Cheap train tickets from Joliet to Madison
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Joliet to Madison. Traveling by train from Joliet to Madison usually takes 6 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 11 minutes.
| Distance | 126 mi (203 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 11m |
| Lowest price | $52.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Joliet to Madison Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Joliet to Madison:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Joliet to Madison?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Joliet to Madison was $54.00. 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 $11.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Joliet to Madison by month
Ticket prices for the train from Joliet to Madison often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in December when the average ticket price is only $52. If you're thinking of traveling from Joliet to Madison during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $59 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Joliet to Madison on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about $11.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Joliet to Madison?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Joliet to Madison. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 6h 15m | $57.80 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Joliet to Madison every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $52.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Joliet to Madison
Trains leave the station in Joliet twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Joliet and Madison is approximately 126 miles, or 203 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 11 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)
126
Distance (km)
203
The earliest train departs Joliet at 8:24am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:35pm. 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
8:24am
Last train
9:35pm
Trains from Joliet to Madison are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Thursday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Joliet
Joliet is the third-largest city in Illinois and a suburb about 35 miles outside of Chicago. Most striking in Joliet is its limestone architecture, which you can see in the 40-room Jacob Henry Mansion and Post Office, built in 1876 and 1903, respectively. The Rialto Square Theatre is another historic building where many musicals, concerts, and comedy shows perform each week. Aside from its history, Joliet has gorgeous natural spaces, including the Forest Preserve District, perfect for fishing and hiking, and the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, where 27 protected bison live.
Roll the dice at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel for an epic night out in Joliet. If you prefer to fill your stomach instead of emptying your wallet, choose from several on-site dining options in the hotel. Downtown Joliet is also known for its culinary opportunities, from fine dining at Juliet's Tavern to quick bites at Joliet Route 66 Diner.
Amtrak's Lincoln Service from St. Louis and the Texas Eagle from San Antonio stop in Joliet on their routes to Chicago. The quick trip to Chicago makes it easy to connect to many of Amtrak's other train lines, plus additional bus routes beyond the ones offered by Tornado Bus and El Expreso Bus directly to Joliet.
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 Joliet?
Main departure station: Gateway Center
There is one train station in Joliet.
All train stations in Joliet:
- Gateway Center
Where is the train station in Madison?
Main arrival 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
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