 | Madison Flights and Airline Tips | 1 - 10 of 10 |  |
I'm going to Montreal in 2 months, so I'll double check this and take photos then....
The airport on the east side of Madison is called Truax Field. It has 8 gates in 1 terminal. No real traffic here except early in the morning when planes leave for airline hubs. Might be crowded betweeen 5am and 8am, but that's crowded by Madison standards--the line to get our bag check might be up to 50 people long.
When arriving: You'll land at one of the 8 gates, get off your plane and walk about 50 yards, down an escalator and then to the right to get your bags (or a cab), if you have any. There are 2 baggage claim rotating thingies. When you get your bags you can either take a cab into city, or wait, wait, wait for a bus. Out the doors you'll see a taxi stand. Protocol is the next one in line is what you take. There are red & white (Badger cab), yellow (Union cab), silver (Madison Taxi) cabs there. Silver & Yellow ones are a little more comfortable and you'll probably ride alone and charge for each 1/7 mile--it can add up. Badger cab is usually cheaper, it charges by the area instead. You may stop and pick up or drop off another customer on your way. It will cost about $13(plus 15% tip(?)) to get to the State Capitol, about 10 minutes. There is bus service, ask at the kiosk for times, every hour I think, and will cost $1.50 to get downtown. There is a City of Madison Tourist Info Center/kiosk right between the 2 for any info you might want. From landing to walking out the door should never take more than 15 minutes.
Departing: Walk thru the doors, to your right will be the airlines, NW, AA, UA, Midwest Air (the best airline!) and others. Get your boarding pass and walk to your left, get your carry-on bags checked, up the escalator and to one of the 8 gates and see ya later!
When waiting, a great spot to hang out is a local Brewpub branch-- Great Dane BrewPub. Good place for a beer and a meal. Try the Big 10 burrito and a Devil's Lake Lager. Leave a Comment
|
 | |  |
Visiting Madison?
Read reviews about Madison Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
If you're flying, Dane County Regional Airport is located on the northeast side of town. It's easy to get a cab from there, or to rent a car. If you're driving, Madison is right off I-90. There are several exits: Route 151 will take you to the east side of town, and eventually to the Capitol Square. Route 30 also will get you downtown. Route 12-18 is also known as the 'beltline.' It's the quickest way to get to the west side of town.
The 'beltline' (Routes 12/14/18/151) runs east/west through the south side of Madison, then turns north toward Middleton. The numbers can be confusing, because at I-90 (the east end) it's 12/18, and is joined by routes 14 and 151 as you drive west. Eventually 151 veers south toward Verona, and you're on 12/14 going north. Traffic can be heavy on the beltline by Madison standards, but it's still probably the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Leave a Comment Theme: Airplane
|
Dane County Regional Airport is your best bet for flying into Madison. You may find cheaper fares into Milwaukee, but will have to contend with an hour-plus drive into Madison.
Madison has a so-so bus system (Madison Metro). It's pretty good for getting around the downtown, but for seeing other parts of the city, a car is definitely an asset. Madison is also fairly bike-friendly, just be sure you lock it up when you aren't riding.
Keep in mind that Madison can be a bit confusing to navigate by car for newcomers. The isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona was not so well planned from a traffic perspective (in my humble opinion), and you must be cautious getting through a seemingly endless maze of one-way streets in the downtown. Leave a Comment Theme: Airplane
|
 Aerial view of Madison Airport
(MSN) by latte18
Navigating MSN airport is easy with check-in and arrival hall on the same level and departure level on second floor. There are numerous ground transport options to the city including taxis, rental cars, hotel transfer vans, and private cars. Parking facilities are excellent and are available for short-term or long-term parkings. Driving time to downtown takes about 15 minutes whereas to the rest of the city takes about 5-30 minutes depending on your destination.
