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Trip Summary
You can pick from 8 daily train trips between Sandusky and Madison. The average train journey from Sandusky to Madison takes 12 hours and 30 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 10 hours and 33 minutes.
| Distance | 360 mi (579 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 33m |
| Lowest price | US$81.31 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Sandusky to Madison?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Sandusky to Madison. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 8 | 12h 31m | US$81.31 |
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 Sandusky to Madison every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$79.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Sandusky and Madison is approximately 360 miles, or 579 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 33 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.
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Sandusky to Madison. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Sandusky at 04:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 05:00. 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 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 Madison to Sandusky.
City Information
Sandusky
Image credit: Pixabay
Sandusky is a city in Ohio on Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay, about 70 miles from Cleveland. Sandusky appeals to art and culture lovers, with sites like the Museum of Sandusky offering exhibits on shipwrecks, boatbuilding, and ice harvesting. The city is known for having many family attractions, including wildlife, water, and amusement parks, including the Top Thrill Dragster and Maverick. The famous Sprawling Cedar Point Park has many roller coasters, while the Merry-Go-Round Museum is known for its working vintage carousel and wooden animals.
Sandusky is known for having fresh wine from local vineyards, served in the wineries in the city. Although the craft beer scene is young, Sandusky features a vibrant nightlife, from taphouses and sports bars to nightclubs and taverns. Even during the day, the downtown area offers different local shops and great restaurants to visit.
Trains and buses head to Sandusky from various cities and offer daily scheduled trips. Amtrak serves Sandusky for trains and Jefferson Lines for the bus routes. The Sandusky Transit System provides public transportation within the city.
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 Sandusky?
Main departure station: 1200 N Depot St
There is one train station in Sandusky.
All train stations in Sandusky:
1200 N Depot St
Where is the train station in Madison?
Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Madison receives travelers from Sandusky at its two active train stations.
Train stations in Madison:
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
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