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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Showing times and prices for Nov 18
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$54
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h 33 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
198 km
Cheap tickets
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 $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Fast buses
Of the 8 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Madison, WI on Tue, Nov 18, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Nov 18 the direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Tue, Nov 18 the slowest buses will take 3 h 50 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.
06:15AM3h50
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station10:05AMMadison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
$481One-way
0 transfers
07:10AM2h55
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL10:05AMMadison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
$481One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus03:00PM3h40
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station06:40PMMadison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
$531One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus03:00PM4h00
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station07:00PMMadison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI
$531One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus09:15AM3h50
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station01:05PMMadison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI
$531One-way
0 transfers
07:10AM2h55
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL10:05AMMadison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
$481One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus09:15AM3h30
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station12:45PMMadison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
$531One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus03:00PM3h40
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station06:40PMMadison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
$531One-way
0 transfers
06:15AM3h50
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station10:05AMMadison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
$481One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus09:15AM3h50
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station01:05PMMadison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI
$531One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 €22. 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 €22, and a flight costs an average of €120.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€30 Average price Cheapest | €51 Average price | €270 Average price |
3h 49m Average total duration 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration 2h 53m 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 Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Madison, WI bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI buses for today, Monday, November 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 3:12 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h50 | 7:05 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h30 | 6:45 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 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 | |
| Tuesday, November 18 | |||||
| 329 Hiawatha Service · 8179 AMTRAK | 12:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h20 | 5:30 PM Madison, WI | 1 transfer | |
| 12:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h50 | 4:05 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:10 PM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 2h55 | 4:05 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Madison, WI by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI run on average 24 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) if you book in advance.
There are 22 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.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Buses per day 24 |
Direct buses 22 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 01:30 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
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 $27 (€22). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€23)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Price
$47 (€38)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest Price
$32 (€26)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Vangalder Bus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
$40 (€32)
Vangalder Bus frequency
11 a day
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI can start from as little as $36 (€29) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI is $46 (€38); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI is 2 h 35 min to travel the 122 mile (197 km) long journey, with around there are 14 buses per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI leaves at 1: 30AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI leaves at 11: 15PM.
Yes, there are 12 direct buses a day from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI with FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound or Vangalder Bus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
Take the Chicago, IL to Madison, WI bus with FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound or Vangalder Bus. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus companies for the journey to Madison, WI from Chicago, IL as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
A trip to Madison, WI from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 35 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Madison, WI including taking a bus or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI for bus companies FlixBus, Infobus and Greyhound.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Madison, WI are:
- 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.
The best things to do in Madison, WI include:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers FlixBus, Infobus and Greyhound.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI depends on the bus companies:
- 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
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Larger pets may require a separate ticket.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI with the following bus providers: FlixBus, Infobus and Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI with the following bus providers: FlixBus, Infobus and Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI with the following bus providers: FlixBus, Infobus and Greyhound.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Chicago
Madison
The major bus station for departures in Chicago is Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station for your trip from Chicago to Madison.
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station
information
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
information
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station
information
Chicago
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Madison is Madison. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madison for your trip to Madison from Chicago.
Madison
information
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
information
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison)
information
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Madison, WI and Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections to Madison, WI
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