Ruth Haines
Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA), also known as Truax Field, is the main airport in Madison, Wisconsin. It is located 6 nautical miles (11km or 6.9 miles) northeast of downtown Madison. The airport is categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility and is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin in terms of passengers served.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) |
| Alternate names | Truax Field, MSN Airport, Madison Municipal Airport |
| Location | 6 nautical miles (11 km or 6.9 mi) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin |
| Category | Small-hub primary commercial service facility |
| Ranking in Wisconsin | Second busiest in terms of passengers served |
| Size | 3,500 acres (1,416 ha) |
| Elevation | 887 feet (270 m) above mean sea level |
| Number of runways | 3 |
| Runway sizes | 9,006 by 150 feet (2,745 x 46 m); 7,200 by 150 feet (2,195 x 46 m); 5,846 by 150 feet (1,782 x 46 m) |
| Aircraft based at the airport | 163 (92 single-engine, 7 multi-engine, 28 jet, 1 helicopter, 35 military aircraft) |
| Terminal gates | 16 |
| Amenities | Coffee shops, gift shops, restaurants, travel markets, lactation room, pet relief area |
| Transport to/from the airport | Madison METRO Transit Route D2, taxi, rideshare |
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What You'll Learn
Dane County Regional Airport is Madison, Wisconsin's main airport
Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) is Madison, Wisconsin's main airport. It is also known as Truax Field, a civil-military airport located 6 nautical miles (11 km or 6.9 mi) northeast of downtown Madison. It is one of two airports in Wisconsin categorised as a small-hub primary commercial service facility. The other is Appleton International Airport.
In terms of passenger numbers, Dane County Regional Airport is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin. The airport covers 3,500 acres, with a field elevation of 887 feet above mean sea level. It has three concrete runways, with the primary runway 18/36 measuring 9,006 by 150 feet. The airport has 16 gates on one concourse. 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 airport is served by Metro Transit Route D2, which offers direct service to downtown Madison every 30 minutes. Both short and long-term parking options are available, although parking is limited during busy travel periods. The terminal has various amenities, including a coffee shop, gift shop, restaurants, and travel markets. The airport also offers convenient car rental options.
Dane County Regional Airport has a rich history, with the City of Madison purchasing the land, previously a cabbage patch, in 1927. In 1936, the city council voted to accept a grant for the construction of runways and a hangar. During World War II, the airport, renamed Truax Field, was activated as a U.S. Army Air Corps airfield and used for training radio operators and mechanics.
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It is located 6-8 miles from downtown Madison
Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA), also known as Truax Field, is the main airport serving Madison, Wisconsin. It is located 6-8 miles from downtown Madison.
The airport is categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility, and is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin in terms of passenger numbers. It covers 3,500 acres, with a field elevation of 887 feet above mean sea level. The airport has three concrete runways, with the primary runway measuring 9,006 by 150 feet.
Dane County Regional Airport offers convenient parking options, including both short and long-term parking. It is easily accessible by public transportation, with Metro Transit providing direct service to downtown Madison every 30 minutes. The airport also has a variety of amenities, including a coffee shop, a gift shop, restaurants, and travel markets.
The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1927 when the City of Madison purchased the land for what would become the airport. During World War II, it was activated as a U.S. Army Air Corps airfield and used for training radio operators and mechanics. Today, it continues to serve both civil and military functions, accommodating a range of aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, helicopter, and military planes.
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The airport is also known as Truax Field
The main airport serving Madison, Wisconsin, is officially named Dane County Regional Airport. However, it is often referred to by its IATA code, MSN, or simply as Madison Airport. The airport is located in the town of Dane, about six miles northeast of Madison's central business district, and serves the Greater Madison area and south-central Wisconsin. While primarily a civilian airport, it also has a military presence, and this dual role gives the airport an additional name: Truax Field.
