- Must visit
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Major downtown museum with science, history, and culture exhibits, plus a planetarium and traveling shows for all ages.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madison, WI to Grand Rapids, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €86 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 3m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €86, while a flight costs an average of €517.
Distance: 188 miles (304 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€86 Average price Cheapest | €517 Average price | €54 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
13h 40m Average total duration 13h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 54m 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 Grand Rapids, MI:
A bus is €432 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madison, WI to Grand Rapids, MI costing on average €517.
Other travel options to Grand Rapids, MI take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 10m.
Tickets start at around €86 compared to roughly €54 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-31.34. The journey takes 13h 10m versus 4h 54m 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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:10AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €123 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 03:34AM | Duration 9h34 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price €67 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 18h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €54 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 04:34AM | Duration 9h34 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 19h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €97 |
The table below shows live departures for Madison, WI to Grand Rapids, MI buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:55 PM Madison, WI | 19h15 | 7:10 PM Grand Rapids, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Madison, WI to Grand Rapids, MI run on average 1 times per day, taking around 13h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €55 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 20:00. The fastest bus covers the 188 miles (304 km) distance in 12h 55m.
Distance 188 miles (304 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price €55 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 12h 55m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Grand Rapids, MI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Grand Rapids, MI trip today.
Major downtown museum with science, history, and culture exhibits, plus a planetarium and traveling shows for all ages.
Leading art museum featuring American and European works, design, and rotating exhibitions in a striking modern building.
Presidential museum with exhibits on Gerald Ford, American politics, and major twentieth-century events on the riverfront.
Lively downtown square hosting concerts, festivals, seasonal events, and public art in the heart of Grand Rapids.
Historic residential district filled with Victorian and early twentieth-century homes, ideal for architecture walks and quiet exploration.
Popular lookout in a hilltop park offering one of the best panoramic views of the Grand Rapids skyline.
A Dutch pastry with two thin waffles and caramel syrup inside. Grand Rapids reflects West Michigan's Dutch heritage, so it is a beloved local treat.
Dense spiced cookie bars tied to Dutch baking traditions in West Michigan. Often enjoyed around holidays and found in local bakeries and markets.
A flaky Dutch pastry filled with almond paste. It is a classic regional favorite in Grand Rapids due to the area's strong Dutch immigrant roots.
Upscale American restaurant with polished service, seasonal ingredients, and an elegant dining room inside a restored historic building.
Beloved neighborhood spot for inventive tacos, tequila, and a vibrant atmosphere. A longtime local favorite for casual dining.
Historic downtown brewery known for classic Grand Rapids craft beer and hearty pub fare in a lively, landmark setting.
Moderate for U.S. city breaks: hotels and dining are mid-priced, parking adds costs, and local transit is limited so many visitors use cars or rideshares.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee is common at cafes and bars.
Official public transport app
Grand Rapids Greyhound Terminal -> Rosa Parks Circle, Grand Rapids, MI
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madison, WI to Grand Rapids, MI 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 Grand Rapids, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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