Getting Home for the Holidays: Transportation Options
Trying to figure out how to get your student home for the upcoming holidays? (Thanksgiving recess is Nov. 25–28 and winter break is Dec. 24–Jan. 17). Let us help. Here are some travel options.
By bus
- Badger Bus runs between Madison and Milwaukee, La Crosse, Rochester, and Minneapolis. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Memorial Union Essentials Desk. Visit www.badgerbus.com for more information.
- Van Galder Bus Company provides transportation between Madison and Janesville, South Beloit, Rockford, Chicago Midway, Chicago O’Hare, Chicago downtown, and Minneapolis. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Memorial Union Essentials Desk. Visit www.coachusa.com/vangalder/ for more information.
- MAD-BUS is a student-run company that provides transportation from Madison to St. Paul and Minneapolis for holidays, breaks, and special events. Students enjoy free movies and complimentary drinks and snacks. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.mad-bus.com.
- Better Bus is another student-run company that provides transportation from Madison to the Twin Cities. Movies are played throughout the ride and complimentary snacks and beverages are provided. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.betterbus.com.
- Mega Bus also picks up at the Memorial Union with service to Minneapolis. Their coach buses include free Wi-Fi and power outlets. For more information, visit us.megabus.com/.
By air
- The Dane County Regional Airport is about seven miles from campus and services multiple airlines. Students should use one of these local taxi services to get to the airport: Madison Taxi (800-894-3866), Badger Cab Company (608-256-5566), or Union Cab (608-242-2000).
- For expanded flight options, consider Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Chicago O’Hare Airport, Chicago Midway Airport, or the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. All are accessible by bus.
Staying in Madison?
For those students living in University Residence Halls, the residence halls will remain open for students staying in Madison during Thanksgiving recess. The dining halls, however, will be closed, so students should plan ahead and use other dining options during that time.
During winter break, University Residence Halls will be closed Dec. 24 and reopen on Jan. 15. The dining halls will be closed Dec. 24 and reopen with limited hours on Jan. 12.