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Madison to Indianapolis train

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Madison - Indianapolis Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Madison to Indianapolis. The train trip from Madison to Indianapolis is usually about 24 hours and 42 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 10 hours and 59 minutes.

Distance283 mi (456 km)
Fastest train10h 59m
Lowest price$107.27
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last month, $107.27 was the average price of a train ticket from Madison to Indianapolis. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 19 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $6.11 more than that for a same-day booking.

Monthly average prices

$136$109$81$54$27AMJJASONDJFM
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Madison to Indianapolis. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $106. If you're planning a trip from Madison to Indianapolis during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $115 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$136$109$81$54$273020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Madison to Indianapolis, book online with Wanderu at least 19 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $6.11 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Madison to Indianapolis?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to Indianapolis. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak11d 0h 43m$112.71
  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Madison to Indianapolis every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $107.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the train is the main method of transportation from Madison to Indianapolis, 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 Madison and Indianapolis is approximately 283 miles, or 456 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 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.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Madison to Indianapolis. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday 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.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Madison at 11:00am and arrives in Indianapolis around 10 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Indianapolis to Madison.

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.

Indianapolis

Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.

Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.

Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Madison?

Main departure station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

There are two stations in Madison where you can board the train to Indianapolis.

All train stations in Madison:

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot

Where is the train station in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Union Station (350 S Illinois St) - INDAMT-0

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Main arrival station: 350 S Illinois St

Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.

Train stations in Indianapolis:

  • 350 S Illinois St

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