Travel question (Madison to Milwaukee) (rental car, rental, hotels)

[Thoreau424]

Seeking advice for travel time needed between Madison and Milwaukee, based on this scenario:

• Driving between the cities early on a Sunday morning (early October)
• Needing to drop off a rental car at Mitchell Intl. Airport
• Checking luggage
• Flight departing at 6:20 AM
• Prefer not to cut it too close with time, and have at least 20 minutes of wait time cushion at the gate before boarding starts.

Based on this, what would be a good time to leave Madison? Any chance of weather concerns as well?

[ranger17]

Not knowing where in Madison leaving from, you could have a 1:20-1:40 min drive to Mke. Add in dropping the rental, security, baggage and so on and I’d say you’d have to leave a solid 2 hrs early at minimum. Frankly if it was me to avoid any potential issues I’d stay the night before at one of the hotels right by the airport. A little $$ spent could give some piece of mind that Sunday.

Just a thought.

[Thoreau424]

^ Thanks. Yes, Google Maps shows about 1:30, and then there are the unknowns with time for car drop-off, ticket counter, security, and all walking. I've never been to that airport, but the early time seems a benefit and I'm guessing the airport wouldn't be crowded then. I'd like being closer before flying (such as Milwaukee), but my wife will be in Madison, and I'd rather be there as much as possible.

[ranger17]

I would check into where the rental return is at Mke. If its next to the terminal like here in Madison thats a simple drop. If its further out and you then have to shuttle to the terminal add some more time in.
I have used Mke in the past and dont recall any issues though it has been a good 6 years so things could have changed.
An early morning drive can be done of course, easier if you are one who is an early riser. But if not then consider how the drive may be if that tired.

[AminWi]

I have no idea what car rental return is like in Milwaukee, but I have taken early morning flights out of MKE. I’d expect the drive time to be pretty close to what Google maps is suggesting (barring an accident that morning that would slow things up) and I would expect the security to take very little time (10 minutes seems to be about what I’ve encountered there). I love MKE. It is such a low stress airport.

[Vegabern]

The rental return isn't too far from the terminals. Give yourself about 10-15 mins for return and another 5-10 ins to get to check-in.

[Thoreau424]

Thanks for all the replies. It is definitely appreciated.

[brrabbit]

4am should be reasonable. 3:30am - safer (better to be 1 hr early than 1 minute late).

[brrabbit]

Speaking of weather, it depends on how comfortable you're driving in heavy fog conditions. And/or heavy rain conditions. Some people would cruise through those without dropping speed at all, others are really uncomfortable. There won't be any traffic at that hour, so average speed on the highway won't be an issue, but the state troopers aren't sleeping - so it might make sense to plan to drive not faster than the speed limit.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by brrabbit

4am should be reasonable. 3:30am - safer (better to be 1 hr early than 1 minute late).

3:30 AM... Wife will enjoy that! (bonk)

We left @3:30AM the other day for a flight, so I will have 2 months of scolding before forgiveness. If I am returning a Rental car at 5AM I often drive overnight and take a nap in car before checking in (they usually open at 5AM)

I usually plan to arrive at rental car place 1 hr before boarding (= 1:30 before flight if on SWA / group A boarder)

MKE from Madison, I give 1:30 (off hours), and unless it is snowy should be fine. Add 10 min for finding and getting gas.

TSA- Pre may not be open at 5:40 AM (plan on extra time for that if necessary)