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Washington DC - Madison Train Schedule
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Washington DC and Madison. The average train journey from Washington DC to Madison takes 27 hours and 18 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 22 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 705 mi (1135 km) |
| Fastest train | 22h 30m |
| Lowest price | $168.84 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Madison?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Washington to Madison was $229.70. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Washington DC and Madison. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Madison if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $91.90.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Madison often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $242,
If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Madison during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $328 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Madison from Washington will be about C$91.90 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Washington DC to Madison?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Washington to Madison. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 1d 3h 18m | $255.73 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 3 Amtrak trains from Washington to Madison every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $169.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Washington DC and Madison is approximately 705 miles, or 1135 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 27 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 22 hours and 30 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Washington DC to Madison. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Madison to Washington DC.
City Information
Washington DC
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
Madison
Consistently ranking high on the lists of the best places to live in the USA, Madison still maintains its quaint and idyllic small-town vibe despite being the capital city of Wisconsin. Sitting among the city’s most iconic and most popular landmarks is the Madison Memorial Union, which is located within the campus of the University of Madison. The building features a lakeview terrace filled with colorful chairs, allowing visitors to chill out and enjoy the sun. If you are interested in the history of the state or architecture as a whole, head over to the State Capitol building, which was built between 1906 and 1917. The building features lavish council chambers, which were modeled after the famous Doge’s Palace in Venice, along with other architectural highlights. If you wish to stay close to nature, the Olbrich Botanical garden, with its famous Thai Pavilion and Garden, will certainly be a great choice.
As a college city, Madison features numerous cutting-edge establishments that will make your mouth water. For some of the best dining views in town, head over to Graze, where you can also grab some of the best cheese curds in Madison. If you want to enjoy the best brunch in town, Sardine might have what you need.
The busiest bus/train station in Madison is located on Collins Ct. The city is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, 6 miles northeast of downtown.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Washington DC?
Main departure station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.
All train stations in Washington DC:
Union Station
Where is the train station in Madison?
Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Madison receives travelers from Washington DC at its two active train stations.
Train stations in Madison:
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
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