Cheap train tickets from Madison to Indianapolis
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Madison to Indianapolis Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Madison to Indianapolis?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Madison to Indianapolis.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 307.83 | Avg. PriceRON 421.32 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration8h 8m | Duration1d 0h 45m |
Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Madison to Indianapolis. The train trip from Madison to Indianapolis is usually about 25 hours and 38 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 11 hours and 29 minutes.
| Distance | 283 mi (456 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 29m |
| Lowest price | RON 338.71 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Madison to Indianapolis?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Madison to Indianapolis was RON 384.15. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 57.49 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Madison to Indianapolis, book online with Wanderu at least 16 days in advance. That way, you’ll save RON 57.49 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Madison to Indianapolis?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to Indianapolis. 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 1h 39m | RON 431.83 |
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 Indianapolis every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 339.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Madison to Indianapolis
The distance between Madison and Indianapolis is approximately 283 miles, or 456 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 29 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.
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Madison to Indianapolis. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Madison at 11:00am and arrives in Indianapolis around 11 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 Indianapolis 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.
Indianapolis
Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.
Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.
Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.
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 Indianapolis.
All train stations in Madison:
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
Where is the train station in Indianapolis?
Image credit: Panoramio upload bot
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 350 S Illinois St
Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.
All train stations in Indianapolis:
350 S Illinois St
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