university wisconsin travel

• Faculty & Staff
• University of Wisconsin System

Book Travel

Book online, travel agencies.

Fox World Travel

Shorts Travel (Athletics)

UW System Preferred Hotel Directory

View Directory

Individual Travel

Most travel falls under the individual travel category, and is is defined as anywhere from 1 traveler to up to 10 travelers. (Jump to Group Travel or Athletic Travel )

Individual Travel Booking Methods

Below are the procedures and methods that UW travelers must follow to ensure alignment with UW Travel Policies .

In accordance with Policy 410 , all air travel must be booked by the methods below. Air travel that is booked outside of these methods (i.e. directly on airline website or through a third party booking tool) is not allowed to be reimbursed or paid with university funds.

• Online within Concur
• With a  designated agent

Rental Vehicles

Best practice.

• Online within  Concur

Other Options

• Directly with the preferred rental agency using the UW System Enterprise or  Hertz Contract .
• If no rental is available to the preferred agency use another rental agency, with proof (screenshot, agency email) that primary vendors were not available.

Note: For lodging associated with a conference, see Conference Travel

• Online booking within  Concur
• Use the  Rate Calculator to determine the rate maximum for your dates of stay and location
• Airbnb rentals may be utilized, and booking is done directly on airbnb.com. Other third party vendors such as VRBO are not allowed.

Other (Rail, Uber, Lyft, etc.)

• Book directly with the provider.

Group travel

Group travel arrangements differ from individual reservations in the way they are reserved/purchased and how they are paid for.  Group travel arrangements typically fit  one or more  of the following criteria:

• 10 or more travelers, traveling on the same flight to and from the same destination
• Require 10 or more rooms (lodging)

In order to be reimbursed, air travel must be booked with Fox World Travel. Use the group request form  to begin the request.

Ground Transportation

Book With a Fox World Travel agent, if book in conjunction with air travel. If not booking air travel, book directly with the ground transportation company,

Alternative Options

• Directly with the ground company. If a contract is provided, it must be submitted to the institution’s purchasing office for review and signature.

Book with a Fox World Travel agent.

• Use the  Rate Calculator  to determine the rate maximum for your dates of stay and location.
• If a contract is provided, it must be provided to the institution’s purchasing office for review and signature.

Athletic Travel

In order to be reimbursed,  must be booked with Shorts . Use the  Shorts Travel Portal  to begin the request.

Book With a Shorts agent.

Book with a Shorts agent. Shorts can book hotel and Airbnb.

REAL ID: Beginning May 7, 2025 , every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another  acceptable form of ID  to fly within the United States.

Search People and Pages

This search returns up to five matches as you type. The matches can be found immediately after the search input field.

• Admissions & Aid
• Student Life

Utility Menu

• Email/calendar
• Google Apps

Visit UW–Madison

Feel the magic of UW–Madison. Bustling pedestrian malls lead to serene lakeside views, and modern facilities blend in comfortably with historic landmarks. The city’s vibrant arts scene attracts the world’s top talent, and changing seasons regularly afford unexpected experiences. Come see for yourself.

Find a visit option that’s right for you

Whether you join us in person or from the comforts of home, you can experience all that UW–Madison has to offer. Check out our many options for exploring campus.

Campus events for prospective students

Explore UW–Madison through a variety of events specifically for prospective and admitted undergraduate students and their guests. Choose from open houses, admissions information sessions, campus tours, transfer visit days, academic-specific sessions, and more.

Specialty group campus tours

Campus walking tours are available for school and adult groups visiting campus. Discover UW–Madison’s history, traditions, academic excellence, campus landmarks, dynamic and diverse student life, and more.

Cultural landscape tour

The First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour provides an introduction to the 12,000 years of human history along the shores of Lake Mendota and the relationship between the Native Nations and Teejop (the area now known as Madison).

Virtual events for prospective students

Experience UW–Madison from afar by joining a virtual information session, campus tour, and discussion session about your interests inside and outside of the classroom. In a Q&A panel, learn what it’s really like to be a Badger from a current student.

