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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Madison and Big Rapids. The average train journey from Madison to Big Rapids takes 13 hours and 48 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 13 hours and 40 minutes.
Distance | 201 mi (324 km) |
Fastest train | 13h 40m |
Lowest price | $76.00 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Madison to Big Rapids?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to Big Rapids. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 2 | 13h 48m | $76.00 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Madison to Big Rapids every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $76.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Madison and Big Rapids is approximately 201 miles, or 324 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 40 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 Big Rapids are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Madison at 2:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Madison twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Madison?
Main departure station: Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)
The Phillips 66 on Collins Ct is a gas station where Greyhound buses stop in Madison. The bus stops outside the gas station, and inside, Phillips 66 offers convenient snacks and services for travelers. You can grab a coffee or quick bite to enjoy on the bus or use the available restroom or ATM. The surrounding area also offers a few restaurants and hotels for more extended stays. The station is located a few miles outside of Madison’s downtown area, but it is easy to access local public transportation across the street at the Dutch Mill Park & Ride.
All train stations in Madison:
Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Where is the train station in Big Rapids?
Main arrival station: 14219 Northland Dr
Big Rapids has one train station.
All train stations in Big Rapids:
14219 Northland Dr
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