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Lincoln to Madison train

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Lincoln - Madison Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 5 daily trains from Lincoln to Madison. Traveling by train from Lincoln to Madison usually takes around 8 hours and 49 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours and 59 minutes.

Distance202 mi (325 km)
Fastest train6h 59m
Lowest price$85.54
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Price trends for trains from Lincoln to Madison

Monthly average prices

$136$109$81$54$27AMJJASONDJFM

Which train should you take from Lincoln to Madison?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Lincoln to Madison. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak58h 49m$98.71
  • 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 5 Amtrak trains from Lincoln to Madison every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $86.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the train is the main method of transportation from Lincoln to Madison, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Lincoln and Madison is approximately 202 miles, or 325 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 49 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 59 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 Lincoln 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 Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Lincoln at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. 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 5 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 Lincoln.

City Information

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 Lincoln?

Main departure station: 101 N Chicago St

There is one train station in Lincoln.

All train stations in Lincoln:

  • 101 N Chicago St

Where is the train station in Madison?

Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot  - MSIAMT3-0

Image credit: Corey Coyle

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Main 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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