Visual tour of campus and the city

Embark on an immersive visual tour of UW–Madison, previewing life as a student. Get a firsthand glimpse of facilities, scenic spots, academic spaces, and more.

Madison through the seasons

From vibrant fall foliage along the lakeshores to winter wonderlands draped in snow, this comprehensive journey captures our city’s ever-changing beauty throughout the year.

Take a student-led tour using our app

Discover UW–Madison using our free mobile app featuring a student-led narrated tour. The tour includes information about buildings, academics, transportation, housing, and all things surrounding the student experience.

• Download iOS app
• Download Android app
• Learn more about the app

Explore our favorite places on campus

Find something fun to do.

• Find an event

Ready to visit? Start building your itinerary

Transportation.

UW–Madison is located in the capital city of Madison, in south-central Wisconsin. Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), on Madison’s northeast side, provides regional and national air service to and from Madison. Additionally, long distance intercity bus services provide scheduled service to and from Madison, connecting to Milwaukee and Chicago airports and to Amtrak in Chicago.

• Travel by bus
• Fly into Madison

UW–Madison offers accommodations for guests attending university-related functions or conducting university business. Check individual websites for current rates and guest eligibility guidelines.

• Wisconsin Union Hotel
• The Fluno Center for Executive Education

Discounted private hotel partner options are also available for campus visitors at the DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown (15% discount) and Hyatt Place (20% discount). Campus visitor rates are based on availability. If available, the discount will appear for your designated travel dates.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
• Hyatt Place

Looking for more options? Destination Madison has complete listings. Availability may be limited when there are large events and conventions being held in the city or on campus.

Where to park

Visitor parking is available in university garages and in city-run ramps and lots. Please note that parking on or near campus is limited. Give yourself 45–60 minutes to park and arrive at your destination. Street parking near campus is usually restricted to two hours.

• Real-time parking availability
• Visitor parking rates
• Accessible parking options

Where should I park when visiting campus?

Hourly parking is available in campus gated lots (garages/ramps) and some surface lots on campus. The campus map shows locations of public parking on campus , including a realtime count of open spots in each public lot.

You can also check online for current parking availability in campus ramps and garages, or visit the Transportation Services drive-through location at 21 North Park St. upon arrival.

If you plan to visit a welcome center, we recommend the following campus parking lots:

• Union South - Lot 17 , Lot 20 , or Lot 80
• Discovery Building - Lot 17 , Lot 20 , or Lot 80
• Memorial Union - Lot 6

What options are available to avoid parking on campus?

Consider door-to-door service by taking a taxi, shuttle, or ridesharing service to your destination.

While on campus, get around for free on the campus circulator bus (routes 80, 81, 82, or 84). Routes 80 and 84 provide daytime service, and routes 80, 81, and 82 provide nighttime service. Find information about routes and schedules on the bus page .

If you prefer to park off campus, a full list of city parking options are available on the City of Madison website .

Who can I contact with parking questions?

If you have questions, check out the visitor parking help center or contact Transportation Services .

Places to eat

Campus and the surrounding Madison area offer a wide selection of dining options.

• Campus dining
• Madison restaurants

Campus information

If you have any questions or need assistance, Campus and Visitor Relations is available to help.

• Welcome centers
• Visitor guides & publications
• Submit a question

Are you searching for something specific?

Upcoming Trips

$ 2395 to $11995

Displaying 9 of 45 results

Antarctica Discovery

Join this truly life-changing adventure to experience the boundless beauty and pristine vastness of Antarctica.

The Galápagos Islands

Join us as we explore the Galápagos Islands — one of the most biologically unique places on Earth.

Journey through Vietnam

Encounter Vietnam’s breathtaking natural beauty, abiding tradition, and profoundly hospitable people on this comprehensive small-group journey.

Tahitian Legends: Papeete to Papeete

Set sail on a breathtaking adventure through the enchanting islands of French Polynesia, where turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and vibrant ...

Wonders of Peru: Featuring an Amazon Cruise and Machu Picchu

From the lush Amazon basin to sophisticated Lima to majestic Machu Picchu, explore the richness of Peru on this 10-night adventure.

