Transportation in Portage
Portage is located about 35 minutes from the state capital of Madison, 90 minutes from Milwaukee and about three hours from both Chicago and the Twin Cities. Transportation in Portage includes a cab service, a municipal airport, Amtrak, and an interstate and highway system.
Interstate Highways 90/94 and 39 lie just outside of town. Travelers from Milwaukee, Chicago, and beyond can use I-90/94 to get to the Twin Cities and further west. Take I-39 to reach industrial destinations on the upper Wisconsin River and vacation spots further north. U.S. Highways 51 and 16 pass through the city and intersect State Highway 33.
Airport
Private and chartered planes utilize the Portage Municipal Airport, featuring a lighted 3,800-ft. runway that is just a short walk from several restaurants and motels, with taxi service available.
During the EAA World-famous Fly-in at Oshkosh, Air-Portage Inc., the flight based operator, provides a coach shuttle bus to and from Oshkosh. To contact the airport operator, call 608-742-3300.
The Dane County Regional Airport, just 35 minutes from town, offers flights from carriers such as American, Delta, Frontier, United and Sun Country.
Amtrak
The local Amtrak station serves rail passengers traveling throughout the nation. Starting in October 2020 the Empire Builder makes a stop in Portage three times a week. The line travels between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail, through wilderness following the footsteps of early pioneers. Click here for Amtrak depot parking information.
The Canadian Pacific Railway mainline provides rail freight service.
Portage Cab
Portage Cab Company operates 5am until midnight, seven days a week. For more information, call 608-742-4700.
Megabus/Van Galder offers bus service in Portage with a stop at the Portage Amtrak depot, 400 W. Oneida Street. For the bus service, click here to make your reservation.
The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Columbia County Transportation Program is committed to providing safe, reliable, punctual transportation to non-emergency medical appointments, nutrition meal sites, employment or other trips for socialization, health and wellness, if the schedule allows. Medical appointments are always priority. Our drivers provide minimal assistance, but a caregiver can ride along at no charge. Call at least 24 hours in advance to set up a ride. All rides are based on a first come, first served basis. 608-742-9213 or 1-888-742-9233 for cost and availability.