Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Waukesha travel guide

Waukesha Tourism | Waukesha Guide

You're Going to Love Waukesha

With a population of 70,718, Waukesha is a must-see destination in Wisconsin, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 5 days in order to fully appreciate everything Waukesha has to offer.

Where to Eat in Waukesha

If you’re looking for affordable options, Thunder Bay Grille - Pewaukee (N14 W24130 Tower Place) and Point Burger Bar - Pewaukee (W229N1400 Westwood Dr) are great picks.

When to visit Waukesha

Waukesha in February
Estimated hotel price
$94
1 night at 3-star hotel
Waukesha in February
Estimated hotel price
$94
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Waukesha in July, when the average temperature is 71.6 °F, and the highest can go up to 82.4 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 12.2 °F, with an average temperature of 19.4 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in June, when precipitation is around 3.8″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Waukesha, with an average rainfall of 1.3″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Waukesha

Plane

Although Waukesha doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Milwaukee-Mitchell Airport (MKE), which is located 17 miles from Waukesha. Chicago All airports is the most popular, with regular flights from Southwest, Lufthansa, United Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Waukesha departs from Las Vegas and takes around 3h 29m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Waukesha. The train journey from Waukesha to Chicago takes 1h 13m and costs around $21 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Spokane, expect to pay about $268 for a 35h 42m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Waukesha is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 84 miles from Waukesha. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Waukesha, including Greyhound, FlixBus and Bus. From Chicago, the bus ride to Waukesha takes 85 miles and will cost you around $39. From Appleton, the ticket costs about $28 for a journey of 165 miles.

Plane

Although Waukesha doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Milwaukee-Mitchell Airport (MKE), which is located 17 miles from Waukesha. Chicago All airports is the most popular, with regular flights from Southwest, Lufthansa, United Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Waukesha departs from Las Vegas and takes around 3h 29m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Waukesha. The train journey from Waukesha to Chicago takes 1h 13m and costs around $21 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Spokane, expect to pay about $268 for a 35h 42m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Waukesha is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 84 miles from Waukesha. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Waukesha, including Greyhound, FlixBus and Bus. From Chicago, the bus ride to Waukesha takes 85 miles and will cost you around $39. From Appleton, the ticket costs about $28 for a journey of 165 miles.

Airports near Waukesha

MKEMilwaukee-Mitchell
MSNMadison Truax Field

Airlines serving Waukesha

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,836 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,935 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,243 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,967 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,922 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,076 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (7,961 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,287 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,317 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (851 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,459 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Waukesha

Where to stay in popular areas of Waukesha

Most booked hotels in Waukesha

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avid hotels Milwaukee West - Waukesha, an IHG Hotel
2 stars
Excellent (8.9, 297 reviews)
$104+
View
Milwaukee Marriott West
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 268 reviews)
$143+
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Brookfield
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 148 reviews)
$131+
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Tru by Hilton Milwaukee Brookfield
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 233 reviews)
$111+
View
Holiday Inn Pewaukee-Milwaukee West
3 stars
Excellent (8, 150 reviews)
$122+
View
Wildwood Lodge
2 stars
Good (7.8, 418 reviews)
$123+
View

Renting a car in Waukesha

Renting a car in Waukesha costs $43 per day, on average, or $215 if you want to rent if for 5 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 26% cheaper than airport locations in Waukesha.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Waukesha (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Waukesha is Full-size (Ford F-150 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Tesla Model 3 or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Waukesha costs $43 per day, on average, or $215 if you want to rent if for 5 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 26% cheaper than airport locations in Waukesha.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Waukesha (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Waukesha is Full-size (Ford F-150 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Tesla Model 3 or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Waukesha

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$38/day

Compact

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$38/day

Economy
Find car rentals in Waukesha

Waukesha Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Waukesha city guide for the best Waukesha travel tips. To help you organize your Waukesha trip ideas, this Waukesha visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.