4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Cheapest price on Aug 30
$66
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$66
Fastest journey on Aug 30
5 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
5 h 35 m
Trains on Aug 30
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 $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI without transferring at least once.
331 Hiawatha Service · 8181 AMTRAK8:25 AM5h35Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL2:00 PMMadison, WI$661One-way1 transfer
- 331 Hiawatha Service · 8181 AMTRAK8:25 AM5h35Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL2:00 PMMadison, WI$661One-way1 transfer
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 an average ticket price of $44 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, while a flight costs an average of $590.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $590 Average price | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 13m Average total duration 3h 13m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI:
A bus is $546 (€442) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI costing on average $590 (€478).
Other travel options to Madison, WI take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 13m.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Madison, WI train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI trains for tomorrow, Sunday, August 30. 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, 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.
Aug 30
Aug 31
Sep 01
Sep 02
Sep 03
Sep 04
Sep 05
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
USAUSA
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) |
First train 2:45 AM |
Last train 5:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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
Most Chicago, IL to Madison, WI trains use the Union Station to Madison, 700 University Ave (Greyhound Bus Stop) station pair, with some services arriving at Madison, Greyhound Bus Stop. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Madison, WI train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Madison, WI leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Which Madison, WI station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Getting to Madison, 700 University Ave (Greyhound Bus Stop) from Madison city centre
Madison, 700 University Ave (Greyhound Bus Stop) train station facilities and services
Madison, 700 University Ave (Greyhound Bus Stop) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Madison, 700 University Ave (Greyhound Bus Stop). ATMs are available at Madison, 700 University Ave (Greyhound Bus Stop).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madison, 700 University Ave (Greyhound Bus Stop).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madison, 700 University Ave (Greyhound Bus Stop): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison, 700 University Ave (Greyhound Bus Stop): Ramp access available.
Getting to Madison, Greyhound Bus Stop from Madison city centre
Madison, Greyhound Bus Stop is 8 km from Madison city centre. Public transport options include:
Madison, Greyhound Bus Stop train station facilities and services
Madison, Greyhound Bus Stop has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are available at Madison, Greyhound Bus Stop.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madison, Greyhound Bus Stop.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madison, Greyhound Bus Stop: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison, Greyhound Bus Stop: Wheelchair accessible.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madison, WI and Chicago, IL
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