5.0
Super friendly staff and the observation car
4.0
Pros: Seeing my boyfriend. Cons: It was just fine. Tips: Ask questions. I was hungry the whole time & I was scared to ask where I get the from.
Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Fort Madison
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Fort Madison?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips from Chicago to Fort Madison.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$151.57 | Avg. Price$195.07 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration6h 19m | Duration6h 57m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Fort Madison. Traveling by train from Chicago to Fort Madison usually takes 7 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 3 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 210 mi (338 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 35m |
| Lowest price | $61.75 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to Fort Madison
(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
4.7
Price trends for trains from Chicago to Fort Madison
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from Chicago to Fort Madison?
2 train services operate from Chicago to Fort Madison. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 10h 20m | $92.25 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 3h 35m | $138.04 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Fort Madison every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $72.
The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Chicago to Fort Madison in about 3 hours and 35 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Fort Madison
The distance between Chicago and Fort Madison is approximately 210 miles, or 338 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 35 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 Chicago to Fort Madison are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. 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 Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Fort Madison faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Fort Madison to Chicago.
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Main departure station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
All train stations in Chicago:
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
Where is the train station in Fort Madison?
Main arrival station: Historic Santa Fe Station
Fort Madison has one train station.
Train stations in Fort Madison:
Historic Santa Fe Station
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