Written by the Pharaoh’s Transportation dispatch team — the Milwaukee-based chauffeur company that drives Madison airport runs, Madison to Milwaukee, and Madison to O’Hare and Midway every week.
Quick answer: Madison Airport is Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), at 4000 International Lane, about 6 miles northeast of downtown Madison (15–20 minutes). It has one terminal, six airlines (American, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, Sun Country and United), and on-site parking at $10 (Economy), $12 (Surface) and $14 (Ramp) per day. Parking cannot be reserved. If you would rather not park, Pharaoh’s Transportation provides private chauffeured SUVs and Sprinter vans both ways — Madison to and from MSN, Milwaukee, O’Hare and Midway — and you can reserve on our online booking page or call 414-322-3751.
Need a ride to or from MSN?
Private SUV or Sprinter, a chauffeur waiting at arrivals, and a ride home with no parking stress. Book online or call 414-322-3751, 24/7.
Madison Airport (MSN) at a Glance
Madison’s airport is small, calm and quick compared with the big Chicago hubs, which is why most trips through it go smoothly. The airport is owned and run by Dane County, and it is also known as Truax Field. The table below has the facts travelers ask about most.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official name | Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) |
| Address | 4000 International Lane, Madison, WI 53704 |
| Airport phone | 608-246-3380 |
| Distance to downtown Madison | About 6 miles northeast; usually 15–20 minutes |
| Terminal | One terminal, short walks, no terminal transfers |
| Airlines | American, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, Sun Country, United |
| Nonstop destinations | 19 nonstop destinations listed by the airport |
| TSA checkpoint hours | 4:30 a.m. until the last departure |
Getting to MSN: Directions and Drive Times
From downtown Madison, MSN is a short drive northeast. If you are coming from the east or south on I-90, take the Madison exits and follow the airport signs toward Highway 30 and Highway 113. Allow extra time for winter weather, snow-covered ramps and event days in Madison, when roads around the Capitol Square and Camp Randall fill up.
| From | To MSN (typical drive) |
|---|---|
| Downtown Madison / Capitol Square | 15–20 minutes |
| University of Wisconsin campus | About 15 minutes |
| Sun Prairie | About 15 minutes |
| Middleton / Fitchburg | About 20 minutes |
| Milwaukee | About 1 hour 15 minutes, traffic permitting |
| Chicago O’Hare | About 2.5–3 hours, traffic permitting |
Drive times are typical estimates; traffic, weather and construction change them. Build in a cushion for any flight you cannot miss.
MSN Airport Parking: Lots, Daily Rates and Rules
Parking at MSN is first come, first served. The airport does not reserve spaces ahead of time and does not partner with third-party parking websites, so any site that claims to “pre-book” an MSN spot is not offering what it says. Always check the airport’s own parking page for current rates before you leave.
| Lot | Rate | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Lot | $10 per day | Longer trips and tall or oversized vehicles; about a 10-minute walk to the terminal |
| Surface Lot | $12 per day | Close to the terminal; mid-price option |
| Ramp (parking garage) | $14 per day | Covered, walk to the terminal via the skywalk from level 3 |
| Hourly (in the garage) | $2 per hour up to 6 hours, $20 per day | Drop-offs, short visits and pickups (first 30 minutes free) |
- Free cell phone lot: pickup drivers can wait here until the traveler is at the curb.
- Parking over 30 days: call the airport Parking Manager at 608-246-3394.
- Daily billing: fees are counted per day from the time your ticket is issued, so a 25-hour trip is two days.
- Height clearances: the Ramp and Hourly areas have a low clearance (about 8 feet 2 inches), while the Economy Lot is higher.
Real cost of a 4-day trip: at the Ramp rate, four days is $56 in parking alone, plus gas, tolls and the stress of finding a space in winter. A chauffeured round trip from your door removes the parking step completely. See our Madison airport limo service for details.
Skip the parking ramp.
Your chauffeur tracks your flight, meets you at arrivals and carries the bags. Reserve your MSN ride or call 414-322-3751.
