The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
4 h 20 m
Average duration
4 h 20 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
198 km
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 $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Madison, WI on Tue, Mar 03, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Mar 03 the direct trains cover the 198 km distance in an average of 4 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
On Tue, Mar 03 the slowest trains will take 4 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 $26. 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 $26, and a flight costs an average of $218.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $346 Average price |
3h 24m Average total duration 2h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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, March 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:15 PM Chicago, IL | 4h20 | 1:35 AM Madison, WI | 0 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, flight, or train
Compare bus, flight, and train 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
Trains from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $69 (€55) but you can travel from only $26 (€20) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:45, the last at 17:30. The fastest train covers the 123 miles (198 km) distance in 4h 20m.
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average train duration 2h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $69 (€55) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 4h 20m |
First train 02:45 |
Last train 17:30 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Madison, WI from $26 (€20). 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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