Cheap train tickets from Madison to Charlotte
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Madison to Charlotte. Traveling by train from Madison to Charlotte usually takes 35 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 35 hours and 40 minutes.
- Distance
- 709 mi (1141 km)
- Fastest train
- 35h 40m
- Lowest price
- $356.00
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Madison to Charlotte Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Madison to Charlotte?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Madison to Charlotte.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$356.00 | Avg. Price$162.64Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration35h 50m | Duration26h 50mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Madison to Charlotte:
See more detailsPrice trends for trains from Madison to Charlotte
Average train ticket prices from Madison to Charlotte by travel date
Average train ticket prices from Madison to Charlotte by month
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Madison to Charlotte?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Madison to Charlotte. 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.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 35h 50m | $356.00 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Madison to Charlotte every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $356.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Madison to Charlotte
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. You can also take a train for your return trip from Charlotte to Madison. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Madison to Charlotte for $97.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between Madison and Charlotte is approximately 709 miles, or 1141 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 35 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 35 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.
Distance (mi)
709
Distance (km)
1141
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Madison at 1:30pm and arrives in Charlotte around 35 hours later.
First train
1:30pm
Last train
1:50pm
Trains from Madison to Charlotte 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



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.
Charlotte



A mecca for fans of speed in general and for NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is a burgeoning urban center that still retains its southern charm. Even if you are not a hardcore fan of NASCAR, it is still worth taking the time to check it out. Housing more than just plaques dedicated to legendary drivers, the museum also features high-tech exhibits, as well as racing simulators to keep you enthralled. If cars are not your thing, the bustling Uptown area, which houses the city’s top museums such as Discovery Place or Mint Museum Uptown, will offer a day’s worth of interesting facts to enjoy. When you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown, Freedom Park, located about three miles north of the city center, provides a natural refuge where you can recover.
Charlotte’s food scene is brimming with life, as modernized Southern staples take the city by storm. Perhaps the best place to enjoy the tastiest Southern dishes in town is at Price’s Chicken Coop. If you are looking to enjoy some fine barbecues, Midwood Smokehouse or Noble Smoke might have what you need.
Charlotte’s busiest bus station is at W 4th St in the heart of the city, offering bus trips by several carriers like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines to other cities such as Richmond or New York. The city is served by three Amtrak lines: the Crescent, the Carolinian, and the Piedmont. Travelers can catch these trains at the station on Tryon St in Lockwood. The main airport of the city is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the sixth-busiest airport in the country. It is located 6 miles from the city center.
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 Charlotte.
All train stations in Madison:
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
- Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
Where is the train station in Charlotte?
Main arrival station: 1914 N Tryon St

The busiest train station in North Carolina is located at 1914 N Tryon St, slightly northeast of downtown Charlotte. This station is the origin point for the Amtrak Carolinian to New York City and the Amtrak Piedmont to Raleigh. The Amtrak Crescent also stops in Charlotte on its route from New York City to New Orleans. The station has free parking and vending machines onsite, and is close to several stations for the local LYNX light rail.
All train stations in Charlotte:
- 1914 N Tryon St
Need a return trip from Charlotte to Madison?
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