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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Wilmington to Madison. Traveling by train from Wilmington to Madison usually takes around 25 hours and 44 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 25 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 753 mi (1212 km) |
| Fastest train | 25h 30m |
| Lowest price | $300.61 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Wilmington to Madison?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Wilmington to Madison. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 1d 1h 44m | $331.50 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Wilmington to Madison every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $301.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Wilmington and Madison is approximately 753 miles, or 1212 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 25 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.
Trains from Wilmington to Madison are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Wilmington at 12:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Wilmington twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Madison to Wilmington.
City Information
Wilmington
Wilmington is a major city in Delaware, established at the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. The charming city, at the confluence of the Brandywine River and Christina River, offers easy connections to the lush countryside of Brandywine Valley. Thanks to the venerable du Pont family, who established the DuPont Company in Wilmington in 1802, the city is filled with grand estates and magnificent gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Hagley Museum & Library is the ultimate example. The expansive complex includes the first home of the du Pont family, powder yards from the company's initial gunpowder mill, and a Renaissance-style garden complete with terraces.
To dive deeper into the city's history, check out the Fort Christina State Park, the site of Wilmington's original Swedish settlement over 400 years ago. Other popular attractions include the Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.
Wilmington is easy to access from most of the mid-Atlantic region and is located between Philadelphia and Washington. In 2011, the city's Amtrak train station was renamed the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station in honor of rail enthusiast Joe Biden, who often commuted via Amtrak from Wilmington to Washington during his time as a Senator. Buses from Wilmington also connect to cities like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Since the regional Wilmington Airport does not offer civilian flights, travelers can easily take a bus to the airport in Philadelphia for any air travel out of the area.
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 Wilmington?
Main departure station: Amtrak/SEPTA Station
There is one train station in Wilmington.
All train stations in Wilmington:
Amtrak/SEPTA Station
Where is the train station in Madison?
Image credit: Corey Coyle
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
The Dutch Mill Park & Ride is a parking lot where travelers can catch local Madison Metro buses throughout the city, as well as intercity buses on Amtrak Thruway heading to destinations like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Milwaukee. For those parking before riding, the lot has both daily and overnight parking available for free. Although there is no station building, bus shelters line the bus lanes, and there is easy access to the next-door gas station and Arby’s, where you can grab a bite or hang out indoors before the bus arrives. The Dutch Mill Park & Ride is a few miles outside of downtown Madison, but several convenience stores, restaurants, and hotels are still in the direct vicinity.
Train stations in Madison:
Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
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