Madison, Wisconsin is more than just the capital of America's Dairyland—it's a vibrant city nestled between two scenic lakes, offering a perfect blend of Midwestern charm, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Whether you're traveling for business, a conference, or a relaxing getaway, Madison is easier to reach (and get around in) than you might think.
How far is Madison from Milwaukee and Chicago?
Driving distance from Madison to Milwaukee Airport (MKE): Approximately 85 miles (137 km), 1 hour and 32 minutes
Driving distance from Madison to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD): Approximately 135 miles (217 km), 2 hours and 14 minutes
Airport and Direct Flights
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Madison, Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) offers a hassle-free alternative to larger, more congested airports. With direct flights to major hubs like Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Dallas, and New York, it’s easy to connect from nearly anywhere in the U.S.
Bus Rapid Transit
Madison recently launched its Metro Transit Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, designed to provide faster, more reliable public transportation across the city. The BRT line—called the East-West Line—runs through key corridors, connecting neighborhoods, the University of Wisconsin campus, downtown, and commercial hubs like East Towne and West Towne Malls.
Our Shuttle
We provide a complimentary airport shuttle for overnight guests, operating between 4:30 AM and 10:30 PM. Guests can call the hotel upon arrival for pick-up.
Bikeability
Madison is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, with a robust network of over 200 miles of bike paths and rental options like BCycle, with a station right across Wisconsin Ave from the hotel!
Taxi & Rideshare
Aside from Uber and Lyft, navigating Madison is convenient with a variety of taxi and rideshare services available to meet your transportation needs.
Union Cab of Madison Cooperative: As Madison's largest taxi fleet, Union Cab operates 24/7 and offers services throughout the city and surrounding areas. They provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and have a reputation for reliability. You can book a ride by calling (608) 242-2000 or through their mobile app.
Madison Taxi: Serving the community since 1986, Madison Taxi offers 24-hour dispatch services. They provide transportation within Madison and to nearby cities, including airport transfers to Milwaukee and Chicago. Rides can be booked online or by calling (608) 255-8294.
Walkability
Downtown Madison is pedestrian-friendly with the UW campus, capitol square, State Street, and so many points of interest being centrally located in close proximity.
Madison’s manageable size, convenient transportation options, and welcoming atmosphere make traveling here a smooth experience. Whether you're flying in for a conference, driving up for a weekend escape, or stopping through on a Midwestern road trip, you'll find that getting to and around Madison is part of the charm.