Chicago, IL to Madison, WI train with Amtrak

Tue, Dec 02
+ Add return
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI

Showing times and prices for Dec 02

Cheapest price

$60

Average price

$66

Fastest journey

4 h 20 m

Average duration

4 h 50 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

198 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI will cost around $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Madison, WI on Tue, Dec 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 02 the direct trains cover the 198 km distance in an average of 4 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .

On Tue, Dec 02 the slowest trains will take 5 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak
11:10AM5h20
Chicago, IL
04:30PMMadison, WI
$601One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
08:15PM4h20
Chicago, IL
12:35AMMadison, WI
$711One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, 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 €22. 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 €22, and a flight costs an average of €120.

Distance: 123 miles (198 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€51

Average price

€30

Average price

Cheapest

€270

Average price

3h 23m

Average total duration

2h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 49m

Average total duration

3h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

59m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

United

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Madison, WI train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI trains for today, Monday, December 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:49 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak8:15 PM Chicago, IL
4h20
12:35 AM Madison, WI0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, December 2
amtrak11:10 AM Chicago, IL
5h20
4:30 PM Madison, WI0 transfersDirect

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, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $55 (€44) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 02:30, the last at 17:30. The fastest train covers the 123 miles (198 km) distance in 4h 20m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $27 (€22)
Distance
123 miles (198 km)
Average train duration
2h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
$55 (€44)
Trains per day
3
Fastest train
4h 20m
First train
02:30
Last train
17:30
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $27 (€22)

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Madison, WI from $27 (€22). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 20m
Cheapest Price
$55 (€44)
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $55 (€44), while the average price is around $63 (€51).
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI is 123 miles (198 km).
For a well-rounded visit to Madison, WI, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal. This allows you to explore key attractions such as the Wisconsin State Capitol, the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and enjoy the city's vibrant dining and arts scene.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI is by bus, with a cost of around $27 (€22).
The train from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI takes 4h 20m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI leaves at 2:30 AM.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI leaves at 5:30 PM.
In Madison, WI, you can stroll through the Dane County Farmers' Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods, enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking or relaxing at Lake Mendota, and attend performances at the Overture Center for the Arts. Explore Monroe Street's unique shops and cafes, or take a scenic bike ride along the Capital City State Trail. Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, the Chazen Museum of Art, and the family-friendly Henry Vilas Zoo.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
There is no direct train service currently available from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI is not feasible as the journey duration is 4h 20m. There are 3 trips per day available for trains.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI offers a pleasant view of the Midwest landscape, featuring glimpses of rural farmland, small towns, and natural scenery, though it is not typically considered exceptionally scenic compared to more renowned routes.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI

Chicago
Madison
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Madison.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

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