Car Rental - Madison

 

Rent a car in Madison to explore Wisconsin’s dynamic state capital and beyond. Known for its abundance of lakes and water adventures, this state capitol city is a forward-thinking, environmentally friendly destination.

Make a splash on the banks of Lake Kegonsa and dive into the thriving local food scene at any of the countless restaurants. Madison is also famed for its huge farmer’s market, which hosts more than 200 stalls, selling fresh produce and local crafts. Away from the sidewalk, you can hop in your Madison car rental and uncover hidden gems with ease.

Car rental in Madison opens you up to every corner of the city and wider state, including Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city. Collect your Madison rental car from any of our pick-up locations, including Dane County Regional Airport.

Whether you’re looking for sleek sedans for stylish city driving or family-friendly SUVs perfect for road trips, you can find your perfect Madison car rental with Hertz online today.

Madison Locations

A Quick Guide to Madison

Dane County Farmers Market

Dane County Farmers Market

223 West Main Street, WI 53703

One of the largest produce markets in the US, this expansive market is known for its craft vendors, local musicians, and artisan cheeses. Stop by in Capitol Square on Saturdays and sample some of the most delicious bites from the region. There are more than 200 stalls, selling everything from fruit, vegetables and baked goods to artistic crafts and flowers.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Avenue, WI 53704

After time spent exploring in your Madison rental car, enjoy a serene stroll across 16 acres of vibrant gardens. Nestled along Madison’s scenic waterfront, the Olbrich gardens bloom seasonal foliage every year. Take a peek inside the Bolz Conservatory houses for rare tropical plants and take a meditative moment beneath the Sala, a picturesque Thai pavilion.

Lake Kegonsa State Park

Lake Kegonsa State Park

2405 Door Creek Road, WI 53589

Just a 25-minute drive southeast out of the city via the US-12, the park lies on the gorgeous shores of Lake Kegonsa. Explore vast forest lands, lush prairies and breath-taking beaches around the lake. There’s a network of hiking trails and countless activities on the water like boating, swimming and water skiing. 

The Edgewater

1001 Wisconsin Place, WI 53703

This historic boutique hotel offers more than 200 elegantly designed luxury rooms, placed close to Downtown and with spectacular views of Lake Mendota. Stop by the spa for a fresh manicure, massage, facial or new hairdo, before finishing your day in the onsite Statehouse restaurant. There’s also parking on site for your Madison rental car.

The Madison Concourse

1 West Dayton Street, WI 53703

Indulge in luxury in this highly rated Downtown hotel, just a short drive from the airport. Each of the modern suites are fitted with king-sized beds spread with sumptuous sheets. After a day exploring, take a dip in the pool on the third floor, then ascend to the twelfth-floor lounge for cocktails.

Mansion Hill Inn

424 North Pinckney Street, WI 53703

Drive just 15 minutes from the airport in your Madison car rental and enjoy classic bed and breakfast vibes. Here, you’re close to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Capitol Square. Each room features a refreshing waterfall shower in the bathroom, alongside soothing whirlpool tubs to relax in after your road trip round Wisconsin.

Heritage Tavern

131 East Mifflin Street, WI 53703

Feast on seasonally tailored dishes at this modern-day tavern, run by celebrity chef Dan Fox. Fox has raised his own herd of heritage breed hogs, making every pork or bacon-oriented dish authentic and locally sourced. A particular delight on offer is tempura-fried bacon wrapped in cheese.

L’Etoile

1 South Pinckney Street, WI 53703

Park up your Madison rental car and indulge in French-inspired American fare. L’Etoile serves meticulously designed dishes, where each ingredient is carefully chosen from the local Saturday market. The menu is constantly changing, so you’ll never get the same thing twice, but they’re known for their creative entrees and deliciously juicy hamburgers.

Nook

2138 Atwood Avenue, WI 53704

A family-owned establishment, Nook aims to serve dinners with dishes that evoke the whimsical and eccentric. The venue is intimate, with only 12 tables available, so reserve your seat ahead of time. Order the tasting menu, which starts with homemade snacks, followed by a grand series of small, yet creative, vegetarian and meat dishes.

Driving In and Around Madison

  • State Street Capitol Garage (53703) has more than 400 available spaces. It’s in the heart of Downtown, so you can park your Madison rental car and exploreto the bustling Capitol Square.
  • 100 South Livingston Street (53703) is a 24/7 parking garage with over 600 spaces and is close to BB Clarke Beach, just off Lake Monona. Perfect for daytime and nighttime journeys in your Madison car rental.
  • On-street parking bays are available across Madison, at designated parking meters, and are designed for short-term parking. Park your Madison rental car and pay for your stay using a debit card or coins.
  • Interstate 90 (I-90) runs along the eastern side of the city, connecting Madison to Chicago in the south east and Minnesota in the north west.
  • U.S Highway 12 (US 12) is an eight-lane freeway known as the city Beltline linking the Middleton Suburb to Cambridge.
  • U.S Highway 151 (US 151) serves the downtown area and connects the city to Dubuque in Iowa, as well as I-41, which leads towards Green Bay.

How to Get From Dane County Regional Airport to Madison

It should only take you about 15 minutes to drive your Madison car rental from the airport to Downtown:

  1. Leave the Hertz rental lot via International Lane.
  2. Use the left two lanes to turn left onto Packers Avenue.
  3. Continue onto Pennsylvania Avenue, then East Johnson Street.
  4. Merge onto East Gorham Street.
  5. East Gorham Street becomes University Avenue, which takes you into Downtown.
     

How to Get From Madison to Milwaukee

Wisconsin’s largest city is just over an hour and 15-minute drive from Madison in your rental car. From Downtown, get onto the WI-30 and continue east to the I-94 and stay on route for around 75 miles.

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