Train travel is on the rise. Amtrak carried 32.8 million riders in fiscal year 2024 — a 15% jump from 2023 and its highest ridership ever.
The more sustainable, often scenic, and middle seat-less cousin to flying, train travel could play a part in your next vacation. Here’s how.
Stations near us
While Madison doesn’t have an Amtrak station of its own (yet), there are a couple within a short drive:
- Columbus (CBS) | ~45-minute drive
- Portage (POG) | ~50-minute drive
- Milwaukee (MKE) | ~1.5-hour drive
All three include daily and overnight parking.
Meet the Empire Builder
If you’re headed West or towards Chicago from any of these stations, you’ll probably be aboard the Empire Builder.
- WiFi | Though the Empire Builder doesn’t have free WiFi, you are allowed to use your phone the entire ride. Pro tip: Outlets are more accessible in first or business class + sleeper cars.
- Food + Drink | This train offers cafe service (snacks and drinks for purchase) and traditional dining (chef-prepared meals for first class travelers).
- Accommodations | The Empire Builder features upper and lower level coach seats + various private roomettes and bedrooms.
Where it takes you
Maybe you’ll take the midnight train, but you don’t wanna go just anywhere. Check out a few places you can get from all three stations. Prices and travel times vary by trip and station.
- Chicago, IL | ~3-5 hour trip | Coach: $20+ | Private rooms: $150+
- New York, NY | ~25-28-hour trip | Coach: $85+ | Business: $170+ | Private rooms: $600+
- Seattle, WA | ~43-50 hour trip | Coach: $100+ | Business: $300+ | Private rooms: $700+
Just down the track…
As for a station of our own? Madison recently picked its preferred site for a future Amtrak station: Wilson Street. See the spot yourself.
