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).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
