Dane County Regional Airport (Truax Field, MSN) is the primary commercial airport for Madison, Wisconsin. It is a single-terminal airport with a concourse serving mainline and regional carriers as well as military operations on the field.
The public terminal comprises ticketing and baggage facilities landside and a secured concourse of gates for departures. The airport handles a mix of regional and mainline flights to major hubs and sees steady regional traffic year-round.
Terminal Guide for Dane County Regional (Truax Field) #
The passenger terminal includes a landside ticketing area and a single secured concourse containing the gates; most airlines share common facilities rather than separate terminals. Military operations are based on the field but separate from the commercial terminal.
Moving within the airport is straightforward; parking and car-rental counters are on-site adjacent to the terminal, and no airside tram or inter-terminal shuttle is required for commercial passengers.
Getting to and From Dane County Regional (Truax Field) #
The airport is about 5-8 miles east of downtown Madison; driving time to the Capitol area is typically 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
- Car / driving: About 5-8 miles to downtown Madison; ample on-site parking and short-term curbside access.
- Taxis & rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services serve the airport regularly; fares to downtown are modest.
- Rental cars: Multiple rental-car companies operate from counters in the terminal; off-site lots may offer shuttles.
- Buses / public transit: Madison Metro runs routes that serve the airport area-check local schedules for route numbers and times.
Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Dane County Regional (Truax Field) #
The terminal provides a full set of services expected at a regional commercial airport: concessions, a small selection of shops, car-rental desks and passenger amenities.
- Lounges: No large network lounges; some airline club access may be available on specific carriers or through partner lounges at connecting hubs.
- Food & drink: Multiple concession options airside and landside, including quick-service and coffee outlets.
- Wi‑Fi & charging: Free Wi‑Fi is available; power outlets and USB charging are available in gate seating areas.
- Luggage & storage: Standard checked-baggage services; no long-term storage lockers.
- Accessibility: ADA facilities and assistance available; notify your airline ahead for mobility help.
Hotels and Layovers near Dane County Regional (Truax Field) #
Madison has multiple hotels within 10-20 minutes of the airport; many downtown properties are also an easy drive. Look for airport shuttle availability when booking for early departures or late arrivals.
- Common chains and independent hotels are located along the East Washington Avenue and near the Isthmus/downtown areas (10-20 minutes by car).
Tips for Dane County Regional Truax Field #
- If you’re heading to the Wisconsin State Capitol area, expect 15-20 minutes travel time from the terminal to downtown Madison outside peak hours.
- Ground transportation options include taxi and rideshare; if you rely on public transit, check the Madison Metro schedules for stops serving the airport area.
- If you need a specific rental-car company, reserve ahead-selection at regional airports can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays.
Weather & Climate near Dane County Regional Truax Field #
Dane County Regional Truax Field's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (828 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -14° - -4° | -15° | 30 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Poor | -11° - -1° | -11° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 4.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| March | Acceptable | -5° - 6° | -4° | 56 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 1° - 14° | 5° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Good | 8° - 21° | 14° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.0 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.5h |
| June | Excellent | 13° - 26° | 20° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Excellent | 16° - 29° | 22° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.9h |
| August | Very Good | 14° - 27° | 21° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.8 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Excellent | 10° - 23° | 16° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | 3° - 16° | 8° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Acceptable | -3° - 7° | -2° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -10° - -1° | -11° | 42 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
