Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $215.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $354 Average price | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 46m Average total duration 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI:
A bus is $310 (€249) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI costing on average $354 (€285).
Other travel options to Madison, WI take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 54m.
Bus takes on average 3h 16m.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Madison, WI train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
331 Hiawatha Service · 8181 AMTRAK | 8:25 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h35 | 2:00 PM Madison, WI | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Madison, WI by bus or flight
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Take a train from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI and enjoy the approximately 123 miles (198 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 02:45, the last at 17:30.
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average train duration 2h 54m |
Trains per day 3 |
First train 2:45 AM |
Last train 5:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Madison, WI from $24 (€19). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Madison, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
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