- Must visit
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
World-class children's museum with science, history, dinosaurs, sports, and immersive exhibits. One of Indianapolis's signature attractions for all ages.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN
Showing times and prices for Jul 15
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
7 h
Average duration
7 h 58 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
456 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis, IN will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Fast buses
Of the 6 buses that leave Madison, WI for Indianapolis, IN on Wed, Jul 15, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct buses cover the 456 km distance in an average of 7 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest buses will take 8 h 50 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.
FlixBus7:00 AM7h00Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)3:00 PMIndianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN$491One-way0 transfers- FlixBus6:45 AM7h15Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI3:00 PMIndianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN$491One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus+
1:45 PM13h30Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)4:15 AMIndianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station)$561One-way1 transfer - · 7:00 PM8h15Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI4:15 AMIndianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station)$571One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:45 PM8h30Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)11:15 PMIndianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN$721One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus7:00 AM7h00Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)3:00 PMIndianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN$491One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus6:45 AM7h15Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI3:00 PMIndianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN$491One-way0 transfers
- · 7:00 PM8h15Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI4:15 AMIndianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station)$571One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:45 PM8h30Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)11:15 PMIndianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN$721One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:25 PM8h50Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI11:15 PMIndianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN$721One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, flight, and train for Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $53, and a flight costs an average of $194.
Distance: 283 miles (456 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price Cheapest | $319 Average price | $84 Average price |
8h 17m Average total duration 7h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 51m Average total duration Fastest 5h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 19m Average total duration 11h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN is a bus with an average price of $78 (€64).
This is compared to other travel options from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $84 (€69).
A bus is $242 (€199) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $319 (€263).
The fastest way to travel from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 51m.
Other travel options to Indianapolis, IN take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 47m.
Train takes on average 11h 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madison, WI and Indianapolis, IN including taking a bus, flight, and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users.
Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 36h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Live departures
Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:25 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 8h50 | 11:15 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 8h30 | 11:15 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus+ | 1:45 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 13h30 | 4:15 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
| · | 7:00 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 8h15 | 4:15 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
| FlixBus | 6:45 AM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 7h15 | 3:00 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:00 AM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 7h00 | 3:00 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN by bus, flight, or train
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.
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Why should you book Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Vangalder Bus or Badger Bus offer buses services from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Vangalder Bus or Badger Bus to find the best option for your trip from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, flight and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, flight and train to find the ideal travel option from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN
USAUSA
Buses from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN run on average 8 times per day, taking around 7h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $53 (€44) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:15, the last at 21:35. The fastest bus covers the 283 miles (456 km) distance in 7h 0m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 283 miles (456 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€44) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus, Vangalder Bus, Badger Bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, INYou can travel by bus between Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN with FlixBus, Vangalder Bus, Badger Bus for as low as $53 (€44). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 0m
Cheapest Price
$53 (€44)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Vangalder Bus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 20m
Cheapest Price
$89 (€73)
Vangalder Bus frequency
2 a day
Badger Bus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 40m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€65)
Badger Bus frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Indianapolis
Things to do in Indianapolis
Discover the best of Indianapolis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Indianapolis trip today.
- Must visit
Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Leading art museum set on the Newfields campus, with major collections from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America plus temporary exhibitions.
- Recommended
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Museum and restored home of the 23rd U.S. president. Guided visits reveal politics, domestic life, and architecture from the late 1800s.
- Must visit
Central Canal
Pedestrian-friendly downtown canal lined with museums, public art, and boats. Ideal for a scenic walk and one of the city's most popular areas.
- Must visit
Monument Circle
Historic city center surrounding the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. A signature urban space for architecture, events, and classic downtown views.
- Must visit
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Popular cultural trail linking downtown districts with public art, bike lanes, and green streetscape design. Perfect for exploring the city on foot.
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Indiana pork tenderloin sandwich is a breaded, fried cutlet served on a bun, often comically oversized. It is a beloved statewide classic common in Indianapolis pubs and diners.
- Vegetarian
Sugar Cream Pie
Sugar cream pie is Indiana's state pie, made with cream, sugar, and nutmeg. Its simple farm-pantry origins make it a traditional Hoosier dessert tied closely to local identity.
- Gluten-free
St. Elmo-Style Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail in Indianapolis style features chilled shrimp with very spicy tomato-horseradish sauce. St. Elmo made this fiery version a city dining icon.
Vida
Established fine-dining restaurant serving seasonal Midwestern cuisine with polished service. Known for refined plates and a warm, contemporary atmosphere.
St. Elmo Steak House
Historic downtown steakhouse famous for aged steaks and the city's iconic fiery shrimp cocktail. Classic, upscale atmosphere with longstanding local prestige.
Harry & Izzy's
Long-running Indianapolis institution known for classic steaks, seafood, and old-school service. A traditional downtown choice with historic local character.
United States Dollar ($)
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are mid-range, while transit is limited so many visitors use rideshare or rental cars.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-$18 for fast food or a casual meal.
- Mid-range
- $20-$40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $3-$6 for coffee or a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Small cafe tips are appreciated but optional.
FAQs: Bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis, IN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN can start from as little as $53 (€44) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN is $78 (€64) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN is 7h 0m to travel the 283 miles (456 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN leaves at 2:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN leaves at 9:35 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN, you can count on FlixBus, Vangalder Bus, Badger Bus for the best way to get you to Indianapolis, IN. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Madison, WI and Indianapolis, IN and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Indianapolis, IN from Madison, WI is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madison, WI and Indianapolis, IN including taking a bus, flight, and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Indianapolis, IN are:
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a historic racing circuit known for hosting the Indianapolis 500
- The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the world's largest children's museum featuring interactive exhibits
- Indianapolis Zoo, a popular attraction with diverse animal exhibits and a botanical garden
- Indiana State Museum, showcasing the state's history, art, and science through various exhibits
- White River State Park, a sprawling urban park offering trails, gardens, and cultural attractions.
The best things to do in Indianapolis, IN include:
- Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, a vast art museum with extensive collections and beautiful gardens
- Attend a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the iconic Indy 500
- Explore the interactive exhibits and educational programs at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
- Visit the dolphin pavilion and animal habitats at the Indianapolis Zoo
- Enjoy a walk along the canal and cultural attractions at White River State Park.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Madison, WI nor Indianapolis, IN are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Indianapolis, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in busy areas like downtown and near major event venues. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi or rideshare drivers and distraction tactics used to steal belongings. It's advised to use authorized transportation services, avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night, and keep valuables secure.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN
Most Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN buses use the Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) to Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building) station pair, with some services arriving at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station). Use this guide to compare Madison, WI and Indianapolis, IN bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Madison
Arrival bus stations in Indianapolis
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison)
City-centre transport
Getting to Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) from Madison city centre
Bus28, 38, 65 · 6m · $2 · every ~7 min
Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building)
Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station)
Most popular bus connections from Madison, WI
More options for your journey from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Indianapolis, IN and Madison, WI
Most popular bus connections to Indianapolis, IN
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