Truax Field is a joint civil-military airport, indicating that it facilitates both public and military aviation. This airport is home to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, also known as the "Fighting Badgers." The 115th Fighter Wing operates the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a versatile multi-role fighter jet, and has a proud history of service, providing air defense, tactical support, and humanitarian aid both domestically and internationally. The military presence at the airport dates back to World War II when it was an Army Air Force Base.
The field is named after Lieutenant Thomas L. Truax, a native of Madison, Wisconsin, who was killed in a plane crash in 1939. Truax was a distinguished pilot and a member of the 17th Pursuit Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, based at Selfridge Field, Michigan. He was highly regarded for his skill and bravery and was posthumously commended for his exceptional airmanship. The airport was named Truax Field in his honor in 1942.
Today, Truax Field continues to serve both civilian and military aviation needs. As Dane County Regional Airport, it offers commercial passenger services with several airlines providing connections to major hubs across the country. It also facilitates general aviation, with facilities for private pilots and aircraft. As an Air National Guard base, it remains an important military installation, contributing to the defense and security of the nation.
The airport has undergone various upgrades and improvements over the years to enhance its efficiency and capacity. In 2015, a significant renovation and expansion project was completed, which included a larger and more modern terminal building, improved parking facilities, and upgraded infrastructure. These developments have ensured that the airport can accommodate increased passenger traffic and provide a more comfortable and efficient travel experience.
Dane County Regional Airport, or MSN, serves as a vital gateway to Madison and the surrounding region, facilitating tourism, business travel, and military operations. Its dual role as Truax Field underscores its importance as a versatile and historic aviation hub in Wisconsin.
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It is a small-hub primary commercial service facility
Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA), also known as Truax Field, is the main airport serving Madison, Wisconsin. It is located 6 miles (11km) northeast of downtown Madison. The airport is categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2025–2029. It is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin in terms of passenger numbers, after Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
Dane County Regional Airport covers 3,500 acres, with a field elevation of 887 feet above mean sea level. It has three concrete runways, with the primary runway measuring 9,006 by 150 feet. The airport is home to a variety of aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, helicopter, and military planes. The terminal has 16 gates and offers pre-security amenities such as a coffee shop and gift shop. Post-security, passengers can access two restaurants, another coffee shop, and three travel markets. The airport also provides convenient parking options, including both short and long-term parking in a large parking structure and adjacent lots.
The airport has a long history, with the City of Madison purchasing the land, previously a cabbage patch, in 1927. Construction of runways and a hangar began in 1936 with a Works Progress Administration grant. During World War II, the airport was activated as a U.S. Army Air Corps airfield, used for training radio operators, mechanics, and various communications fields. Today, it continues to have a military presence, serving as the home base for the Wisconsin Air National Guard and its 115th Fighter Wing.
Dane County Regional Airport is easily accessible by public transportation, with Metro Transit providing a direct service to downtown Madison and other key locations every 30 minutes. It also offers car rental services and convenient parking options for those who prefer to drive. The airport provides a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience for its passengers, making it a convenient and efficient small-hub airport serving the Madison, Wisconsin area.
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The airport has 16 gates and several amenities
Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA), also known as Truax Field, is the main airport in Madison, Wisconsin. It is located 6 miles (11km) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The airport covers 3,500 acres of land, with three concrete runways.
The South Terminal expansion will add an additional restaurant, a lactation room, and a new post-security pet relief area. The airport also has free WiFi, and there is a taxi waiting area outside of baggage claim. Metro Transit serves the airport, with Route D2 offering direct service to downtown Madison every 30 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA), also known as Truax Field, is the main airport serving Madison, Wisconsin.
The airport is located about 6 miles (or 11km) northeast of downtown Madison.
Dane County Regional Airport is also referred to by the airport codes MSN, KMSN, and LID: MSN.
Metro Transit serves the airport with Route D2, which offers direct service to downtown Madison every 30 minutes. Taxi rides from the airport to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus cost around $25 one way.
The airport has a coffee shop and a gift shop before security. Post-security, there are two restaurants, another coffee shop, and three travel markets.
