Cheap train tickets from Madison to East Lansing
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Madison to East Lansing. Traveling by train from Madison to East Lansing usually takes 14 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 250 mi (402 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 35m |
| Lowest price | $72.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Madison to East Lansing Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Madison to East Lansing:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Madison to East Lansing?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Madison to East Lansing was $129.33. 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 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $32.07 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Madison to East Lansing by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Madison to East Lansing will cost between $129 and $138. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Madison to East Lansing by month
Ticket prices for the train from Madison to East Lansing often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $125. If you're thinking of traveling from Madison to East Lansing during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $154 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Madison to East Lansing on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about $32.07 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Madison to East Lansing?
There are multiple trains that travel from Madison to East Lansing, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 14h 24m | $143.86 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Madison to East Lansing
The distance between Madison and East Lansing is approximately 250 miles, or 402 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 35 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)
250
DISTANCE (KM)
402
The earliest train departs Madison at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:20pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
10:00am
LATEST TRAIN
4:20pm
Trains from Madison to East Lansing are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
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.
East Lansing
East Lansing, a city shockingly located just east of Lansing, is primarily known as the home of Michigan State University. In fact, around half of its population is composed of students, and some of the city's most visited attractions are situated on the college campus. Among them are the historic W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, the 104-foot-tall Beaumont Tower, the contemporary Broad Art Museum, and the renowned Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Aside from its vibrant college life, East Lansing is also known for its yearly events, such as The East Lansing Film Festival, the largest of its kind in the entire state.
Lake Lansing is a go-to for swimming, fishing, or just getting some fresh air, but you'll also find parks and golf courses all around the city. The tree-lined Grand River Avenue divides the MSU campus from the rest of the city; find some of the city's best shopping and dining in the Grand River area, including HopCat, Beggar's Banquet, and Barrio East Lansing.
Public transit buses connect East Lansing to the closest airport, the Capital Region International Airport. However, it's also easy to take an intercity bus to nearby travel hubs, Detroit and Chicago, by booking a ticket with Greyhound, Indian Trails, or Jefferson Lines. East Lansing is a stop on Amtrak's Blue Water line, which makes train travel in and out of the city a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Madison?
Main departure station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
There are two stations in Madison where you can board the train to East Lansing.
All train stations in Madison:
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
- Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
Where does the train arrive in East Lansing?
Main arrival station: Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E
East Lansing has one train station.
All train stations in East Lansing:
- Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E
Need a return trip from East Lansing to Madison?
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