By Plane
Dane County Regional (Madison) Airport, located minutes from downtown Madison, offers many commercial flights daily. Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) is on Madison’s northeast side, a 15 minute drive by car to campus and downtown.
Airlines that fly into Madison include:
- American Eagle
- Delta
- Frontier
- United
For a map of locations you can fly direct to Madison reference, http://www.msnairport.com/planning/where.aspx
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.msnairport.com to find airlines and aircraft charters that service the Madison area.
Transportation from the Madison Airport
All hotels in downtown Madison offer free shuttle service to the Dane Co Regional/Madison Airport, campus and downtown, although hours may be limited; they should check with the concierge in advance. Once arriving at the Airport, find the large white board (located on both the gate concourse and baggage claim) that shows Madison hotels. Each hotel has a number on the board. There is a white courtesy phone located on the board. Just pick that up and dial the hotel’s reference number to connect to the shuttle service. Shuttles usually arrive in less than 20 minutes. There is really no need to rent a car in Madison!
Chartered Flights
Wisconsin Aviation Inc. serves Madison with Wisconsin’s largest air charter and rental service.
Other Airport Options (Chicago and Milwaukee)
Milwaukee is approximately 1.5 hours to the east and Chicago is 3 hours to the southeast as alternate options. There is a bus shuttle service that goes to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Van Galder (approximately $30 one way) and to and from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on Badger Bus (approximately $25 one way, reduced fare for advanced booking).
The closest bus station to the hotels is Memorial Union on the University of Wisconsin campus. From the Memorial Union, travelers can reach Madison Capitol Square, conference hotels, and the Monona Terrace Convention Center via a one-mile, 20-minute walk on a limited-traffic pedestrian corridor, State Street, though this may not be ideal for those with heavy luggage. State Street is a safe and typically lively downtown atmosphere at almost all hours of the day with many places to eat and shop. The Best Western Inn on the Park does offer complimentary shuttle service to the Memorial Union.
Schedule and costs are available at:
Van Galder – service to and from Chicago O’Hare and Midway
Badger Bus – service to and from Milwaukee Mitchell
By Car
From Minneapolis (4 hours): From the North via Interstate 90/94 Take I-90/94 to the Highway 151 exit (southwest) going toward the State Capitol. You will then be on East Washington Avenue, which leads directly to the Capitol Square.
From Green Bay (2 hours): From the Northeast via Highway 151 Follow Highway 151 toward the State Capitol. You will then be on East Washington Avenue, which leads directly to the Capitol Square.
From Milwaukee (1.5 hours): From the East via Interstate 94 As you approach the city, follow Highway 30 into Madison. Take the “State Capitol” exit off of Highway 30, and you will then be on East Washington Avenue, which leads directly to the Capitol Square.
From Chicago (3 hours): From the Southeast via Interstate 90 Take the Hwy 12&18 (Beltline) exit to Madison. If you are going to the Alliant Energy Center or Monona Terrace, exit at John Nolen Drive. If you are going to UW-Madison, exit at Park Street and head north.
From Dubuque (2 hour): From the Southwest via Highways 18 & 151 Take the appropriate exit to Highway 151 going north toward the State Capitol. In Madison, Highway 151 will become South Park Street. Follow Park Street to its conclusion to reach the UW-Madison. Or, from Park, take a right onto Johnson Street to reach the State Street/Capitol Square area.
Automobile Rental
Several automobile rental companies http://www.visitmadison.com/visitors/plan/maps-and-transportation/car-rental-agencies provide service in Madison. Convenient on-site rental at the Dane County Regional Airport is available. Remember the Concourse and Hilton charge for parking if you rent a car.
By Bus
Follow the link for a list of Bus/Tour/Charter Companies.
Getting Around Madison While at the Annual Meeting
By Bus
By Car
Follow the link for a list of Car Rental Agencies or Taxi and Limousine Companies.
By Bike
If you are planning to travel by bike you will be happy to know that “Few cities in the United States have the elevated bike consciousness of Madison.” – Bicycling Magazine’s. Traversing the city on bike is both easy and beautiful! Check out the extensive Dane County Map for Bicyclists before you hit road!
If you are looking to rent a bike on your visit check out Williamson Bikes and Fitness, Budget Bicycle Center or Madison’s Bike Sharing Program B-Cycle.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION WATCH
To help downtown businesses, customers and visitors, Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) has created the “Downtown Madison Get-Around Guide: How to get around and park in Downtown Madison during construction on University Ave., Gorham St., Broom St., and Gilman St. during spring and summer 2009.” A map of the affected area is also available.
Information and updates are also on the City of Madison University Avenue Construction Project Website. You can also sign up to receive email updates as well as find information on parking.
For a complete list of current projects and detours visit Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s travel information page.
SMOKING POLICY
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings in Wisconsin and inside all restaurants, bars, park shelters, sports venues, and common areas of hotels. If you wish to smoke in your hotel room, you must request a smoking room when you make your hotel reservation. Smoking is not allowed inside the Conference Center, or on any of the outdoor terraces.
EMERGENCY SERVICES PHONE NUMBER Fire, police, rescue/ambulance DIAL 911
About Madison and Leisure Time
Situated on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison is a charming and picturesque city with lots to offer – five lakes, 200 parks, miles of bicycle and foot paths, one of the loveliest university campuses in the country, great dining and entertainment, and a stimulating cultural and recreational environment. Visit our sample itineraries for ideas. Madison has been known to have the most restaurants per capita in the country. Discover new restaurants to experience from our extensive list and even view some of the local favorites.
We look forward to welcoming you to Madison and wish you safe and enjoyable travels.
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