Cheap train tickets from South Bend to Madison
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South Bend to Madison Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by bus or train from South Bend to Madison?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips from South Bend to Madison.
Coach | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$49.07 | Avg. PriceUS$78.08 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration8h 10m | Duration8h 47m |
Trip Summary
5 trains operate daily from South Bend to Madison. The train trip from South Bend to Madison is usually about 8 hours and 44 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 6 hours and 44 minutes.
| Distance | 187 mi (302 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 44m |
| Lowest price | US$64.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from South Bend to Madison?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from South Bend to Madison was US$77.13. 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 US$15.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from South Bend to Madison on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about US$15.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from South Bend to Madison?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects South Bend to Madison. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 8h 44m | US$84.56 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from South Bend to Madison every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$64.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from South Bend to Madison
The distance between South Bend and Madison is approximately 187 miles, or 302 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 44 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 South Bend to Madison tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. 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 South Bend at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 09:00. 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 5 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 Madison to South Bend.
City Information
South Bend
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
South Bend is quite a small city in Indiana, but this town offers plenty of beautiful landmarks and outdoor activities that will keep you captivated. When visiting South Bend, don't miss the Century Center, which not only hosts some of the best exhibitions in town but also boasts a great view towards the nearby St Joseph River, making it a particularly photogenic spot. The North/South Continental Divide is one particular point of interest, just a bit further down the US 20 bypass. Immerse yourself in nature at Shiojiri Niwa, a Japanese garden with more than twenty different large plants.
Though a small town, South Bend still has plenty of great dining options on its plate. For the best locally sourced burgers and a killer view of the river, check out Oaken Bucket Restaurant. If you can splurge a little bit, LaSalle Grill offers some of the finest dishes in town!
South Bend is a convenient location to reach from anywhere in the Midwest, with several bus stations in the city and Amtrak service stopping at a station close to downtown. In addition, South Bend International Airport is very close to the city and offers flights to domestic and international destinations.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in South Bend?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 2702 W Washington St
The South Bend Amtrak Station opened more than 50 years ago. In 1970, the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad constructed the station, and South Shore Line was the main rail provider until 1992. Located in the cultural hub of "Michiana," the station is near the Notre Dame University campus. Today, the South Bend Station is served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines, connecting South Bend with New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The practical one-story concrete block station is painted a vivid, deep blue. Passengers can wait for trains on the spacious porch beside the tracks. A small shelter is also accessible on the adjacent platform.
All train stations in South Bend:
2702 W Washington St
Where is the train station in Madison?
Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Madison receives travelers from South Bend at its two active train stations.
Train stations in Madison:
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
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Need a return trip from Madison to South Bend?
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