Car hire at Madison airport

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Car Rental Options at Madison Airport

Whether you're on your way to Wisconsin's capital city or just passing through, there's no reason to not rent a car while you're here. Fortunately, you have a number of different companies to choose from. These range from the more established names to the more upstarts.

  • The most obvious choice is Avis. You'll find the company's counter at the baggage claim area of the airport. As you walk through the terminal, you'll notice a lot of activity.
  • There are also several other car rental options at the airport. National, for instance, has a fleet of 10 vehicles that are equipped with air conditioning.
  • Another car rental option is Budget. Their counter is located inside the main terminal. They have an impressive collection of vehicles, including SUVs and box trucks.

The best part is that they're all priced right. They don't charge a lot for a day's rental, and their rates are surprisingly reasonable for the area. Their customer service is top notch. They even have a special area for people with disabilities.

Madison night

You'll also find a plethora of restaurants, bars, and retail shops. They even have an 18-hole public golf course.

Of course, you'll also want to check out Madison's car rental. It's the ideal way to explore the sights outside of town. You'll be able to get to Lake Mendota and other nearby destinations without having to drive in a crowded parking lot.

If you're planning a trip to Wisconsin, USA, you'll probably want to check out the car rental options at the Dane County Regional Airport. Luckily, there are a few different companies to choose from, and you're sure to find one that's right for you.

Transportation Options at Madison Airport

Whether you are coming or going to Madison, Wisconsin, you will need to know what transportation options are available to you. These transportation options include bus rapid transit (BRT), Amtrak, private airport transfers, and taxis.

Amtrak

Getting from Milwaukee to Madison, Wisconsin by train is a relatively inexpensive proposition. You can take Amtrak's Hiawatha Service to Chicago or the Empire Builder to Portland. The average roundtrip ticket will cost you about $52 for a one-way ticket. It's also a good idea to book your tickets in advance. Generally, the cost will increase as you get closer to your travel date.

The city of Madison is currently evaluating locations for a future Amtrak passenger rail station. As part of their efforts, the city has set aside $120,000 for a study. The study will examine various aspects of the proposed location, including site ownership, size, and accessibility. The kickoff meeting will be held on December 7, 2022.

The federal government has been actively involved in promoting public transportation and is funding the study. The Corridor Identification and Development Program (CIDP) is a federal initiative that is designed to help improve the intercity passenger rail corridors between cities. It has a total of $66 billion in funding for the next five years.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Several former mayors of Madison have opined that the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) at Madison airport should be removed from State Street. The four former mayors argued that the presence of BRT stations along State Street is too disruptive to the downtown area.

In 2013, the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) conducted a feasibility study of the BRT corridor. The project aimed to assess the costs and benefits of various concept plans for a BRT system in Madison. The project was funded by a federal "Small Starts" grant.

The FTA evaluated the feasibility of the project based on the projected ridership. The project received 61 submissions during the competition. However, 38 were eliminated because the architects deemed the designs unfeasible.

The BRT line will connect people to the Colman Dock Ferry Terminal, the First Hill Streetcar, and dozens of other bus routes. The project will also include dedicated bus lanes to improve traffic flow. The city will also be improving bicycle connections to the BRT stations.

Taxis

Located a few miles from Madison, Wisconsin, the Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) is the second busiest airport in the state, after Milwaukee International. It is also one of the largest airports in the country. There are several restaurants and bars at the airport, as well as several souvenir and pet relief areas. There are also a few car rental companies in the baggage claim area. There are no airport lounges or free Wi-Fi, but there are several hotels in the area that offer a complimentary shuttle to the airport. The best part is that the majority of these hotels also offer a free shuttle to local attractions such as the Capitol Square and Lake Monona.

The airport is home to four airlines and one main passenger terminal. The most laudable of the group is American Eagle, which is arguably the most reliable airline in the state. It has a stellar reputation for security screening and is not a big snob when it comes to business travel. There are several dining options at the airport, including a buffet, as well as pubs and cafes.

Private airport transfers

Getting from A to B is not always the easiest task, especially when you are traveling solo. The good news is that there are plenty of options on hand for those of you looking to save a few bucks and a couple hours of your time.

In addition to a good ol' fashion cab, there are also a few limousines to choose from. In the grand scheme of things, a private shuttle will probably be your best bet if you are a family of five or more. If you are looking for the lowest price possible, you might want to consider a rideshare program. In a pinch, a shared ride van might be your best bet. The downside is that you'll have to share a vehicle with other passengers, which might not be as enjoyable as you would like.

Parking

Whether you are traveling by plane or by car, Madison airport offers many different parking options to meet your needs. Some of the best options include the short-term lot, the long-term lot and the cell phone lot.

Short-term parking at the Madison airport is available in a convenient, well-lit lot. There is no charge for the first 15 minutes and rates start at $1 per half hour. The maximum daily rate is $14.

The long-term parking lot has a covered garage with more than 1,200 parking spaces. It is a quick shuttle ride from the terminal. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus to the terminal.

The Economy Lot is another option for short-term parking at the Dane County Regional Airport. The lot is located just a 10-minute walk from the passenger terminal. It is ideal for budget travelers.

Parking at Madison Airport

Whether you are traveling for business or for pleasure, Madison airport has several on-site parking options. These options include short-term and long-term parking, and they are all accessible. These facilities are staffed by attentive security personnel and are equipped with surveillance cameras. All of these parking options are located within walking distance of the terminal building.

