Cheap train tickets from Madison to Peoria
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Madison to Peoria. Traveling by train from Madison to Peoria usually takes 9 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 50 minutes.
Distance | 165 mi (265 km) |
Fastest train | 8h 50m |
Lowest price | €84.33 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |

Which train should you take from Madison to Peoria?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to Peoria. 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 | 9h 4m | €87.52 |
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 Peoria every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €84.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Madison to Peoria
The distance between Madison and Peoria is approximately 165 miles, or 265 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 50 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 Madison to Peoria 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Madison at 8:00am and arrives in Peoria around 8 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 Peoria 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.
Peoria
Located on the Illinois River, Peoria is one of the best vacation destinations in Illinois. Peoria's irresistible midwestern charm, history, and unique attractions make it a must-see city when in the area.
To learn more about what attracted the late 17th-century French settlers to the area, visit the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Planetarium. Exhibitions here vary yearly, emphasizing local history, natural history, art, and science, with many interactive exhibits for the kids to enjoy.
Take a stroll through Luthy Botanical Garden on a sunny day and enjoy the magnificent conservatory full of orchids and tropical plants. Peoria Zoo offers over 100 different animal species from all over the world. The zoo is open year-round, with many seasonal events throughout the year.
And bring your dancing shoes because Peoria also hosts a vibrant nightlife scene, from live music shows to performing arts events.
Peoria's central location makes it easy to reach. Peoria International Airport provides daily flights from several major cities. Peoria's Amtrak station offers access to various major cities, with trains arriving regularly. Jefferson Lines, Burlington Trailways, and Amtrak Thruway buses provide affordable transport in and out of the city, too.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Madison?

Image credit: Corey Coyle
Link to image attributionMain departure 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
Where is the train station in Peoria?
Main arrival station: Bradley University Student Ctr - 915 Elmwood Ave
Peoria receives travelers from Madison at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Peoria:
Bradley University Student Ctr - 915 Elmwood Ave
City Link Transit Ctr - 407 SW Adams St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Peoria to Madison?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
- Train Tickets
- United States
- Illinois
- Peoria
- Madison to Peoria