- 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.
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 $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
On Sat, Nov 14, we found 7 buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI, including 5 direct services.
On Sat, Nov 14 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 Sat, Nov 14 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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Buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 if you book in advance.
There are 7 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 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 7 |
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 |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
| 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, Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI buses for tomorrow, Saturday, November 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus | 7:15 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h30 | 12:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 7:15 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h10 | 12:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h45 | 12:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h25 | 12:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 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 | |
![]() | 3:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h40 | 6:40 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
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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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

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, 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.
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.
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, 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 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.
Check bus stations information for Chicago, IL and Madison, WI, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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