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Cheap train tickets from East Lansing to Madison

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East Lansing to Madison Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There is usually just one train option from East Lansing to Madison per day. The average train journey from East Lansing to Madison takes 8 hours and 49 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 8 hours and 41 minutes.

Distance250 mi (402 km)
Fastest train8h 41m
Lowest price$78.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from East Lansing to Madison was $83.00. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Madison if you book your train tickets at least 1 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $3.00.

Average train ticket prices from East Lansing to Madison by month

$125$100$75$50$25JFMAMJJASOND
Ticket prices for the train from East Lansing to Madison often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only $73. If you're thinking of traveling from East Lansing to Madison during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $106 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.

Which train should you take from East Lansing to Madison?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects East Lansing 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak18h 49m$107.25
  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from East Lansing to Madison every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $78.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from East Lansing to Madison

While the train is the main method of transportation from East Lansing 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.

The distance between East Lansing and Madison is approximately 250 miles, or 402 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 49 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 41 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.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from East Lansing to Madison. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday 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.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves East Lansing at 8:00am and arrives in Madison around 8 hours later.

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 East Lansing.

City Information

East Lansing

East Lansing, a city shockingly located just east of Lansing, is primarily known as the home of Michigan State University. In fact, around half of its population is composed of students, and some of the city's most visited attractions are situated on the college campus. Among them are the historic W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, the 104-foot-tall Beaumont Tower, the contemporary Broad Art Museum, and the renowned Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Aside from its vibrant college life, East Lansing is also known for its yearly events, such as The East Lansing Film Festival, the largest of its kind in the entire state.

Lake Lansing is a go-to for swimming, fishing, or just getting some fresh air, but you'll also find parks and golf courses all around the city. The tree-lined Grand River Avenue divides the MSU campus from the rest of the city; find some of the city's best shopping and dining in the Grand River area, including HopCat, Beggar's Banquet, and Barrio East Lansing.

Public transit buses connect East Lansing to the closest airport, the Capital Region International Airport. However, it's also easy to take an intercity bus to nearby travel hubs, Detroit and Chicago, by booking a ticket with Greyhound, Indian Trails, or Jefferson Lines. East Lansing is a stop on Amtrak's Blue Water line, which makes train travel in and out of the city 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 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 East Lansing?

Main departure station: Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E

There is one train station in East Lansing.

All train stations in East Lansing:

  • Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E

Where is the train station in Madison?

Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

Madison receives travelers from East Lansing at its two active train stations.

All train stations in Madison:

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot

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