Cheap train tickets from Omaha to Madison
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Omaha to Madison. Traveling by train from Omaha to Madison usually takes 18 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 15 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 360 mi (580 km) |
| Fastest train | 15h 25m |
| Lowest price | $187.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Omaha to Madison Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Omaha to Madison?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Omaha to Madison.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$192.20 | Avg. Price$179.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration18h 51mFaster | Duration20h 40m |
There are several train options that can take you from Omaha to Madison:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Omaha to Madison?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Omaha to Madison was $187.00. 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 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $26.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Omaha to Madison by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Omaha to Madison will cost between $138 and $213. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Omaha to Madison by month
Ticket prices for the train from Omaha to Madison often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $141. If you're thinking of traveling from Omaha to Madison during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $204 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Omaha to Madison on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $26.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Omaha to Madison?
There are multiple trains that travel from Omaha 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 | 2 | 18h 52m | $192.20 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Omaha to Madison
Trains leave the station in Omaha 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. You can also take a train for your return trip from Madison to Omaha. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Omaha to Madison for $179.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Omaha and Madison is approximately 360 miles, or 580 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 25 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)
360
DISTANCE (KM)
580
The earliest train departs Omaha at 5:10am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:10am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
5:10am
LATEST TRAIN
5:10am
Trains from Omaha 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Omaha
Once known as the “Gateway to the West,” Omaha effortlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern growth. To catch an air of the city’s old-town vibe, head towards the Old Market quarter. Featuring brick-paved streets along with horse-drawn carriages, the area is an idyllic time capsule that offers a glimpse into the past. Also situated within the quarter are the Joslyn Art Museum and the Omaha Children’s Museum. Animal lovers might want to check out Omaha’s Doorly Zoo or the Aquarium, which features cute Rockhopper penguins as well as a 70-foot shark tunnel.
Steakhouses dominate the city’s restaurant scene, but there has been a recent boom of modern eateries. If you wish to enjoy these modern foods, Kitchen Table will offer everything you need.
The busiest bus station in the city is the Burlington Trailways Terminal downtown. For trains, the main Amtrak station is located on S 9th St, not too far from the bus station. Omaha is served by Amtrak’s California Zephyr line. The city’s principal airport is the Eppley Airfield, located 3 miles northeast 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 Omaha?
Main departure station: Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha's Amtrak station first opened in 1983 and today is a stop for Amtrak's California Zephyr train line. The station welcomes about 25,000 passengers annually. On the premises, travelers can enjoy an indoor waiting area and vending machines to stock up on snacks before departure. The Amtrak station is located right in the heart of Omaha, and not far from the city's Little Italy district, with several bars, restaurants, and convenience stores in its immediate vicinity.
All train stations in Omaha:
- Omaha, Nebraska
Where does the train arrive 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
Need a return trip from Madison to Omaha?
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