Airlines and Nonstop Destinations at MSN
Six airlines serve Madison. Each one keeps its own reservations line, and bag claim and ticket counters are all in the same terminal, so you never have to move between buildings.
| Airline | Notes for travelers |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Connects Madison to its hub network; check the airline for current nonstops |
| Delta Air Lines | Connects Madison to its hub network; check the airline for current nonstops |
| United Airlines | Connects Madison to its hub network; local baggage desk 608-249-8123 |
| Frontier Airlines | Low-fare carrier; baggage rules are strict, so read your fare terms |
| Sun Country Airlines | Service tied to Minneapolis and leisure routes |
| Breeze Airways | Book online only; no phone counter |
The airport lists 19 nonstop destinations, which makes MSN a convenient way to reach major hubs without driving to Chicago. Schedules change by season, so confirm your route on the airport’s “Where We Fly” page or with your airline before you plan ground transportation around it.
MSN Terminal, TSA and What to Expect Inside
MSN has a single terminal, so the walk from the curb to security to the gate is short. TSA checkpoints open at 4:30 a.m. and stay open until the last departure. TSA PreCheck travelers use the south checkpoint area, inside door 1. A REAL ID–compliant license (or another accepted ID such as a passport) is required to fly within the U.S.
| Trip type | Suggested arrival before departure |
|---|---|
| Domestic, no checked bags, PreCheck | About 90 minutes |
| Domestic with checked bags | About 2 hours |
| Early morning flights (first wave around 5–6 a.m.) | 2 hours; the checkpoint opens at 4:30 a.m. |
| Holiday weeks and Badger game weekends | 2.5 hours |
| International itinerary via a connecting hub | Follow your airline’s rule, usually 3 hours |
Inside the terminal you will find restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi and device charging. A good rule: eat after security, and keep your ID and boarding pass in one pocket.
Ground Transportation at MSN: Which Door for Which Ride
Pickup spots are marked by door number along the curb. Knowing yours before you land saves a lot of wandering with luggage.
| Option | Where to find it | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Private chauffeur (Pharaoh’s) | Meets you at arrivals; your dispatcher texts the plan before you land | Business travelers, groups, families, long rides |
| Rideshare apps | Outside Door 6, to the right along the curb | Short, low-cost trips with light luggage |
| Taxis | North end of baggage claim, Door 7 | Short local rides |
| Hotel courtesy vans | Door 5, shelter on the median | Guests of a hotel with a shuttle |
| Madison Metro bus | Outside Door 6; Route D2 runs to downtown and the UW campus | Budget travel with one bag ($2 adult fare) |
| Rental cars | Counters at baggage claim; lot outside Door 6 | Travelers who want to drive themselves |
Private Rides From MSN: Both Ways, Madison and Beyond
Pharaoh’s Transportation is a Milwaukee-based, top-rated limousine and car service. Our chauffeurs are on the road between Wisconsin and Chicago every day, which is why Madison to Milwaukee and Madison to O’Hare or Midway are routine runs for us. Every chauffeur is background-checked, registered/licensed and insured, and the fleet is kept in top shape. We cover rides both ways on each route below.
| Route (both ways) | Typical drive | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| MSN airport and Madison hotels, campus, Capitol Square | 15–20 minutes | Madison MSN airport limo service |
| Madison to Milwaukee (MKE or downtown) | About 1 hour 15 minutes | Milwaukee to Madison private limo |
| Madison to O’Hare | About 2.5–3 hours | Madison to O’Hare car service |
| Madison to Midway | About 2.5–3 hours | Madison to Midway car service |
| Madison to downtown Chicago | About 2.5–3.5 hours | Madison to Chicago car service |
| Executive and corporate transfers | Scheduled | Corporate limousine service |
Which vehicle fits your group?
| Vehicle | Passengers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Premium SUV (latest-model Chevy Suburban or Cadillac Escalade) | Up to 6, with extra luggage room | Executives, couples, families, winter roads |
| Executive Sprinter | 13 | Corporate teams and VIP groups |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 15 | Large groups, game days, conventions |
| Economy van | 14 | Budget-minded groups |
Every vehicle has Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, so executives can work on the road. Hourly Sprinter bookings carry a 5-hour minimum. Browse our fleet for photos.
