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$61 Cheap Flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Madison (MSN)

Popular airlines from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)

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Cheap Flights from Raleigh to Madison (RDU-MSN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $61 for one-way flights and $117 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways
Frontier Airlines
American Airlines
Delta
United

Alternative airports near Madison

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

What you need to know for your flight from Raleigh - Durham Intl. to Dane County Regional

Raleigh (RDU) to Madison (MSN) at a glance

Travel from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) on this convenient domestic route. Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Raleigh to Madison, allowing you to compare options that suit your schedule and budget. Whether you’re seeking cheap flights from Raleigh or looking for the best flight deals from Raleigh, you can easily find the itinerary that aligns with your travel plans while discovering Madison’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Fastest (typical) flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 800 miles (1,290 km)
  • Flights per week: around 13 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $105–$355, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Raleigh - Durham International Airport (RDU) to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Raleigh to Madison are favored for their one-stop services, often connecting through major hubs. Popular layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with approximately a 1 hour and 15 minute wait, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with a shorter layover of about 55 minutes. This allows travelers to customize their itineraries based on price, travel time, and cabin class.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel options, with one-way ticket prices generally between $105 and $355. It operates around 50% of departures on this route, featuring a flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: As another full-service option, Delta offers one-stop services, with one-way fares typically ranging from $110 to $380. It represents about 27% of the departures for this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • United: United Airlines, also a full-service carrier, offers one-stop services with one-way fares usually between $105 and $370. This airline accounts for approximately 23% of departures on this route, featuring a flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of around 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover times.

Travelers flying from Raleigh to Madison can upgrade their experience, with American Airlines offering first class and Delta providing both first class and premium economy service.

Best time to fly from Raleigh (RDU) to Madison (MSN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Raleigh to Madison are April, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Madison reach up to 71.6°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 50°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $183). Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 18 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 10 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $183, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: September, May, and February typically offer average one-way fares of around $197.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Raleigh to Madison, with approximately 18 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January18.7°F (-7.4°C)Average10$208
February20.7°F (-6.3°C)Average12$200
March34.7°F (1.5°C)Slightly Low11$242
April45.3°F (7.4°C)Slightly High12$226
May57.9°F (14.4°C)Average13$198
June67.6°F (19.8°C)Average11$205
July71.6°F (22.0°C)Slightly High18$200
August69.8°F (21.0°C)Slightly High14$202
September62.8°F (17.1°C)Average13$194
October50.0°F (10.0°C)Slightly Low12$183
November37.0°F (2.8°C)Slightly Low14$202
December26.6°F (-3.0°C)Average15$219

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Raleigh (RDU) to Madison (MSN)

  • Greensboro to Madison (GSO-MSN): Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is located approximately 66 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). One-way economy fares for this journey generally vary from $125 to $400, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Flights on this route typically involve one stop, with common layover points being O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Leading airlines for this route include American Airlines and Delta, and first class service is also offered.
  • Fayetteville to Madison (FAY-MSN): Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) is about 61 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). One-way economy ticket prices usually range from $160 to $450, depending on the season and booking timing. This route is mainly served by one-stop flights, featuring popular layovers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). American Airlines and Delta are the predominant carriers for this route, and first class seating is available as well.

How to find the best prices for flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Madison (MSN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Raleigh to Madison is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) tend to be less expensive, although morning flights (5am-12pm) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally offers lower prices, while Friday remains the most favored travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Dane County Regional Airport from Raleigh - Durham International Airport

Madison welcomes travelers from Raleigh with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Raleigh - Durham International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 15 miles) from central Raleigh. Here's how to reach Madison efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Madison, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Dane County Regional Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Dane County Regional Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Dane County Regional Airport, Madison Station (a train station) is located about 7.2 miles away by car, while Madison Dutch Mill Park and Ride (a bus station) is situated about 9.2 miles away by car, providing convenient access to both train and bus services.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $61 and cheap return flights from $117 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $165 and $895, and return flights often range between $303 and $1016. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to Madison, WI (MSN), with average return fares around $300. This is about 18% lower than the average price throughout the year, as January typically sees a drop in travel demand after the holiday season. Other cheap months to fly from RDU to MSN include February and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
Enter RDU to MSN and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to Madison, WI (MSN), with return tickets starting from around $639 with a layover in Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT). Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
To find a cheap flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
For flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to Madison, WI (MSN), January and February are the best times to travel. Return flights during these months are around $300, providing good value. January offers a fresh start to the year, while February is perfect for winter activities in Madison.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
There are approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) to Dane County Regional (MSN). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
The earliest flight from Raleigh (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison (MSN-Dane County Regional) usually departs at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in January, March, April, and December, giving you an early start to your travel day. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
For flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Madison (MSN), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 25% of passengers choose this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it lets you arrive in Madison with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
Direct flights from RDU to MSN usually take about 2 hours 30 minutes, traveling roughly 753 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 2 hours 30 minutes to your journey. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
You can fly first class between RDU and MSN. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Madison from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU)?
If you're planning to travel to Madison from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU), you can fly into Dane County Regional (MSN) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Liberty Intl. (EWR), Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT) before reaching Madison. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) Madison Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
If you booked your Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Raleigh - Durham Intl.
Destination airport
Dane County Regional
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta, Frontier Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$116
Distance
752 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 42 mins

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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