- 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 East Lansing, MI 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 East Lansing, MI to Madison, WI will cost around $146 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $146.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 1 buses from East Lansing, MI to Madison, WI, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 402 km distance in an average of 21 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 21 h 20 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 21 h 20 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 East Lansing, MI to Madison, WI run on average 2 times per day, taking around 13h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $85 (€71) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 08:54, the last at 16:20. The fastest bus covers the 249 miles (402 km) distance in 12h 55m.
Distance 249 miles (402 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $85 (€71) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 12h 55m |
First bus 8:54 AM |
Last bus 4:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 2 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from East Lansing, MI to Madison, WI.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:54AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 9h16 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 22h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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 East Lansing, MI 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 East Lansing, MI to Madison, WI buses use the 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 East Lansing, MI and Madison, WI bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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