- Must visit
Chazen Museum of Art
This free university museum combines art, archaeology, and natural science collections, including rotating exhibitions in a central campus location.
Cheapest price on Sep 30
$30
Average ticket price on Sep 30
$33
Fastest journey on Sep 30
3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 30
3 h 27 m
Buses on Sep 30
7
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 $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
On Wed, Sep 30, we found 7 buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI, including 5 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 30 the direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Wed, Sep 30 the slowest buses will take 3 h 45 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.
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FlixBus| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI buses for today, Tuesday, September 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h40 | 6:40 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, September 30 | |||||
+ FlixBus | 7:10 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h35 | 12:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 7:10 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h15 | 12:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h25 | 12:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h45 | 12:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h20 | 3:50 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h05 | 3:35 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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.
Buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 9 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 2h 35m.
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 1:30 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Madison, WI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madison, WI trip today.
This free university museum combines art, archaeology, and natural science collections, including rotating exhibitions in a central campus location.
The state's history museum presents Wisconsin stories through artifacts, exhibits, and Capitol Square access that fits easily into downtown sightseeing.
A compact contemporary art museum on State Street known for rotating exhibitions, community programming, and easy access while exploring downtown.
Madison's central promenade links campus and the Capitol with shops, performances, and frequent street life. It is ideal for an easy city walk.
This downtown square surrounds the Capitol and hosts markets, events, and historic facades. It is the heart of Madison's civic life.
A popular lakeside park with a beach, bike paths, skyline views, and summer activity. It is one of the city's best outdoor gathering spots.
Bratwurst is a Wisconsin staple, often grilled and served on a hard roll with mustard and sauerkraut, reflecting the state's strong German heritage.
Fresh cheese curds are young cheddar curds known for their squeak. They are a signature Wisconsin dairy snack, often eaten plain or fried.
A Friday fish fry features battered or breaded fish with fries, coleslaw, and rye bread. It is a long-standing Wisconsin supper club and tavern tradition.
Refined farm-to-table restaurant serving seasonal tasting menus and polished New American dishes in an intimate setting.
Historic Madison spot known for burgers, cheese curds, and a classic fish fry in a casual tavern setting near the Capitol.
Popular casual restaurant and bar offering Wisconsin comfort food, brunch, beer, and cheese-focused dishes in a lively downtown space.
Moderate for a US college city: hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is affordable, and many casual food options keep daily costs reasonable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is good.
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.

Most Chicago, IL to Madison, WI buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) station pair, with some services arriving at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Madison, WI bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago.
Available at Chicago: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station is 21 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Wheelchair accessible with elevator service.
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) is 8 km from Madison city centre. Public transport options include:
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride). ATMs are available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride).
Ticket office support is available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride).
Available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride): Accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison). ATMs are available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison).
Ticket office support is available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison).
Available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison): Bus station is accessible for wheelchairs.
Madison has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Madison.
Ticket office support is available at Madison.
Available at Madison: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison: Wheelchair access available.
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