- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$28
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$29
Fastest journey on Sep 14
2 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
3 h 26 m
Buses on Sep 14
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 $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 5 buses from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL, including 5 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 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.
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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 an average ticket price of $41 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, while a flight costs an average of $578.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$41 Average price Cheapest | $578 Average price | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 22m Average total duration 3h 22m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $538 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average $578.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 23m.
Tickets start at around $41 compared to roughly $35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-5.91. The journey takes 3h 23m versus 2h 21m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility 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 $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
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 Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
The table below shows live departures for Madison, WI to Chicago, IL buses for today, Sunday, September 13. 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 | 3h05 | 10:05 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 8 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 if you book in advance.
There are 8 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 45m.
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 2h 45m |
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 Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago. 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.
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.
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.
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