What documents to bring

Be very careful with all of your travel documents. In order to receive a Social Security Number and to exit the country, you must have your:

✅Passport

✅Visa

✅DS2019

Planning your arrival

Your Work and Travel adventure is getting closer!

Before booking your trip, take a moment to review these important details to help you plan your arrival at Mt. Olympus.

📅 Know Your Program Dates

Your signed contract includes your scheduled employment start and end dates. Make sure your travel plans align with your program dates and that you are ready to begin work as scheduled.

Arriving in the U.S.: J-1 participants may generally enter the United States up to 7 days before the program start date shown on their DS-2019. However, confirm your sponsor's instructions before making travel arrangements.
Planning your arrival in Wisconsin Dells: Coordinate your arrival with HR and your assigned housing arrangements, especially if you plan to arrive before or after your DS start date.
Booking your return trip: Make sure your departure plans allow you to complete your scheduled employment.

🏠 Housing Check-In

Before traveling, review your Housing Assignment for specific instructions regarding:

Your assigned housing location.
Your check-in location and time.
Arrival procedures and any arrangements you need to make in advance.

Please coordinate your arrival with International Residence Hall.

Travel Tips ✈️

Getting to Wisconsin Dells takes a little planning, but don't worry, we've got you covered!

Use these tips to plan your journey and make your trip as smooth as possible.

✈️ Choosing Your Airport

When booking your flight, consider Chicago, Madison, or Milwaukee as possible arrival airports. Compare flight prices, transportation options, and travel times before deciding which works best for you.

(Madison is closer to Wisconsin Dells, but flights there may be more expensive. Chicago can be a more budget-friendly option, so compare flight and transportation costs before booking!)

🚌 Getting to Wisconsin Dells

If you fly into Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you will need to arrange transportation from the airport to Wisconsin Dells.

Depending on your route, you may need to travel to a bus or train station before continuing your journey. Chicago's Blue Line (“L” train) connects O’Hare with downtown Chicago, where you can access additional transportation options.

🎟️ Plan Ahead

Check transportation schedules and departure stations before your trip.
Book your bus or train tickets in advance whenever possible.
Allow enough time for transfers and potential delays.
Keep your tickets, travel itinerary, and housing information accessible during your journey.

⚠️ Traveling on Holidays and Weekends

Wisconsin Dells can get busy during holidays and weekends, which may affect accommodation availability, transportation, and prices. Plan ahead and confirm your arrangements before traveling.

For more detailed transportation information, check bellow.

If you're flying...

From Chicago

Once you arrive at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you can travel to Wisconsin Dells by bus or train. You will first need to check how to get from the airport to your departure station. 🚆 Getting to the Station from O’Hare Airport The CTA Blue Line (“L” train) connects O’Hare International Airport with downtown Chicago and operates 24 hours a day. It is a public transportation option for reaching downtown stations. Follow the airport signs for the CTA trains. Check the route to your specific departure station before boarding. Allow extra time for transfers, luggage, and finding your station. You can also take a taxi or rideshare, but the cost will depend on traffic and your destination. Important: The Blue Line fare from O’Hare is different from the standard train fare. Check the current fares and pass options before traveling. Official information: CTA Fares & Passes 🚌 Option 1: Greyhound Bus The Greyhound bus is one option for traveling from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells. Chicago departure station 630 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607. From O’Hare, you can take the Blue Line toward downtown Chicago and transfer or continue using local transportation to reach the bus station. Check the route and walking directions before leaving the airport. Before boarding: Book your ticket in advance. Check the departure time and station address on your ticket. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, or earlier if your ticket or carrier recommends it. Confirm your arrival stop in Wisconsin Dells and arrange transportation to your housing. Check schedules and fares: Greyhound — Chicago to Wisconsin Dells 🚉 Option 2: Amtrak Train You can also check Amtrak train services between Chicago and Wisconsin Dells. Chicago departure station Chicago Union Station is located at 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606. From O’Hare, the Blue Line can take you downtown, but you will need to plan the remaining trip to Union Station. Before boarding: Check train availability for your exact travel date. Confirm the departure and arrival stations on your ticket. Book ahead and allow enough time to reach the station. Arrange transportation from the Wisconsin Dells station to your housing. Check schedules and fares: Amtrak — Official Website

From Milwaukee

Once you arrive at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), you can travel to Wisconsin Dells by bus. Check the Greyhound website for bus schedules and availability to Wisconsin Dells. Confirm the departure location before booking, as pickup locations may change. You will first need to check how to get from the airport to your departure station.

From Madison

Once you arrive at Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), you can travel to Wisconsin Dells by bus or taxi. You can take a Greyhound bus from 4 Collins Ct, Madison, WI 53716 to Wisconsin Dells. Check schedules and fares on the Greyhound website. Taking a taxi or rideshare is also an option, but it can be expensive if you're traveling alone. Travel Tip: Flights to Chicago may be around $200 cheaper on average, so compare airfare and transportation costs before booking.

1. Check Your Arrival Time

Some flights arrive after the last bus or train to Wisconsin Dells has departed. If this happens, you may need to spend the night in Chicago, Madison, or Milwaukee.

Additional tips:

2. Plan Ahead for Overnight Stays

If you need to stay overnight in the Chicago area, check hotels ahead of time. Always plan ahead if your arrival time doesn't allow you to make your connection.

3. Stay Safe

Avoid staying overnight at bus or train stations, as they may not be safe. Plan your accommodation and transportation in advance.

4. Confirm Departure Times

Check your bus or train schedule before traveling. Delays can happen, so allow extra time for connections.

5. Consider Private Transportation

If you need a ride from Madison, Milwaukee, or Chicago, you may be able to arrange a taxi or Uber. This option may be more affordable for groups sharing the cost than for solo travelers. Contact the provider in advance to confirm availability and pricing.