Why Book a Chauffeur Instead of Parking or Using a Ride App
| Question | Private chauffeur | Park and drive | Rideshare apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved in advance with a confirmed time | Yes | No — first come, first served | No — on-demand |
| Flight tracking | Yes | No | No |
| Luggage help and room for 6–15 riders | Yes | Your car only | Usually 1–4 riders |
| Early-morning and late-night availability | 24/7 | Yes | Varies with driver supply |
| Long trips (O’Hare, Milwaukee) | Built for it | You drive and park | Often limited or surge-priced |
Look for a provider that is licensed, insured, uses background-checked chauffeurs and shows real reviews. A cheap or inexperienced operator that cannot show those things is a risk when your flight is on the line.
Quick Facts About Pharaoh’s Transportation
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | Pharaoh’s Transportation — top-rated limousine and car service in Milwaukee, serving all of Wisconsin and Chicago both ways |
| Divisions | milwaukeetoohare.com (Milwaukee to O’Hare) and wisconsinlimoservice.com (Wisconsin Limo Service), both owned and run by Pharaoh’s |
| Address | 5151 S Howell Ave, Suite D1 & D2, Milwaukee, WI 53207 |
| Reservations | 414-322-3751 (call or text), 24/7 |
| Fleet | 11 premium SUVs, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (15), Executive Sprinter (13), economy van (14) |
| Chauffeurs | Background-checked, registered/licensed and insured |
| Services | Airport pickups, drop-offs and meet-and-greets; hotel transportation; corporate and executive; hourly; group; long distance |
| Reviews | 300+ Google reviews |
About the Dispatch Team
This guide was written by the Pharaoh’s Transportation dispatch team. We schedule airport runs across Wisconsin and Chicagoland every day, including Madison to O’Hare, Midway and Milwaukee. Our fleet is parked at our Milwaukee office, our drivers are on the Wisconsin–Chicago road daily, and every chauffeur is background-checked, licensed and insured. Travel agents and nationwide limo operators are welcome to partner with us for Wisconsin airport routes and hourly charters; see our partner page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Madison Airport (MSN)
1. What is the airport code for Madison, Wisconsin?
MSN. The airport’s full name is Dane County Regional Airport, also called Truax Field.
2. Where is Madison Airport located?
At 4000 International Lane, Madison, WI 53704, about 6 miles northeast of downtown Madison.
3. How far is MSN from downtown Madison?
About 6 miles, usually a 15–20 minute drive depending on traffic and weather.
4. How many terminals does MSN have?
One. You do not need to switch terminals, and the walk between check-in, security and the gates is short.
5. Which airlines fly out of Madison Airport?
American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines and United Airlines.
6. How much does parking cost at MSN?
The airport lists Economy at $10 per day, Surface at $12 per day, Ramp at $14 per day, and Hourly at $2 per hour up to 6 hours ($20 per day). Rates can change, so check the airport’s parking page before you go.
7. Can I reserve a parking spot at MSN in advance?
No. The airport keeps all parking first come, first served and says it does not partner with third-party reservation sites.
8. Is there free parking for picking someone up?
Yes. The airport has a free cell phone lot, and the first 30 minutes in the Hourly section of the garage are free.
9. How early should I get to MSN before my flight?
Plan on about 2 hours for a domestic flight with checked bags, and a little longer in holiday weeks or for the first flights of the morning. The TSA checkpoint opens at 4:30 a.m.
10. Does Pharaoh’s Transportation pick up at Madison Airport?
Yes. We provide private SUV and Sprinter rides both ways between MSN and Madison hotels, homes and offices, as well as Milwaukee, O’Hare and Midway. Reserve online or call 414-322-3751.
11. Can you drive me from Madison to O’Hare or Midway?
Yes, both ways. Our chauffeurs drive between Wisconsin and Chicago every day, and we handle solo travelers, families, executives and groups.
12. What vehicles can I book for an MSN pickup?
Premium SUVs (Chevy Suburban or Cadillac Escalade, up to 6 passengers), an Executive Sprinter (13), an economy van (14) and a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (15). Sprinter hourly bookings have a 5-hour minimum.
Ready for a smooth ride through Madison Airport?
Private chauffeurs, 24/7. Book online or call 414-322-3751.
Pharaoh’s Transportation · 5151 S Howell Ave, Suite D1 & D2, Milwaukee, WI 53207
