# Dane County Regional Truax Field (MSN)

> Madison, US · 11 km (6.9 mi) northeast of downtown Madison

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/msn
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/msn.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: MSN
- **ICAO**: KMSN
- **Timezone**: America/Chicago
- **Runways**: 3
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 2.3M/yr
- **Official site**: https://www.msnairport.com

## Overview

## Welcome

Dane County Regional Truax Field (MSN) stands out as much more than a typical airport; it embodies a warm, small-town feel while integrating aspects of Madison's vibrant local culture. Positioned a convenient 11 kilometers northeast of downtown Madison, MSN offers a unique touch with its occasional Air National Guard operations, showcasing military aircraft alongside commercial flights. This blend creates an engaging, community-centered atmosphere rarely found in regional airports of its size.

## At a glance

MSN handles approximately 2.3 million passengers annually and operates three runways from its single Main terminal. Despite its modest passenger volume, travelers appreciate the airport's calm and uncrowded environment, aided by the friendly staff and easy navigation. Serving as a base for major airlines such as Delta, American, and United, it primarily links passengers to larger hubs like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit, keeping international reach at arm's length.

## Terminals & layout

The Main terminal of MSN keeps everything within easy reach. Arrive, check-in, and reach your gate with simplicity, often within 20 minutes if traveling light. Security lines are typically short, especially outside peak times like early mornings. Parking options conveniently include a ramp just across from the terminal at $14 per day. With a thoughtfully designed setup, you won't face the long trudges or transport confusion common at larger airports.

## Getting to and from the city

Getting to downtown Madison from MSN is a straightforward journey of about 15 to 25 minutes via rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. Local taxis offer a similar timespan at around $20 depending on traffic. While public transit is available with Metro Transit Routes 20, 24, and 28 costing $2 per ride, service is less frequent during off-peak hours. Hotel shuttles offer complimentary rides for guests, making this a practical choice for some travelers.

## Traveller essentials

MSN lacks full-service lounges, which frequent travelers might find disappointing. Its free Wi-Fi suffices for basic needs like emails, but users often find phone tethering better for data-heavy tasks. For quick services, car rentals are surprisingly efficient, with a car park adjacent to the terminal making retrieval swift and hassle-free. Additionally, winter operations may require allowing extra time for deicing, a small adjustment to ensure smooth departures amidst snow-laden Wisconsin winters.

## Dining & shopping highlights

While dining and shopping options may not dazzle, they are refreshingly local. Grab a Wisconsin-themed snack at Metcalfe’s Local To Go or dine on artisanal creations at Ancora Artisan Coffee & Tea. Mad Town Gastropub showcases local beer and culinary delights—a taste of Madison culture without leaving the terminal. The range of shops includes the University of Wisconsin Shop, which celebrates local pride, while Madison XChange offers a quirky blend of regional crafts and gifts.

## Lounges

While MSN lacks traditional airline lounges, the MSN Business Center offers a quiet space with essential amenities like charging outlets. It doubles as a conducive environment for work, although regular travelers often create their own "lounges" by enjoying a drink or snack at quieter gates, particularly the 8–10 zone, known for its peace and power port access.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** For quieter spaces, head to gates 8–10, where frequent flyers find serenity away from busy areas.

- **Time:** Local flyers advise arriving 75–90 minutes early for morning flights; outside this window, security often takes under 10 minutes.

- **Local:** Experience local culture with rotating art displays in the central rotunda, showcasing university and community projects.

- **Quiet:** The seating area near the concourse end offers an unofficial quiet zone with ample power outlets.

- **Money:** Save time and potentially money by avoiding the main roadway when using rideshare; go directly to the app-based pickup zone instead.

- **Avoid:** Early-morning and late-evening flights may have longer concession lines; plan accordingly for a timely snack or caffeine hit.

- **Insider:** Consider creating a "lounge" with coffee and a seat near counters in the concourse center when laying over or working.

## Terminals (1)

- **Dane County Regional Airport Terminal** — Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Sun Country Airlines

## Dining (13)

- **Ancora Artisan Coffee & Tea** — Main · Coffee · Local · $
- **Ancora Coffee**
- **Barriques**
- **Buck & Honey's**
- **Fresh Market Grab & Go**
- **Great Dane Pub**
- **Ian's Pizza**
- **Launch Deck Bar** — Main · Bar · Local · $$
- **Local Taproom**
- **Look Mom No Hands** — Main · Casual Dining · Local · $$
- **Mad Town Gastropub** — Main · Gastropub · Local · $$
- **Metcalfe’s Local To Go** — Main · Grocery · Local · $
- **Vinoteca Wine & Tapas** — Main · Wine Bar · Local · $$

## Lounges (1)

- **MSN Business Center** — Main Terminal, public workspace

## Shops (9)

- **Badger Sports Shop**
- **Capital Commons** — Main · Newsstand
- **Hudson News**
- **Lake Country Travel Mart** — Main · Travel Essentials
- **Madison Essentials** — Main · Travel Essentials
- **Madison XChange** — Main · Souvenirs
- **Tech on the Go**
- **Travel Mart**
- **University of Wisconsin Shop**

## Parking (8)

- **Cell Phone Lot** — Short-term waiting · $0/day
- **Disabled Parking** — Accessible
- **Economy Lot** — Long stay · $10/day
- **Electric Vehicle Charging** — Remote
- **Hourly Parking** — Short stay · $20/day, $2/hr · next to terminal
- **Ramp** — Long stay · $14/day
- **Surface Lot** — Long stay · $12/day
- **Valet Parking** — Premium service

## Ground transport (8)

- **Hotel Shuttles** — Courtesy van · 5-20 min drive depending on hotel location and stops · Free for registered hotel guests at participating properties
- **Local Taxi Companies** — Taxi · 15-25 min airport–downtown/Capitol in normal traffic · 20 · Cabs typically waiting at curb daytime/evening; phone dispatch at other times
- **Lyft** — Rideshare · 15-25 min airport–downtown/Capitol in normal traffic · 18 · On-demand; typically a few minutes’ wait when drivers are available
- **Metro Transit Route 20** — Local bus · 25-35 min airport–Capitol in vehicle, longer with waiting · $2.00 · Every 30-60 min on weekdays; no late-night or Sunday service
- **Metro Transit Route 24** — Local bus · $2.00
- **Metro Transit Route 28** — Local bus · $2.00
- **Private Shuttles** — Regional coach
- **Uber** — Rideshare · 15-25 min airport–downtown/Capitol in normal traffic · 15-25 · On-demand; usually <5-10 min wait, longer during storms or big events

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: For quieter spaces, head to gates 8–10, where frequent flyers find serenity away from busy areas.
- _Time_: Local flyers advise arriving 75–90 minutes early for morning flights; outside this window, security often takes under 10 minutes.
- _Local_: Experience local culture with rotating art displays in the central rotunda, showcasing university and community projects.
- _Quiet_: The seating area near the concourse end offers an unofficial quiet zone with ample power outlets.
- _Money_: Save time and potentially money by avoiding the main roadway when using rideshare; go directly to the app-based pickup zone instead.
- _Avoid_: Early-morning and late-evening flights may have longer concession lines; plan accordingly for a timely snack or caffeine hit.
- _Insider_: Consider creating a "lounge" with coffee and a seat near counters in the concourse center when laying over or working.