Cheap train tickets from Madison to New Orleans

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Madison to New Orleans. Traveling by train from Madison to New Orleans usually takes 47 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 46 hours and 57 minutes.

Distance
907 mi (1460 km)
Fastest train
46h 57m
Lowest price
$244.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Madison to New Orleans Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Madison to New Orleans?

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Madison to New Orleans.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$263.50Avg. Price$154.42Cheaper
Daily Trips1Daily Trips3
Duration47h 7mDuration32h 1mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from Madison to New Orleans?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Madison to New Orleans was $244.00. Considering the distance between Madison and New Orleans, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 3 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $39.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Madison to New Orleans by travel date

$255$170$85OctOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Madison to New Orleans will cost between $208 and $244. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Madison to New Orleans by month

$300$240$180$120$60JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Madison to New Orleans often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $169. If you're thinking of traveling from Madison to New Orleans during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $284 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$300$240$180$120$60

By booking your train trip from Madison to New Orleans on Wanderu at least 3 days ahead of time, you can save about $39.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Madison to New Orleans?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to New Orleans. 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak147h 7m$263.50
  • 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 New Orleans every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $244.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Madison to New Orleans

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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Madison to New Orleans for $103.

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

0

The distance between Madison and New Orleans is approximately 907 miles, or 1460 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 47 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 46 hours and 57 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)

907

Distance (km)

1460

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Madison at 2:30pm and arrives in New Orleans around 46 hours later.

First train

2:30pm

Last train

2:50pm

Trains from Madison to New Orleans 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.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Madison

MSI-0MSI-1MSI-2

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.

New Orleans

New Orleans, LA - NOL-0New Orleans, LA - NOL-1New Orleans, LA - NOL-2

New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.

There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.

New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Madison?

Main departure station: Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot

Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot  - MSIAMT3-0

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 New Orleans?

Main arrival station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave - NOLAMT-0

Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.

All train stations in New Orleans:

  • Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

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