Transportation

Portage has a local population of 9,804 and serves a regional population of more than 45,000. Recent road improvements allow for a smooth flow of traffic to and from the city. Interstate Highways 90/94 and 39 lie just outside of town: travelers from Milwaukee, Chicago, and beyond can continue on I-90/94 to the Twin Cities and further west. They can also choose I-39 to reach industrial destinations on the upper Wisconsin River and vacation spots further north. Two U.S. Highways, 51 and 16, pass through the city and intersect State Highway 33. Portage is about 35 miles from the state capital of Madison, 90 minutes from Milwaukee and about three hours from Chicago and the Twin Cities. Click on the state image on the right for a map of Portage.

The local Amtrak station serves rail passengers traveling throughout the nation. The Canadian Rail mainline provides rail freight service. On the north side of town, private and chartered planes utilize the Portage Airport and a 3800 foot lighted runway. The Dane County Regional Airport, just 35 minutes from town, offers flights from carriers such as American, Midwest Express, Delta, Northwest, United and TWA. A cab service in town operated 18 hours a day and a free van service shuttles seniors who are no longer able to drive.

The Portage Public Transit shuttles commuters from Portage’s Market Square to Madison’s North Transfer Point and back Monday-Friday for a minimal fare. Van Pool exists for commuters to Madison and the Snow Shuttle Xpress makes hourly stops during the winter months at various locations throughout the Portage area. The Columbia County Commission on Aging provides transportation for seniors who are over 60 years of age or disabled for a nominal charge. In addition, a cab service in town operates 24/7, the local Amtrak station serves rail passengers via the cross-country Empire Builder Route and the Canadian Pacific Rail mainline provides rail freight service.

The Portage Municipal Airport features two asphalt runways; 3,778 feet north-south and 2,500 feet east-west. The unique "in-town" airport is just a short walk from several restaurants and motels, with taxi service available. During the EAA World-famous Fly-in at Oshkosh, the Flight Based Operator Air-Portage Inc provides a coach shuttle bus to and from Oshkosh. To contact the airport operator, call 608-742-3300 or visit www.air-portage.com, or email poppy@air-portage.com.

It's prime location near major commerce and tourist centers in central Wisconsin, including Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo and Madison, make Portage especially attractive to new business and industry.

For a Columbia County map click here.