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Cheap train tickets from East Lansing to Madison

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from East Lansing to Madison. Travelling by train from East Lansing to Madison usually takes 8 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 56 minutes.

Distance
250 mi (402 km)
Fastest train
7h 56m
Lowest price
CHF 60.97
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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East Lansing to Madison Train Schedule

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There are several train options that can take you from East Lansing to Madison:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from East Lansing to Madison?

In the last month, train tickets from East Lansing to Madison cost about CHF 61 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 53.45 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from East Lansing to Madison by travel date

CHF 120CHF 80CHF 40NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from East Lansing to Madison will cost between CHF 68 and CHF 114. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Prices as travel date approaches

CHF 125CHF 100CHF 75CHF 50CHF 2520

Which train should you take from East Lansing to Madison?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects East Lansing to Madison. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak28h 36mCHF 81.22

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 washroom, 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 East Lansing to Madison every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 60.97.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from East Lansing to Madison

While the train is the main method of transportation from East Lansing 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.

Trains leave the station in East Lansing 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 East Lansing.

Trains per day

2

Direct trains

0

The distance between East Lansing and Madison is approximately 402 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 56 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.

Distance (mi)

250

Distance (km)

402

The earliest train departs East Lansing at 8:54 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 8:54 a.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

8:54am

Last train

8:54am

Trains from East Lansing to Madison are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 travelling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

East Lansing

East Lansing, a city shockingly located just east of Lansing, is primarily known as the home of Michigan State University. In fact, around half of its population is composed of students, and some of the city's most visited attractions are situated on the college campus. Among them are the historic W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, the 104-foot-tall Beaumont Tower, the contemporary Broad Art Museum, and the renowned Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Aside from its vibrant college life, East Lansing is also known for its yearly events, such as The East Lansing Film Festival, the largest of its kind in the entire state.

Lake Lansing is a go-to for swimming, fishing, or just getting some fresh air, but you'll also find parks and golf courses all around the city. The tree-lined Grand River Avenue divides the MSU campus from the rest of the city; find some of the city's best shopping and dining in the Grand River area, including HopCat, Beggar's Banquet, and Barrio East Lansing.

Public transit buses connect East Lansing to the closest airport, the Capital Region International Airport. However, it's also easy to take an intercity bus to nearby travel hubs, Detroit and Chicago, by booking a ticket with Greyhound, Indian Trails, or Jefferson Lines. East Lansing is a stop on Amtrak's Blue Water line, which makes train travel in and out of the city a breeze.

Madison

MSI-0MSI-1MSI-2

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 Wisconsin–Madison. The building features a lakeview terrace filled with colourful 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 East Lansing?

Main departure station: Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E

There is one train station in East Lansing.

All train stations in East Lansing:

  • Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E

Where is the train station in Madison?

Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

Madison receives travellers from East Lansing at its two active train stations.

All train stations in Madison:

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot

Need a return trip from Madison to East Lansing?

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