Cheap train tickets from Kansas City to Madison
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Kansas City to Madison. Traveling by train from Kansas City to Madison usually takes 13 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 13 hours and 22 minutes.
| Distance | 385 mi (619 km) |
| Fastest train | 13h 22m |
| Lowest price | $127.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Kansas City to Madison Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Kansas City to Madison?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Kansas City to Madison.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$205.67 | Avg. Price$179.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration13h 30mFaster | Duration20h 32m |

There are several train options that can take you from Kansas City to Madison:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Madison?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Madison was $127.00. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $99.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Madison by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kansas City to Madison will cost between $107 and $176. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Madison by month
Ticket prices for the train from Kansas City to Madison often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $152. If you're thinking of traveling from Kansas City to Madison during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $211 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 Kansas City to Madison on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $99.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Kansas City to Madison?
There are multiple trains that travel from Kansas City to Madison, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 13h 30m | $205.67 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Kansas City to Madison
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 Kansas City. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Kansas City to Madison for $179.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Kansas City and Madison is approximately 385 miles, or 619 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 22 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)
385
DISTANCE (KM)
619
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Kansas City at 7:13am and arrives in Madison around 13 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:13am
LATEST TRAIN
7:13am
Trains from Kansas City to Madison are the most crowded on Monday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Kansas City



Straddling two states, Kansas City is a vibrant modern city with plenty of activities for visitors. Those wishing to learn more about the city’s culture and history should not miss out on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, which offers artworks for both children and adults alike. If you seek something a bit quirkier and more interesting, the Arabia Steamboat Museum will certainly satisfy your curiosity. While you are in town, don’t forget to pay the Boulevard Brewing Company a visit. It is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and the source of pride from many local residents.
Kansas City’s signature barbecue is another source of pride, and you should take every occasion to try it out. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. If that’s not really your thing, The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen are also worth checking out.
Kansas City’s principal bus station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers bus trips to Chicago, Wichita and Denver, among many other places. Kansas City Union Station provides Amtrak intercity train services, and the trains Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief pass through the station on their way. Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown.
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 does the train leave from in Kansas City?
Main departure station: Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd


Union Station in Kansas City is a grand, historic station dating back to 1914 with an imposing columned facade and intricately carved coffered ceilings. The station is truly a destination in itself, where you can explore a series of museums, a planetarium, a 3D theater, and upscale dining options. Train service still runs through Union Station, though, and you can catch the Missouri River Runner to St. Louis or the Southwest Chief to Chicago or Los Angeles. Paid parking, restrooms, and a mothers’ nursing room can be found at the station. Just steps outside are some of the highlights of Kansas City, from Legoland Discovery Center to Penn Valley Park’s various memorials and museums.
All train stations in Kansas City:
- Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd
Where does the train arrive in Madison?
Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Madison receives travelers from Kansas City 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 Kansas City?
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