provide walking directions from these lots.

SpotHero Reservations

Use apps like SpotHero to reserve parking in advance at discounted rates. Many options are available within walking distance of Summerfest or along shuttle routes.

Alternative Transportation Options for Drivers

Park-and-Ride Lots with Shuttles

For those who prefer not to drive into downtown Milwaukee, MCTS offers Park-and-Ride lots with shuttle service directly to Summerfest:

1. Brown Deer Park-and-Ride Lot (9126 N Green Bay Rd)

   • Free parking.

   • Shuttle fare: $10 round trip (cashless payment only).

   • Shuttles run every 15 minutes starting at 11:30 AM.

2. College Avenue Park-and-Ride Lot (South Side)

3. Hales Corners Park-and-Ride Lot (West Side)

Shuttles drop off passengers at the Mid Gate entrance of Summerfest.

Remember to plan your trip ahead of time! Factor in extra travel time due to Lake Drive detours and increased traffic on Port Washington Road.

Need tickets? You can find Summerfest promotions in guide to getting in free to Summerfest, including how to score free tickets at the North Shore Metro Market locations. See you at Summerfest!