This page is being updated. For recent news involving this station, click here.
This station also was prominently featured in the "Overnight Traveler" episode of the History Channel's "Extreme Trains" series which first aired Dec. 16. Look for repeats or purchase a DVD from the History Channel.
(Other Amtrak station options: Portage, Wisconsin Dells, and Milwaukee)
359 Ludington (Business U.S. 151)
920/623-3831 (station information only)
800-USA RAIL or www.amtrak.com (train arrival and departure information)
Trains Serving: The Empire Builder, Chicago-Seattle/Portland via Minneapolis-St. Paul. One train a day in each direction at 12:35 p.m. (to Milwaukee and Chicago) and 5:00 p.m. (to Seattle/Portland). Check Amtrak for today's arrival and departure information. Check current printed timetables for time for future trips; schedules also available online at www.amtrak.com
(For more information on this train, click here).
Directions: Located three blocks east of the center of downtown on the main east-west street. It is well marked by signs and large track-crossing gates.
Ticket Office: Yes.
Hours: Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., including Saturdays and Sundays.(Note: The office -- but not the waiting room -- may be closed for 15-20 minutes after the departure of the eastbound train.)
SERVICES
Parking: Free parking is provided next to the station, and the lot is routinely patrolled by Columbus police. If leaving your car, notify the ticket agent of the date of your return.
Waiting room: open during posted office hours and when trains are late; heated in winter.
Restrooms: Yes. Heated in winter. No air conditioning.
Checked baggage service: Yes.
Pay phone: Outside, 920/623-3143 for outgoing and incoming calls, with phone book
Newspapers: Vending machine only
In area: There are restaurants within walking distance -- 3 to 4 blocks, including one just on the other side of the tracks from the station. All others are located in the downtown area, as are other retail stores (drug, etc.) for any last-minute purchases. See the large wall map in the waiting room for specific locations.
Special features:
Bring your camera to take photos of the attractive station exterior and interior. You can quickly imagine what it would have been like to have departed or arrived from here throughout most anytime in the 20th Century, including both peacetime and wartime.
Look closely at the waiting room benches, and the distinctive arrow design at the ends. These benches have been used in the station since the days of the Milwaukee Road's famous Hiawatha trains served Columbus, on record-setting runs between Chicago and the Twin Cities.
Allow extra time for a visit to the Farmers and Merchants Union Bank, 159 W. James St., about two blocks from the station. Its "Jewel Box" design was one of the earliest commissions of renowned architect Louis Sullivan. Ask inside for an Architectural Walking Tour booklet, and take the tour of historic downtown architecture. Booklets also available at Columbus City Hall and the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.
Tip: If headed west, be sure to be on the platform across the tracks before the train pulls in. There's otherwise no access to that side of the track until the train departs. It's best not to stand anywhere on the platform when a high-speed freight comes through, as the suction of the passing train can send rocks and other debris flying.
For Amtrak's own summary of station services here, go to station services
(Note: Amtrak also has stations in two other cities named Columbus -- Georgia and Ohio.)
BUS SERVICE
Columbus is not served by any bus lines.
TAXI SERVICE BETWEEN MADISON AND COLUMBUS
Columbus now has one licensed taxi service. For more information, contact Columbus Cab at
920/623-0000.
Among your other options for intercity trips (to Sun Prairie, Madison and other communities in the Madison area) are two Madison-based taxi services: Union Cab of Madison at 608/242-2000 and Madison Taxi at 608/258-7458.
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