Madison winter

Short-term parking is available in the Economy Lot for just $6 per day. This lot is located 700 feet from the passenger terminal, and is the best option for budget travelers. It has over 1,000 parking spaces. You can leave your car in this lot for up to six hours for free, and you can walk to the terminal in a short amount of time.

There is also a surface outdoor lot, which is located east of the Parking Ramp. This lot is ideal for people who prefer to stay near the airport and have a shorter walk to the terminal. There are 600 parking spaces in this lot.

There are also two pedestrian crosswalks that connect the Surface Lot with the Economy Lot. Entry height for this lot is 9'4'' on the right, and 11'8'' on the left.

There is a Cell Phone Waiting Area on the south side of the airport, which is free to use. There is no fee for the first 30 minutes, but you will be charged $1 for each additional 30 minutes. This waiting area is not designed for long waits. The area is well lit and has plenty of space.

The seasonal dynamics of car hire rate variations in Madison airport

Average price for 7 days rental:

  • 0$ –
  • 22$ –
  • 72$ –
  • 122$ –
  • 172$ –
  • 222$ –
  • 272$ –
  • 322$ –
  • January
    154$
  • February
    133$
  • March
    154$
  • April
    189$
  • May
    224$
  • June
    245$
  • July
    287$
  • August
    322$
  • September
    224$
  • October
    224$
  • November
    154$
  • December
    245$
  • Jan -
    154$
  • Feb -
    133$
  • Mar -
    154$
  • Apr -
    189$
  • May -
    224$
  • Jun -
    245$
  • Jul -
    287$
  • Aug -
    322$
  • Sep -
    224$
  • Oct -
    224$
  • Nov -
    154$
  • Dec -
    245$

List of required documents

Attention!

A valid international driving license is required

1. Driver license
2. Credit card
3. Voucher
4. Passport

Answers to popular questions

Prices can vary based on the company, the season, and the vehicle, but most locations offer discounts if you reserve a car prior to your arrival in Madison airport. The cheapest automatic cars cost from 13$ to 25$ per day. Larger cars can be more expensive due to their higher fuel consumption, so you may want to choose a smaller vehicle, which will also be advantageous on narrower roads.
There is always an increase in demand for car rentals in Madison airport during the summer months, which drives up the prices. During the off-season, particularly the winter, the prices are significantly lower. The duration of your rental also affects the total price. Typically, renting a vehicle for a longer period of time results in a lower daily rate, thus a five-day rental may cost only somewhat more than a three-day rental. If possible, consider spending at least a week exploring Madison airport.

Third party insurance is often included in the rental price, which covers damage and injuries done by a third party and their vehicle, even if you are liable for it. However, this policy does not protect the driver or the vehicle in the event of an accident.
The deductibles (for losses not covered by the rental agency) that are included in many base contracts are typically quite large. In the event that you cause an accident while renting a car, you will be held financially accountable for the deductible amount specified in your rental agreement.
In case of an accident or theft, you can purchase additional insurance through the rental agency.
Purchase insurance while booking your car:

Car rental insurance

When going on vacation, renting a car in Madison airport gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, and on your own schedule. Because of this, it is virtually always a smart decision to get behind the wheel.It is always beneficial to have the freedom to travel during times that are less likely to be crowded on public transportation, such as early in the morning or late at night, should you find that to be more convenient.

You can rent almost any kind of car in Madison airport, from small, cheap cars to high-end ones. Here are some things you might want to think about:

A size of the car: A bigger car may be more comfortable on the highway, but many beautiful villages in Madison airport have narrow streets. Parking garages are often small, and getting in and out of them can be a nightmare. VW Up is the most well-liked model among economy classes in Madison airport. From EUROPCAR the daily rate for this vehicle begins at 13$. For those who want some extra comfort and have the appropriate budget, EAST COAST is ready to offer a Business-class model - Audi A6, price starts at 61$ per day.
Most rental cars in Madison airport are manual, but more and more automatic cars are becoming available. Automatic cars usually cost more to rent, and if your license only lets you drive an automatic car, you won't be able to rent a stick shift car.

The search result and your voucher both show the most likely model. The car class is reserved at all rental car agencies, nonetheless, in accordance with global car rental regulations. When you arrive at the office, you can choice the color and model of the car you want. Here is an explanation of the various car classes:

Car rental models

However, in some cases you can reserve a particular model. If such an option is available, a special notation will appear next to the car in the search results.

Major car rental agencies are slowly starting to accept debit cards, but you should verify this before making a reservation because it remains the exception rather than the rule.

Rent a car without a deposit

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Reviews

John
5
The car rental process was smooth and hassle-free, with a wide selection of vehicles to choose from and excellent customer service
Mary
4.5
I was impressed by the cleanliness and condition of the car, as well as the ease of pick-up and drop-off at convenient locations
Michael
4.5
Affordable rates and a user-friendly booking system made my car rental experience enjoyable and stress-free
Jessica
4
The staff was friendly and helpful, ensuring that I had all the information I needed for a seamless rental experience
David
5
I appreciated the flexibility in rental options and the transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Emily
4.5
The vehicle performed well throughout my trip, providing a comfortable and reliable means of transportation