Trains from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI

Easily compare and book your next trip with Busbud

Trusted by 65M+ travellers every year looking for bus and train tickets
Serving 2M+ bus and train routes in more than 80 countries
Dedicated customer service from booking to travel
TueApr 30
from US$47
WedMay 1
from US$47
ThuMay 2
from US$47
FriMay 3
from US$47
SatMay 4
from US$44
SunMay 5
from US$44
MonMay 6
TueMay 7

Next departures to Chicago

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest
    Departure time: April 30 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: April 30 at
    Destination city: Madison
    Destination location: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: Duration:
    US$47
  • This trip is recommended because it is the: 2nd Cheapest
    Departure time: April 30 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: April 30 at
    Destination city: Madison
    Destination location: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: Duration:
    US$47
  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Fastest
    Departure time: April 30 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: April 30 at
    Destination city: Madison
    Destination location: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: Duration:
    US$50
  • Departure time: April 30 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: April 30 at
    Destination city: Madison
    Destination location: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: Duration:
    US$47
Train Chicago to Madison: Trip Overview

Train Chicago to Madison: Trip Overview

Average Ticket PriceUS$47
Average train trip duration4h 10m
Number of daily trains4
Earliest train departure6:10 AM
Distance196 km
Latest train departure3:15 PM
Please note, this information is subject to change
Train companies

Train companies

According to customer reviews, the bus service had some issues with overcrowding as there were too many tickets sold and people had to stand. However, overall it was a good experience. Some customers mentioned that the directions on where to board the bus at Union Station in Chicago could have been clearer, specifically indicating Canal Street as a boarding location.

Amtrak Chicago Madison recent customer reviews

Just an average bus ride, nothing much to say

Lily L.January 23, 2024

I guess they had sold too many tickets: the bus was full and some people had to stand.

Annastiina L.August 3, 2022

Overall a good experience, however the directions on where to board the bus at Union Station in Chicago could have been more clear. Would have been helpful if it simply said somewhere to board on Canal Street.

Justin W.June 16, 2022
US train company: Brightline

Chicago to Madison Trains

Information about this train trip

Daily Trains4
Earliest and Latest Train Departures6:10AM - 3:15PM
Minimum PriceUS$44
Average Ticket PriceUS$47
Minimum Trip Duration3h15m
Average Train Trip Duration4h10m
Distance196 km
Train Companies on This RouteAmtrak
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions on the trip Chicago - Madison

The average train ticket price from Chicago to Madison is US$47. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to Madison is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

A train trip between Chicago and Madison is around 4h 10m, although the fastest train will take about 3h 15m. This is the time it takes to travel the 199 km that separates the two cities.

The number of trains from Chicago to Madison can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 4. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Madison by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

When taking the train from Chicago to Madison, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
04-27
US$42
Today
US$42
04-29
US$42
04-30
No data
05-01
US$42
05-02
No data
05-03
US$42
05-04
US$42
The cheapest trip from Chicago to Madison was searched and found on Apr 27, 2024 with a price of US$42

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to Madison, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from US$42 to US$47 for a train ticket from Chicago to Madison based on the last 1 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at US$42 which is on 2024-04-29.

About Train Travel

Train Travel Tips

There are many train stations in the world, check out the station pages on Busbud to get all information you need.

No matter if you plan to take a regional or high-speed train to Madison, the planet will thank you. You’ll help to protect the beautiful landscapes that will unfold before your very eyes.

By choosing the train between Chicago and Madison, you emit up to 30 times less CO2 than for the same journey made by plane or car!

Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your train trip from Chicago to Madison while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.

Did you know?

Japanese trains are always on time, it is extremely infrequent to see breakdowns during peak periods. In the event of a delay of more than 5 minutes, the crew will personally apologize to each passenger.

Some trains in Sweden can recover more than a fifth of the energy they use by braking. This is especially true with ore trains as they descend from Narvik to Kiruna.

The first high-speed train line was inaugurated in 1964, in Japan, to connect Tokyo with Osaka. It was during the Olympics that the first passengers travelled aboard the Shinkansen at a speed of 210 km / h.

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. Use Busbud to book your trip online, in your own language and currency, wherever you are. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.