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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Madison to Hartford. Traveling by train from Madison to Hartford usually takes 27 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 26 hours and 51 minutes.
Distance | 856 mi (1378 km) |
Fastest train | 26h 51m |
Lowest price | $242.00 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Madison to Hartford?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to Hartford. 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 | 1d 3h 1m | $232.00 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Madison to Hartford every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $156.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Madison and Hartford is approximately 856 miles, or 1378 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 27 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 26 hours and 51 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Madison to Hartford on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Madison at 4:00pm and arrives in Hartford around 26 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 Hartford to Madison.
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.
Hartford
Hartford is the capital of Connecticut, and a New England destination with literary attractions, charming parks, and engaging activities for families.
The homes of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe, both in Hartford, have been turned into museums to learn more about these authors and their lives. If you prefer Edward Cullen to Tom Sawyer, you may appreciate that a more contemporary literary giant, Stephenie Meyer, was born in Hartford too.
The Elizabeth Park Conservancy is a spread of formal gardens and grounds where you can walk, picnic, and catch outdoor concerts or tours. Kids will love the antique carousel in Bushnell Park, as well as the hands-on exhibits at the Connecticut Science Center. For those who prefer to wander through cute downtowns, West Hartford offers some of the best shopping in the area.
With a large nearby airport, and many intercity bus and train services providing access to hubs like Boston and New York, getting to Hartford is about as easy as a walk in Bushnell Park.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Madison?
Main departure station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
There are two stations in Madison where you can board the train to Hartford.
All train stations in Madison:
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
Where is the train station in Hartford?
Image credit: Philip Stanulis
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Union Station - 1 Union Pl
Union Station is a historic bus and train station located in the downtown area of Hartford, CT. Built in 1889, the station serves as the main stop in Hartford for all four Amtrak train lines that pass through the city, including the Northeast Regional, the Vermonter and the Valley Flyer, as well as the Hartford Line commuter train. Union Station is also used by bus carriers Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines as their main bus stop in Downtown Hartford. The station is easily accessible from all parts of the city and its surrounding areas through a variety of local and express transit bus lines. At Hartford’s Union Station, you will find some fast food options and vending machines, as well as restrooms and a waiting area.
All train stations in Hartford:
Union Station - 1 Union Pl
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