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Cheap train tickets from Madison to Milwaukee

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

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Madison to Milwaukee Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Madison to Milwaukee?

There are usually 28 daily bus trips from Madison to Milwaukee.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$35.04
Avg. Price
$97.79
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
28
Daily Trips
23
Duration
Duration
1h 45m
Duration
7h 49m

Trip Summary

There are usually 8 daily train trips available from Madison to Milwaukee. Traveling by train from Madison to Milwaukee usually takes 7 hours and 48 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours and 8 minutes.

Distance76 mi (122 km)
Fastest train6h 8m
Lowest price$50.36
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Madison to Milwaukee

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Wilmer

December 24, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Todo. Cons: Que ponga cargadores en el buz. Tips: Ninguna.

5.0

madigan

September 30, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: I loved the fact that the bus was there 30 minutes early right when I arrived and the bus driver immediately asked if I was going to Milwaukee and helped me figure out how to use the barcode. This was my first time and i was nervous but he made it very easy for me to make sure i was getting in the right place. Cons: Honestly nothing to improve on it was a very positive trip for me. Tips: Definitely a good price for what you’re getting. I got where i needed to right on time and it was so easy and nice i will definitely go again and highly recommend.

5.0

Omar

September 10, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: It is spacious and it is on time! Cons: The WiFi does not connect with my phone. Tips: Make sure to ask questions to the driver.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Madison to Milwaukee was $96.68. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 19 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $7.87 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Madison to Milwaukee by travel date

$108$72$36JanFeb

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Madison to Milwaukee is expected to fluctuate between $92 and $99 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Milwaukee in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Madison is $92.

Monthly avg. prices

$108$86$65$43$22FMAMJJASONDJ
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Madison to Milwaukee, with the average price at just $79. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in August, when the average price goes up to $91. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$108$86$65$43$223020100

By booking your train trip from Madison to Milwaukee on Wanderu at least 19 days ahead of time, you can save about $7.87 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Madison to Milwaukee?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to Milwaukee. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak87h 48m$98.18

  • 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 8 Amtrak trains from Madison to Milwaukee every day, as well as 25 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $50.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Madison to Milwaukee

While the train is the main method of transportation from Madison to Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee is approximately 76 miles, or 122 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 8 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 departing from Madison to Milwaukee tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Madison at 2:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 8 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 Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee

Nestling on the banks of the great Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some of the most scenic views around, making it every photographer’s perfect destination. Boasting 85 miles of scenic waterfront bike lanes, Milwaukee is the perfect spot to ride a bike and enjoy the sunset together with your friends. It is also the home of the Harley Davidson Museum, a vast waterfront gallery that offers 11 permanent exhibitions. The museum features not only bikes but also special items such as a whole engine room, making it a must-visit spot for bike enthusiasts. If you are not interested in bikes, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, offers many wondrous shots.

Milwaukee’s famous German bratwursts are a must-try for all visitors, and the best place to enjoy this dish is Usinger’s. Other similar establishments include Mader’s and Milwaukee Public Market. For authentic American eats, Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-In offers amazing sloppy-joe burgers.

The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the city’s main transportation hub. Visitors can catch both buses and trains at this location. The city is served by two airports. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the southern edge of the city handles commercial flights, while the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in the northwest handles private flights.

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 Milwaukee.

All train stations in Madison:

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot

Where is the train station in Milwaukee?

Airport - 5601 S 6th St - MKEAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution
Airport - 5601 S 6th St - MKEAMT-1

Image credit: Haydn Blackey

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Airport - 5601 S 6th St

The Milwaukee Airport Rail Station is located on the western edge of the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The station serves as a rail link for the airport and also as a more accessible transport link for residents living in the south of Milwaukee compared to the central Intermodal Station. Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service is the only train that operates at the station and runs northwards to downtown Milwaukee and southwards to Chicago Union Station, where passengers can change for travel across the entire Midwest region. The airport station also has a shuttle service to the airport terminal.

Train stations in Milwaukee:

  • Airport - 5601 S 6th St

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

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