Cheap train tickets from New Orleans to Madison
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from New Orleans to Madison. Traveling by train from New Orleans to Madison usually takes 1 day and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 1 day and 5 minutes.
- Distance
- 907 mi (1460 km)
- Fastest train
- 24h 5m
- Lowest price
- $181.00
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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New Orleans to Madison Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from New Orleans to Madison:
See more detailsPrice trends for trains from New Orleans to Madison
Average train ticket prices from New Orleans to Madison by travel date
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from New Orleans to Madison?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects New Orleans to Madison. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 24h 15m | $181.00 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from New Orleans to Madison
While the train is the main method of transportation from New Orleans 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.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Madison to New Orleans.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between New Orleans and Madison is approximately 907 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day and 5 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)
907
Distance (km)
1460
Most days, there is only one train which leaves New Orleans at 1:45 PM and arrives in Madison around 24 hours later.
First train
1:45pm
Last train
1:45pm
Trains from New Orleans to Madison are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
New Orleans



New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.
There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.
New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
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 New Orleans?
Main departure station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.
All train stations in New Orleans:
- Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Where is the train station in Madison?
Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Madison receives travelers from New Orleans at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Madison:
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
- Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
Need a return trip from Madison to New Orleans?
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