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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Madison to Trenton. Traveling by train from Madison to Trenton usually takes around 29 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 25 hours and 34 minutes.
| Distance | 781 mi (1257 km) |
| Fastest train | 25h 34m |
| Lowest price | $350.60 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Madison to Trenton?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to Trenton. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 1d 5h 16m | $391.09 |
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 Trenton every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $351.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Madison and Trenton is approximately 781 miles, or 1257 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 29 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 25 hours and 34 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Madison to Trenton on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Madison at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. 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 Trenton 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.
Trenton
Trenton is New Jersey's capital, and for a period of two months in 1784, it was the capital of the United States. The city is located between New York City and Philadelphia and is separated from the state of Pennsylvania by the Delaware River. One of the most recognizable landmarks in Trenton is the New Jersey State House, constructed in 1792. It is the third-oldest state house in the country, and tours of the building share New Jersey history. For more New Jersey history in an even older building, visit the William Trent House, built in 1719. The founder of Trenton, William Trent, and three governors have occupied the house in its long history. It is now a museum offering tours and insight into early American life.
Cadwalader Park is a 100-acre park in Trenton, planned by the same man who designed Central Park in New York City. Enjoy the park's grassy lawns, quiet stream, walking paths, and the Ellarslie Mansion at the center, now a museum of fine art.
Trenton's primary train station is the Trenton Transit Center, where Amtrak trains connect to other cities in the Mid-Atlantic. The closest airport to the city is the Trenton-Mercer Airport, but international flights arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Madison?
Image credit: Corey Coyle
Link to image attributionMain departure 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.
All train stations in Madison:
Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Where is the train station in Trenton?
Main arrival station: 72 S Clinton Ave
Trenton has one train station.
Train stations in Trenton:
72 S Clinton Ave
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Need a return trip from Trenton to Madison?
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