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Commuting From Bishops Bay to UW, Downtown and Epic

Wondering what your daily trip from Bishops Bay will really feel like? You want an easy route to UW–Madison, downtown Madison, or Epic without giving up lake living and neighborhood charm. In this guide, you’ll see realistic drive times, bus routes, and bike options so you can choose what fits your routine. Let’s dive in.

Bishops Bay at a glance

Bishops Bay sits on the north shore of Lake Mendota in the Middleton/Westport area, close to campus and the Capitol. The community is positioned for short trips to the city, with downtown and UW typically about 6 miles away. You can review the neighborhood’s location and lifestyle details on the Bishops Bay community page.

For a quick distance check, Middleton to Madison is roughly 6 miles by car, which commonly translates to low‑teens minutes outside of peak times. See the general distance reference on Travelmath’s Middleton to Madison page.

Quick commute snapshot

  • By car: About 12–20 minutes to UW/downtown in typical conditions; about 15–25 minutes to Epic in Verona. Peak travel windows and weather can add time.
  • By bus: Route R serves Middleton to UW/downtown; Routes 55 and 75 serve Epic. Check current timetables on Metro’s Route R page and Route 75 page.
  • By bike: The 5–7 mile ride to campus is realistic for many riders, often 25–40 minutes depending on route and pace. UW and the city outline safe bike routes and facilities on UW’s bicycling page.

Driving to UW–Madison and downtown

From Bishops Bay, many drivers use Old Middleton Road to University Avenue, then continue toward the UW campus and the Capitol area. These are the same corridors used by Metro’s Middleton service, which tracks along University Avenue toward downtown; see the route overview on Metro’s Route R page for a sense of the corridor. In typical, non‑peak times, the drive often falls in the 12–20 minute range. During rush hour, construction, or special events, plan for added time.

Parking near campus

UW parking is regulated and many lots require permits or paid parking. To avoid campus parking costs, some commuters choose park‑and‑ride or bus. Review options and campus parking details on UW Transportation Services.

Driving to Epic in Verona

Epic’s campus sits southwest of Madison at 1979 Milky Way in Verona. Most drivers head south from Middleton using local arterials that connect to US 14 or county routes, depending on traffic and your exact start point. In typical conditions, expect about 15–25 minutes by car. Epic’s campus details and location are listed on Visit Madison’s Epic page.

Transit options that work

Public transit can be a practical door‑to‑door or park‑and‑ride solution, especially during peak hours.

To UW–Madison and downtown

  • Route R connects the Middleton corridor to University Avenue and the Capitol/UW area. Check frequency, weekend service, and stop locations on Metro’s Route R page.

To Epic in Verona

  • Routes 55 and 75 offer trips to Epic, with schedules designed around employee shifts. Confirm current timetables and connections on Metro’s Route 75 page.

Park‑and‑ride tips

  • The Middleton Park & Ride near US 12/Parmenter Street and other Dane County lots make it easy to combine a short drive with a bus ride. Lot details are listed on WisDOT’s Park & Ride page.

Fares, passes, and discounts

  • UW affiliates may have access to discounted or employer‑supported passes, and some campus routes are fare‑free for eligible riders. Review program details and eligibility with UW Transportation Services.

Biking and multimodal choices

Madison and UW actively support bike commuting, and many riders make the Middleton to campus trip part of their routine. For a 5–7 mile ride, you can expect roughly 25–40 minutes depending on route and pace. UW’s bike‑commuting guidance, parking, and maps are on UW’s bicycling page.

Recent improvements help, too. A new pedestrian and bike overpass along University Avenue enhances connections toward downtown and campus; see local coverage from WKOW. Metro buses carry bikes, so you can ride one way and bus back if weather shifts. For short downtown hops or last‑mile connections, Madison BCycle’s e‑bikes are another option, with campus riders often using them according to UW News.

Smart ways to test your commute

  • Do a trial run at your typical time of day to see real‑world traffic.
  • Compare a direct drive with park‑and‑ride plus bus to weigh time and parking savings.
  • Map two backup routes for weather or construction days.
  • If you’re considering biking, practice your preferred path on a weekend, then time it during a weekday morning.

If you’re weighing Bishops Bay for its lake access and lifestyle but want a smooth commute, you have flexible options. Whether you drive, ride, or bike, you can tailor a routine that fits your schedule and comfort level. If you’d like a local perspective on commute trade‑offs by block or by season, reach out to Susan Sutton for practical, neighborhood‑level advice.

FAQs

How long is the drive from Bishops Bay to UW–Madison?

  • Plan for about 12–20 minutes in typical, non‑peak conditions for the roughly 6‑mile trip; allow extra time during rush hour or special events.

Is public transit practical from Bishops Bay to campus and downtown?

  • Yes. Route R connects the Middleton corridor to University Avenue and the Capitol/UW area; check current schedules on Metro’s Route R page.

What is the commute from Bishops Bay to Epic like?

  • By car, expect about 15–25 minutes in typical conditions; bus service operates via Routes 55 and 75, with details on Metro’s Route 75 page.

Are there park‑and‑ride lots near Middleton/Bishops Bay?

Can you bike from Bishops Bay or Middleton to UW–Madison?

  • Many riders do. The 5–7 mile ride typically takes 25–40 minutes, and UW shares maps, parking, and safety tips on its bicycling page.

Where can UW staff and students find current parking rules and passes?

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