Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Madison

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to Madison. Traveling by train from Chicago to Madison usually takes 4 hours and 47 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance: 122 mi (197 km)
Fastest train: 4h 10m
Lowest price: NOK 462.73
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Chicago to Madison Train Schedule

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

There are usually 60 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Madison.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceNOK 535.73	Avg. PriceNOK 418.25Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips60
Duration	Duration4h 47m	Duration4h 4mFaster

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to Madison (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Anne

August 3, 2024 - Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: I liked using Amtrak and the Badger bus. The bus station in Milwaukee was beautiful and the bus and bus driver and trainer were very nice. The bus arrived on time. Cons: Nothing Tips: Take the Badger bus from Milwaukee to Madison

There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Madison:

Amtrak tickets: NOK 463 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Madison cost about NOK 517 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 41.27 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Madison by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Madison will cost between NOK 472 and NOK 595. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Madison by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Madison often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in August when the average ticket price is only NOK 472. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Madison during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 538 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Madison on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 41.27 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Madison?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Madison. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	4h 47m	NOK 535.71

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 Chicago to Madison every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 462.73.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Madison

While the train is the main method of transportation from Chicago to Madison, 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.

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 Madison to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Madison for NOK 227.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Madison is approximately 122 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 47 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 10 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.

Distance (mi)

122

Distance (km)

197

The earliest train departs Chicago at 6:10 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 3:15 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

6:10am

Last train

3:15pm

Trains from Chicago to Madison are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Saturday

City Information

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

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 Wisconsin–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 Chicago?

Main departure station: Union Station

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

Union Station

Where is the train station in Madison?

Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

Madison has one train station.

All train stations in Madison:

University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

Need a return trip from Madison to Chicago?

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