5.0
Pros: The driver and seeing some sights on the way home. Cons: Nothing. Tips: None at this time.
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Appleton and Madison. The average train journey from Appleton to Madison takes 5 hours and 39 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 4 hours and 47 minutes.
| Distance | 96 mi (154 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 47m |
| Lowest price | $45.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Appleton to Madison
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Price trends for trains from Appleton to Madison
Average prices by travel date
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Which train should you take from Appleton to Madison?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Appleton to Madison. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 5h 39m | $45.00 |
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 Appleton to Madison every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $45.
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently there is not a train that travels the entire distance without requiring you to switch onto a connecting vehicle. However, there are direct buses from Appleton to Madison.
The distance between Appleton and Madison is approximately 96 miles, or 154 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 39 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 47 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.
Trains from Appleton to Madison are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Appleton at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Appleton 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 Appleton.
City Information
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 Appleton?
Main departure station: Appleton Transit Ctr
There is one train station in Appleton.
All train stations in Appleton:
Appleton Transit Ctr
Where is the train station in Madison?
Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Madison has one train station.
All train stations in Madison:
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
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