The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
3 h 5 m
Average duration
3 h 24 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
198 km
The best way to find a cheap bus 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 $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
Of the 13 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Madison, WI on Mon, Feb 16, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Feb 16 the direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Mon, Feb 16 the slowest buses will take 3 h 40 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.
FlixBus
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FlixBusTravel 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 €20. 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 €20, and a flight costs an average of €174.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€33 Average price Cheapest | €57 Average price | €276 Average price |
3h 48m Average total duration 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration 2h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Chicago, IL to Madison, WI Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Madison, WI bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI buses for tomorrow, Monday, February 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
329 Hiawatha Service · 8179 AMTRAK | 12:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h20 | 5:30 PM Madison, WI | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 1:10 PM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h35 | 6:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 1:10 PM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h15 | 6:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 3:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h45 | 6:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h25 | 6:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h30 | 8:30 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h50 | 8:50 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h20 | 9:50 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h05 | 9:35 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 transfersDirect | |
335 Hiawatha Service · 8183 AMTRAK | 7:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h10 | 11:15 PM Madison, WI | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h40 | 12:40 AM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4h00 | 1:00 AM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
337 Hiawatha Service · 8185 AMTRAK | 9:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h20 | 1:35 AM Madison, WI | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus 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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Why should you book Chicago, IL to Madison, WI buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus, Greyhound or Vangalder Bus to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, flight and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus, Greyhound or Vangalder Bus to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, flight and train to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI run on average 23 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 21 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:30, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 123 miles (198 km) distance in 3h 15m.
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€20) |
Buses per day 23 |
Direct buses 21 |
Fastest bus 3h 15m |
First bus 01:30 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Bus providers: FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound, Vangalder Bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WIYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Madison, WI with FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound, Vangalder Bus for as low as $26 (€20). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Infobus
Greyhound
Vangalder Bus
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Madison, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Wisconsin State Capitol, an iconic building with a stunning dome and guided tours available
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a 16-acre garden featuring diverse plant collections and a Thai pavilion
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, a research facility with extensive trails and ecological communities
- Chazen Museum of Art, a museum with a vast collection of artworks from different periods and cultures
- Henry Vilas Zoo, a family-friendly zoo with a variety of animal exhibits and free admission.
- Stroll through the Dane County Farmers' Market, the largest producer-only farmers' market in the U.S., offering fresh local produce and artisanal goods
- Enjoy outdoor activities at Lake Mendota, where you can kayak, sail, or relax by the lakeside
- Attend a performance at the Overture Center for the Arts, featuring a variety of shows from Broadway productions to local performances
- Explore the vibrant Monroe Street, known for its unique shops, cafes, and local eateries
- Take a bike ride along the Capital City State Trail, offering scenic views and a connection to other regional trails.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
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