4.0
Be sure to arrive early, as you would for air travel; gates close 10 minutes before departure. Be prepared to arrive to your destination later than expected.
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Madison to Royal Oak. Traveling by train from Madison to Royal Oak usually takes 12 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 10 hours and 14 minutes.
| Distance | 320 mi (515 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 14m |
| Lowest price | $94.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Madison to Royal Oak
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Which train should you take from Madison to Royal Oak?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to Royal Oak. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 12h 13m | $135.07 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Madison to Royal Oak every day, as well as 10 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $94.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the train is the main method of transportation from Madison to Royal Oak, 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.
The distance between Madison and Royal Oak is approximately 320 miles, or 515 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 14 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.
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Madison to Royal Oak. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Madison at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 5 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 Royal Oak 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.
Royal Oak
Image credit: Dave Walker
Link to image attributionRoyal Oak is a trendy Detroit suburb located in Oakland County. It is popular for the Woodward Dream Cruise sponsored by the city, a family-friendly, one-day automotive event that attracts millions worldwide. Suppose you're visiting Royal Oak with your family. In that case, different animal exhibits like the Detroit Zoo, which houses acclaimed polar bears, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, and the National Amphibian Conservation Center are available. The city also houses different parks and playgrounds like Starr Jaycee Park. Art and architecture are also prominent in Royal Oak, as it houses the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica and the Royal Oak Historical Society.
During the weekend, Royal Oak has a lively nightlife and entertainment scene. Check out their famous comedy clubs, Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, or watch shows at the Royal Oak Music Theatre and Stagecrafters Baldin Theatre. The Habatat Galleries has a fantastic collection of glass pieces, and the city also features cinemas, craft breweries like the Royal Oak Brewery, wineries, and vineyards.
The best way to get to Royal Oak is by train, with lines provided by Amtrak and Amtrak Wolverine. The SMART Royal Oak Transit Center provides bus routes within the city, and the government offers special transportation for seniors and disabled persons.
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 Royal Oak.
All train stations in Madison:
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
Where is the train station in Royal Oak?
Main arrival station: 202 S Sherman Dr
Royal Oak has one train station.
All train stations in Royal Oak:
202 S Sherman Dr
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