- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h 28 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
198 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL will cost around $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Of the 5 buses that leave Madison, WI for Chicago, IL on Fri, Jul 31, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 4 h 10 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
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $216.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$41 Average price Cheapest | $355 Average price | $66 Average price | $34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 56m Average total duration 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $25 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average $66 (€54).
A bus is $314 (€258) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average $355 (€291).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 58m.
Bus takes on average 3h 26m.
You'll arrive about -2h -5m sooner (3h 26m by bus vs 2h 21m by car) and save roughly $-6.78 (€-5.56) compared to fuel and tolls ($41 (€33) vs $34 (€28)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus, Vangalder Bus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 02:34PM | Duration 26h04 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:21PM | Duration 25h51 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $25 |
The table below shows live departures for Madison, WI to Chicago, IL buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 6:45 AM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 3h10 | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:00 AM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 2h55 | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:25 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 4h10 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:45 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 3h50 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 3h15 | 10:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 15 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 10m.
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 15 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 1:30 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madison, WI to Chicago, IL buses use the Madison to Chicago station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Madison, WI and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need