Classic Panama Canal: Panama City to Miami

Embark on an extraordinary 12-night cruise along the Panama Canal and the Caribbean Sea, where enchanting tales of the past merge seamlessly with b...

Kiwi and Kangaroo Coasts: Auckland to Sydney

Let your senses come alive as you uncover the secrets and treasures of the fabulous Down Under on this 14-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Rega...

Insider’s Japan

It’s a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity.

Finland: Arctic Magnificence

Embark on an exciting, seven-night adventure to the world’s happiest country!

WAA is proud of the longstanding relationships we’ve enjoyed with these outstanding corporate partners. They allow us to offer valuable programming and provide you with savings and access to their quality products and services.

It’s here! The Red Shirt, 17th Edition is available now. Every shirt sold supports UW student scholarships. Buy yours today!

All options for getting an updated travel signature can be found on the “ Get a Travel Signature ” page.

If you plan to travel back home, to another country, or even inside the U.S., you should plan ahead. Remember, your entry into the U.S. is the decision of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You should always travel with the following documents.

Please monitor world news to stay updated on current events that may affect your travel plans. If your travel is sponsored by UW–Madison, you must follow the university’s travel policies .

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Passport Valid for 6 Months Into the Future

Your passport should be valid for at least six months into the future at all times. There are  exceptions for some countries , but it is still recommended that you take steps to renew your passport in your home country or at a foreign consulate in the U.S.

F-1 or J-1 Student Visa

You must have a valid F-1 or J-1 student visa to reenter the U.S. Your visa can expire while you are inside the U.S. maintaining valid F-1 or J-1 student status. Also check the number of entries your visa is valid for (M=multiple).

You cannot renew your F-1 or J-1 visa inside the U.S.

Valid I-20 or DS-2019 with Travel Endorsement

You must carry your most recently issued I-20/DS-2019 with you when you travel outside of Madison. A valid travel signature from ISS is required.

Current I-94 Record

You are issued a new I-94 after each entry to the U.S., so it is necessary to retrieve your most recent I-94 upon your reentry.

Enrollment Verification or Transcript

It is recommended that you carry your   enrollment verification letter  or  transcript  that shows past, current, and future enrollment. This helps to prove your maintenance of legal F-1 or J-1 student visa status.

Proof of SEVIS I-901 Payment

Carry the  receipt for your current SEVIS ID number.

Financial Documentation

It is recommended that you carry your most recent financial documentation that matches the funding on your I-20/DS-2019. This is required if applying for an F-1/J-1 visa.

If you forget your documents, you might face delays at the U.S. port of entry. CBP may send you to secondary inspection if they are not immediately able to verify your information. You may be able to kindly request a Form I-515A that will allow you to temporarily reenter the U.S.

If you have all of your documents each time you enter the U.S., but you are always sent to secondary inspection, you should file for a DHS redress number far in advance of your next planned travel outside the U.S.

Know Your Rights : What to Do if You are Detained at a Port of Entry (F & J visa holders). This document is provided by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) New England Chapter, and does not constitute legal advice.

Get a Travel Signature

What is your travel signature (or endorsement), how to get one, and what to do if you left the U.S. without updating your travel signature.

Renew/Replace Your Documents

Learn what you need to do if any of your immigration documents are lost, stolen, or expiring.

Visa Delay, Denial, or Cancellation

Review information on what to do if your visa is delayed, denied, or cancelled.

Travel After Studies

Learn about F and J travel restrictions during your grace period.

TRAVEL & OPT

Assess international travel risks before, during, and after OPT authorization.

Dependent & Family Travel

Your F-2 and J-2 dependent travel requirements and how to invite a family member to visit you.

Travel to Another Country

Be prepared before you book travel to or transit through another country, including automatic visa revalidation.

If you are planning a cruise during or after your studies, review this information before booking your trip.

Travel Bans

Review information about current travel bans in effect.

Remember, the U.S. government determines your eligibility to enter the U.S. Be prepared and have the required travel documents with you.