Dane County Airport: Managing Crowds And Queues

Dane County Regional Airport, also known as Truax Field, is a civil-military airport located 6 miles northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. It is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin in terms of passenger traffic, serving over two million passengers in 2023. The airport has undergone recent expansions, including the addition of the South Terminal, which added three new gates to accommodate larger aircraft. Dane County Regional Airport offers a seamless and comfortable travel experience, with unique art exhibits showcasing local talent. It is easily accessible by various transportation options and provides a range of amenities for travellers.

Dane County Airport is the second busiest airport in Wisconsin

Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA), also known as Truax Field, is a civil-military airport located 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. It is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin in terms of passenger traffic, after Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

The airport covers 3,500 acres (1,416 ha) with a field elevation of 887 feet (270 m) above mean sea level. It has three concrete runways: the primary runway 18/36 is 9,006 by 150 feet (2,745 x 46 m); 3/21 is 7,200 by 150 feet (2,195 x 46 m); and 14/32 is 5,846 by 150 feet (1,782 x 46 m). In August 2024, there were 163 aircraft based at the airport, including 92 single-engine, 7 multi-engine, 28 jet, 1 helicopter, and 35 various military aircraft. The terminal has 16 gates on one concourse, with plans for expansion to accommodate larger aircraft.

The airport offers seamless, low-stress, and affordable options for both leisure and business travelers, with non-stop services to major U.S. cities and connections to worldwide destinations. It is easily accessible via public transportation, with Metro Transit providing direct service to downtown Madison and other points of interest. Short and long-term parking options are also available in a large parking structure and adjacent lots.

Dane County Regional Airport has a rich history, dating back to 1927 when the City of Madison purchased the land, which was previously a cabbage patch for a sauerkraut factory. The airport has undergone several expansions over the years, including a tripling in size in 1986 and a more recent $85 million South Terminal expansion completed in 2023, adding three new gates and enhancing the airport's capacity to handle increased passenger traffic.

It has one terminal with 16 gates

Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) is located 6 miles (9.6 km) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. It is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin in terms of passenger traffic. The airport is also known as Truax Field and is categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility.

The airport covers 3,500 acres (1,416 ha) and has a field elevation of 887 feet (270 m) above sea level. It has a single terminal with 16 gates across two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has 6 gates, while Concourse B has 4. The terminal currently offers pre-security amenities such as a coffee shop and a gift shop. After passing through security, passengers can access both concourses and find various dining and shopping options. The post-security side includes two restaurants, another coffee shop, and three travel markets.

In 2021, the airport began an $85 million expansion project called the South Terminal expansion, which added three additional gates capable of accommodating larger aircraft. The new terminal features two stories, with the first floor dedicated to maintenance and infrastructure and the concourse floor above housing the new gates, a restaurant, a play area for children, a nursing suite, and a service animal relief area.

Dane County Regional Airport is easily accessible, with taxi services, rental car counters, and transportation network providers like Uber and Lyft available. The airport also offers both short-term and long-term parking options in a large parking structure and adjacent lots. Additionally, many local hotels provide courtesy shuttle services to and from the airport.

The airport has experienced high demand during holiday seasons, with travelers reporting higher-than-expected ticket prices. Despite the increased traffic, the airport is equipped to handle a high volume of customers, assuring travelers of its capacity to accommodate their needs.

The airport has unique art exhibits and cultural touches

Dane County Regional Airport, also known as Truax Field, is located 6 nautical miles (11 km or 6.9 mi) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. It is one of two airports in Wisconsin categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility. The airport covers 3,500 acres (1,416 ha) and has a field elevation of 887 feet (270 m) above sea level.

One notable example is the partnership between Dane County Regional Airport and Dane Arts, a local arts organization. Dane Arts, in collaboration with the Dane County Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission, supports and promotes artistic projects and cultural initiatives in the county. Their efforts have led to the creation of community murals, storm drain designs, and local art markets, bringing color and creativity to unexpected places. The airport often displays and sells the work of local artists, providing a platform for them to reach a wider audience and contributing to the economic impact of the arts in the community.

In addition to visual arts, the airport also celebrates local history and culture. For example, the airport has a rich aviation history, serving as the home of the 1st Battalion 147th Aviation Regiment and the Wisconsin Air National Guard. The airport showcases this history through exhibits and educational programs, connecting travellers to the area's past.

The airport's terminal modernization program, which began in 2018, further emphasizes its commitment to art and culture. The new terminal features a spacious design with 45,000 square feet of public space, including a restaurant, a play area for children, and a nursing suite for mothers. The design incorporates local art installations and cultural touches, creating a sense of place and community for travellers.

Dane County Regional Airport recognizes the importance of art and culture in enhancing the travel experience. By showcasing local talent and integrating cultural elements into its design, the airport offers travellers a unique and enriching experience, providing a glimpse into the creative spirit of Dane County, Wisconsin.

It has a range of food and beverage options

Dane County Regional Airport has a variety of food and beverage options to suit different tastes and preferences. For those who enjoy coffee and tea, Ancora Artisan Coffee & Tea offers a range of expertly crafted beverages, including freshly made small plates, sandwiches, and snacks. The airport also has a Launch Deck bar, inspired by the Gatsby era, where passengers can relax and unwind with a refreshing drink.

In addition to these options, there are several restaurants located near the airport. At Metcalfe’s Local to Go, passengers can find a quick-service counter offering custom-built sandwiches and a range of menu items, including hot breakfast paninis, grilled lemongrass chicken banh mi, and French onion grilled cheese. Metcalfe’s is known for its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, providing travelers with a true taste of Wisconsin through its offerings from local favorites such as Sprecher Brewery and Oakhouse Bakery.

For those seeking a sit-down dining experience, nearby restaurants such as A Pig in a Fur Coat and Willy Street Co-op offer Italian and Spanish cuisine, respectively. The Weary Traveler Incorporated, located 0.1 miles from the airport, serves American cuisine, while Lao Laan Xang Restaurant, also 0.1 miles away, offers Asian and Thai dishes. Mother Fool's Coffee House, another nearby option, is a popular cafe known for its excellent coffee and atmosphere.

Dane County Regional Airport also has a range of beverage options for travelers. In addition to the coffee and tea offerings at Ancora, passengers can enjoy a pre-flight glass of premium wine or beer at the Launch Deck bar. With ample seating and entertaining views of the airfield, the airport's beverage options provide travelers with a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

The airport is accessible by taxi, rental car, and public transport

Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) is located 6 nautical miles (11 km or 6.9 mi) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. It is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin in terms of passenger traffic. The airport covers 3,500 acres (1,416 ha) of land and has 16 gates across one concourse.

Rental car counters are located across from the baggage claim area. Additionally, many local hotels provide a courtesy shuttle service to and from the airport.

Public transportation is also an option, with Metro Transit serving the airport via Route D2. This bus route offers direct service every 30 minutes to downtown Madison, including the Capitol Square, State Street, and the UW Campus. Route D2 also provides service to other areas in Madison, Middleton, and Sun Prairie through transfers with other routes. Schedules and maps for the bus service can be found at the Airport Information Help Desk, online, or through third-party mobile apps such as Transit or Google Maps.

Frequently asked questions