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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Madison to East Lansing. Traveling by train from Madison to East Lansing usually takes around 14 hours and 31 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 250 mi (402 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 35m |
| Lowest price | $88.34 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Madison to East Lansing?
The average price for a train ticket from Madison to East Lansing is $167.24, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 23 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $18.58 more.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Madison to East Lansing will vary between C$160 and C$206. Planning a train trip to East Lansing within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Madison over the next 7 days is C$160. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Madison to East Lansing often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $190,
If you're thinking of traveling from Madison to East Lansing during September, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $221 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in September, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Madison to East Lansing. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 23 days before departure, you can save around $18.58. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Madison to East Lansing?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to East Lansing. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 14h 32m | $174.06 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Madison to East Lansing every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $88.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Madison and East Lansing is approximately 250 miles, or 402 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 31 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 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 Madison to East Lansing 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 traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Madison at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. 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 3 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 East Lansing 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.
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.
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 East Lansing.
All train stations in Madison:
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
Where is the train station in East Lansing?
Main arrival station: Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E
East Lansing has one train station.
Train stations in East Lansing:
Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E
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