Presently, MSN airport is being renovated with designs inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Leave a Comment
|
Bike Paths
We've got miles and miles of RR tracks turned into bike/recreation trails. Rent a bike, or bring your own. Paths are also open for roller-bladers, walkers, runners, dog-walkers, and anything else you want to do on the paths.
- Lake Monona Loop - One goes all the way around Lake Monona, about 13 miles worth. About half of it is on lightly travled roads, and the other 1/3 is on bike trails. Go clockwise and keep the lake on your right and you won't get lost.
- Lakeshore Path. Starts at Memorial Union on the lake and goes to Picnic point. about 6 miles. dirt path takes you to the end, where you can get a great view of the isthmus, Capitol and such.
- From southern point of Lake Monona go under the bridge and take the path there. About 10 miles in each direction. Goes thru country fields, then thru neighborhoods backyards and parks. Gets a little hilly on the west side. Early morning rides look out for the deer, one came right up to me and we stared at each other for 5 minutes until I got bored.
- Off the above ride is the SW path that goes towards Camp Randall Stadium. Goes over the highway with a bridge. About 4 miles total.
Bike rental
You can rent a bike at Yellow Jersey at 419 State St. Located right in the middle of the block of the street. I think it's about $10/day. make sure you get a lock too, and don't leave it unlocked. Another altenative is to find a bike on the streets painted all red, including tires. They are free for anyone, but they're hard to find. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
Visiting Madison?
Read reviews about Madison Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
Are you a biker? (The non-gasoline dependent kind, that is.) Madison is a great place to bike.
There are numerous bike routes and bike paths in town. A downloadable map can be found at http://ww .ci.madison.wi.us/transp/Bicycle/BikeMap/BikeMap.html. A map for all of Dane County can be found at http://www.execpc.com/%7Edc pcgis/page16.html. Leave a Comment Theme: Bicycle
|
 by romashkowiLeave a Comment Theme: Other
|
 Boarding the Madison Metro bus by latte18
For travelling around UW campus, there is a special route L. The route is free, so it would be a great option if you want to tour around UW campus. The bus is safe, clean, well-maintained and the drivers are courteous and are willing to offer you advice on route planning, where to get off, etc. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Madison Taxi by latte18Leave a Comment Theme: Other
|
While in Madison, it is most convient to walk everywhere. The square, with its one way streets and expensive parking, is much better on foot. You can also get from the square to State Street quickly.
If you do need to get to somewhere further out, take the bus or a cab (Badger Cabs are good) Leave a Comment Theme: Other
|
 | 1 |  |
|
Get cheap flights to Madison. Airports in the area include Madison Truax Fld (MSN). Check flights to Madison when you want to visit these nearby places: Middleton, McFarland, Verona, Sun Prairie, De Forest and Stoughton.
- Quality Inn & Suites Madison
2969 Cahill Main, Madison, WI - Baymont Madison
4202 East Towne Blvd (formerly Exel Inn), Madison, WI - Select Inn Madison
4845 Hayes Road, Madison, WI - Days Inn Madison Ne
6311 Rostad Drive, Madison, WI - Americas Best Value Inn Madison
3438 Highway 12-18, Madison, WI - Ramada Richland Center
1450 Veterans Drive Hwy 14 East & Veterans Dr (formerly Travelodge), Madison, WI - Comfort Inn & Suites Madison
4822 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI - Hampton Inn Madison East Towne Mall Area
4820 Hayes Road, Madison, WI - Radisson Hotel Madison
517 Grand Canyon Drive (formerly Radisson Inn Madison), Madison, WI - Magnuson Grand Hotel Madison
3510 Millpond Road, Madison, WI - Campus Inn
601 Langdon Street, Madison, WI - Residence Inn Madison East
4862 Hayes Road, Madison, WI - Courtyard by Marriott Madison East
2502 Crossroads Drive, Madison, WI - Holiday Inn Madison At The American Center
5109 W Terrace Drive, Madison, WI - Country Inn & Suites Madison SW
6275 Nesbitt Road, Madison, WI
|
