- 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.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$48
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$54
Fastest journey on Aug 29
7 h
Average journey duration on Aug 29
7 h 58 m
Buses on Aug 29
6
Distance
456 km
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 $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 6 buses from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 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 Sat, Aug 29 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.
FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 an average ticket price of $57 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 5m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, while a flight costs an average of $269.
Distance: 283 miles (456 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$57 Average price Cheapest | $269 Average price | $101 Average price |
8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 5m Average total duration Fastest 5h 5m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 12h 19m Average total duration 11h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN:
A bus is $44 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $101.
A bus is $212 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $269.
Other travel options to Indianapolis, IN take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 36m.
Train takes on average 11h 49m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
The table below shows live departures for Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| 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 | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
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 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 Indianapolis, IN run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $45 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.
Distance 283 miles (456 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Indianapolis, IN — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Indianapolis, IN trip today.
World-class children's museum with science, history, dinosaurs, sports, and immersive exhibits. One of Indianapolis's signature attractions for all ages.
Leading art museum set on the Newfields campus, with major collections from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America plus temporary exhibitions.
Museum and restored home of the 23rd U.S. president. Guided visits reveal politics, domestic life, and architecture from the late 1800s.
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.
Historic city center surrounding the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. A signature urban space for architecture, events, and classic downtown views.
Popular cultural trail linking downtown districts with public art, bike lanes, and green streetscape design. Perfect for exploring the city on foot.
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.
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.
Shrimp cocktail in Indianapolis style features chilled shrimp with very spicy tomato-horseradish sauce. St. Elmo made this fiery version a city dining icon.
Established fine-dining restaurant serving seasonal Midwestern cuisine with polished service. Known for refined plates and a warm, contemporary atmosphere.
Historic downtown steakhouse famous for aged steaks and the city's iconic fiery shrimp cocktail. Classic, upscale atmosphere with longstanding local prestige.
Long-running Indianapolis institution known for classic steaks, seafood, and old-school service. A traditional downtown choice with historic local character.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are mid-range, while transit is limited so many visitors use rideshare or rental cars.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Small cafe tips are appreciated but optional.
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.

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.
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.
Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building). ATMs are available at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building).
Ticket office support is available at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building).
Available at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) 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 is available throughout the station. ATMs are aTM is located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station): The station is wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need