Cheap train tickets from Madison to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Madison to Chicago. Traveling by train from Madison to Chicago usually takes 25 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 25 hours and 51 minutes.
| Distance | 122 mi (197 km) |
| Fastest train | 25h 51m |
| Lowest price | $49.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Madison to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Madison to Chicago?
There are usually 78 daily bus trips available from Madison to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$63.24 | Avg. Price$41.09Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips78 |
Duration | Duration25h 56m | Duration3h 23mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Madison to Chicago (Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
4.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Madison to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Madison to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Madison to Chicago was $61.97. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 1 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $4.03 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Madison to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Madison to Chicago will cost between $58 and $66. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Madison to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Madison to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in July when the average ticket price is only $51. If you're thinking of traveling from Madison to Chicago during January, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $62 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in January, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Madison to Chicago on Wanderu at least 1 days ahead of time, you can save about $4.03 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Madison to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Madison to Chicago, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 25h 56m | $63.24 |
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 Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $49.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Madison to Chicago
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 Chicago to Madison. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Madison to Chicago for $24.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Madison and Chicago is approximately 122 miles, or 197 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 25 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
122
DISTANCE (KM)
197
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Madison at 12:30pm and arrives in Chicago around 25 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
12:30pm
LATEST TRAIN
5:30pm
Trains from Madison to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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.
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Madison?
Main departure station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
There is one train station in Madison.
All train stations in Madison:
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Where does the train arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Union Station
The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Chicago to Madison?
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