- Must visit
Milwaukee Art Museum
Leading lakefront museum with strong decorative arts, American art, and iconic architecture. It is Milwaukee's signature cultural attraction.
Cheapest price on Oct 21
$22
Average ticket price on Oct 21
$70
Fastest journey on Oct 21
1 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Oct 21
1 h 42 m
Buses on Oct 21
25
Distance
122 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madison, WI to Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI will cost around $70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
On Wed, Oct 21, we found 25 buses from Madison, WI to Milwaukee, WI, including 5 direct services.
On Wed, Oct 21 the direct buses cover the 122 km distance in an average of 1 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 20 m .
On Wed, Oct 21 the slowest buses will take 2 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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FlixBusBuses from Madison, WI to Milwaukee, WI run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:30, the last at 20:00. The fastest bus covers the 75 miles (122 km) distance in 1h 20m.
Distance 75 miles (122 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 1h 20m |
First bus 2:30 AM |
Last bus 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 10:04AM | Duration 7h34 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 10:04AM | Duration 7h19 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 12:42PM | Duration 6h57 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 02:44PM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 02:44PM | Duration 6h54 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 06:27PM | Duration 6h57 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 09:44PM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 09:44PM | Duration 6h54 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 05:53PM | Duration 24h23 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
The table below shows live departures for Madison, WI to Milwaukee, WI buses for today, Tuesday, October 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 1:25 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 1h45 | 3:10 PM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:25 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 2h10 | 3:35 PM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:45 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 1h50 | 3:35 PM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:45 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 1h25 | 3:10 PM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 1h20 | 8:20 PM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Milwaukee, WI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Milwaukee, WI trip today.
Leading lakefront museum with strong decorative arts, American art, and iconic architecture. It is Milwaukee's signature cultural attraction.
Science and technology museum with hands-on exhibits, a dome theater, and major industrial displays. Great for families and curious adults alike.
Large natural and human history museum with dinosaur fossils, the Streets of Old Milwaukee, and cultural collections. A classic city institution.
Revived historic warehouse district with boutiques, galleries, riverwalk access, and handsome architecture. Ideal for strolling and urban photography.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Milwaukee River linking downtown districts. It offers public art, bridges, and some of the city's best easy walks.
Large lakefront park with gardens, blufftop views, and access to North Point Lighthouse. A favorite for relaxing walks and skyline panoramas.
A bratwurst, often grilled and served with sauerkraut and mustard. Milwaukee's strong German heritage makes it one of the city's signature foods.
Beer-battered whitefish or perch, usually served with rye bread, slaw, and potato pancakes. A beloved Friday tradition tied to the city's Catholic and tavern culture.
Fresh cheese curds, often battered and fried. They reflect Wisconsin's dairy identity and are a staple snack in Milwaukee bars and restaurants.
Classic custard stand famed for fresh frozen custard and the Flavor of the Day. Casual, nostalgic, and deeply rooted in Milwaukee tradition.
Upscale supper club and seafood spot celebrated for its Friday fish fry, cocktails, and polished old-school Milwaukee atmosphere.
Traditional tavern and restaurant known for hearty German fare, sausages, and one of the city's classic Friday fish fry experiences.
Moderate for U.S. city breaks: hotels are often cheaper than Chicago, dining is mid-priced, and local transit is limited so visitors may spend more on rideshares or parking.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Round up or tip about 10% for taxis. Cafes often use tip jars or screens; $1-2 or 10-15% is common.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madison, WI to Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madison, WI to Milwaukee, WI buses use the Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) to Milwaukee, Intermodal Station station pair, with some services arriving at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop). Use this guide to compare Madison, WI and Milwaukee, 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.
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.
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station is 1 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafe and vending machines available.
Wi-Fi available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station.
Available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: ADA compliant with elevators and ramps.
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) is 10 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food options are available within the airport terminal.
Wi-Fi is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop). ATMs are aTMs are available in the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop).
Available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): The station is accessible with facilities for disabled passengers.
Milwaukee has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Basic food and drink options are available.
Wi-Fi is available at Milwaukee. ATMs are available at Milwaukee.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee.
Available at Milwaukee: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee: The station is wheelchair accessible.
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