Cheap train tickets from Madison to Detroit

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Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Madison to Detroit. Traveling by train from Madison to Detroit usually takes 12 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 10 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance: 327 mi (526 km)
Fastest train: 10h 50m
Lowest price: CZK 1,774.91
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Madison to Detroit Train Schedule

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

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Madison to Detroit.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCZK 2,755.66	Avg. PriceCZK 1,703.27Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips6	Daily Trips4
Duration	Duration12h 57m	Duration12h 46mFaster

There are several train options that can take you from Madison to Detroit:

Amtrak tickets: CZK 1,775 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Madison to Detroit?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Madison to Detroit was CZK 2,553. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 514.29 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Madison to Detroit by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Madison to Detroit will cost between CZK 2,229 and CZK 3,290. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Madison to Detroit by month

Ticket prices for the train from Madison to Detroit 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 CZK 2,511. If you're thinking of traveling from Madison to Detroit during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 2,879 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Madison to Detroit on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 514.29 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Madison to Detroit?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to Detroit. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	6	12h 57m	CZK 2,755.71

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 6 Amtrak trains from Madison to Detroit every day, as well as 12 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 1,774.91.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Madison to Detroit

While the train is the main method of transportation from Madison to Detroit, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Detroit to Madison. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Madison to Detroit for CZK 1,169.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Madison and Detroit is approximately 327 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 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.

Distance (mi)

327

Distance (km)

526

The earliest train departs Madison at 5:30 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 4:50 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

5:30am

Last train

4:50pm

Trains from Madison to Detroit are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Thursday

Least crowded

Monday

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.

Detroit

Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.

As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.

The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.

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 Detroit.

All train stations in Madison:

University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot

Where is the train station in Detroit?

Main arrival station: 11 W Baltimore Ave

Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travelers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean restrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighborhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.

All train stations in Detroit:

11 W Baltimore Ave

Need a return trip from Detroit to Madison?

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