Cheap train tickets from Milwaukee to Madison
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Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Milwaukee to Madison. Traveling by train from Milwaukee to Madison usually takes 11 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 56 minutes.
| Distance | 75 mi (122 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 56m |
| Lowest price | $35.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Milwaukee to Madison Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Milwaukee to Madison?
There are usually 34 daily bus trips available from Milwaukee to Madison.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$64.90 | Avg. Price$23.92Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips34 |
Duration | Duration11h 3m | Duration1h 42mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Milwaukee to Madison:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Madison?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Madison was $62.38. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $5.87 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to Madison by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to Madison will cost between $60 and $68. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to Madison by month
Taking the train from Milwaukee to Madison usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $65 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Milwaukee to Madison doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from Milwaukee to Madison?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Milwaukee to Madison. However, there are 7 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 7 | 11h 3m | $64.90 |
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 7 Amtrak trains from Milwaukee to Madison every day, as well as 22 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $35.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Milwaukee to Madison
There are 7 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 Madison to Milwaukee. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Milwaukee to Madison for $20.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
0
The distance between Milwaukee and Madison is approximately 75 miles, or 122 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 56 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
Distance (mi)
75
Distance (km)
122
The earliest train departs Milwaukee at 7:24am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:45pm. 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
7:24am
Last train
7:45pm
Trains from Milwaukee to Madison are the most crowded on Friday. 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.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Saturday
City Information
Milwaukee
Nestling on the banks of the great Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some of the most scenic views around, making it every photographer’s perfect destination. Boasting 85 miles of scenic waterfront bike lanes, Milwaukee is the perfect spot to ride a bike and enjoy the sunset together with your friends. It is also the home of the Harley Davidson Museum, a vast waterfront gallery that offers 11 permanent exhibitions. The museum features not only bikes but also special items such as a whole engine room, making it a must-visit spot for bike enthusiasts. If you are not interested in bikes, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, offers many wondrous shots.
Milwaukee’s famous German bratwursts are a must-try for all visitors, and the best place to enjoy this dish is Usinger’s. Other similar establishments include Mader’s and Milwaukee Public Market. For authentic American eats, Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-In offers amazing sloppy-joe burgers.
The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the city’s main transportation hub. Visitors can catch both buses and trains at this location. The city is served by two airports. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the southern edge of the city handles commercial flights, while the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in the northwest handles private flights.
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 Milwaukee?
Main departure station: Airport - 5601 S 6th St
The Milwaukee Airport Rail Station is located on the western edge of the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The station serves as a rail link for the airport and also as a more accessible transport link for residents living in the south of Milwaukee compared to the central Intermodal Station. Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service is the only train that operates at the station and runs northwards to downtown Milwaukee and southwards to Chicago Union Station, where passengers can change for travel across the entire Midwest region. The airport station also has a shuttle service to the airport terminal.
All train stations in Milwaukee:
- Airport - 5601 S 6th St
- Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
Where is the train station in Madison?
Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Madison receives travelers from Milwaukee at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Madison:
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
- Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
Need a return trip from Madison to Milwaukee?
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