- Must visit
Chazen Museum of Art
This free university museum combines art, archaeology, and natural science collections, including rotating exhibitions in a central campus location.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$104
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$106
Fastest journey on Sep 19
22 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 d 1 h 30 m
Buses on Sep 19
6
Distance
1136 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to Madison, WI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Washington, DC to Madison, WI will cost around $106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $104.
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Madison, WI without transferring at least once.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Madison, WI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $135 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 22h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $135, while a bus costs an average of $135.
Distance: 705 miles (1136 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$135 Average price Cheapest | $172 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
22h 35m Average total duration Fastest 22h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Madison, WI:
A bus is $444 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Madison, WI costing on average $580.
Other travel options to Madison, WI take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 5m.
Tickets start at around $135 compared to roughly $172 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $37. The journey takes 22h 5m versus 12h 53m 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 10:05AM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 33h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 26h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 37h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 41h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 37h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Madison, WI 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 23h55 | 12:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 24h15 | 12:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus | 5:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 22h45 | 3:35 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 5:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 23h00 | 3:50 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 1 transfer | |
· · + FlixBus | 11:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 37h55 | 12:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 10:05 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 33h35 | 6:40 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 Washington, DC to Madison, WI run on average 6 times per day, taking around 22h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $87 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:30, the last at 20:00. The fastest bus covers the 705 miles (1136 km) distance in 19h 35m.
Distance 705 miles (1136 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 19h 35m |
First bus 6:30 AM |
Last bus 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Madison, WI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madison, WI trip today.
This free university museum combines art, archaeology, and natural science collections, including rotating exhibitions in a central campus location.
The state's history museum presents Wisconsin stories through artifacts, exhibits, and Capitol Square access that fits easily into downtown sightseeing.
A compact contemporary art museum on State Street known for rotating exhibitions, community programming, and easy access while exploring downtown.
Madison's central promenade links campus and the Capitol with shops, performances, and frequent street life. It is ideal for an easy city walk.
This downtown square surrounds the Capitol and hosts markets, events, and historic facades. It is the heart of Madison's civic life.
A popular lakeside park with a beach, bike paths, skyline views, and summer activity. It is one of the city's best outdoor gathering spots.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Madison, 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 Madison, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Madison, WI buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) station pair, with some services arriving at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison). Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Madison, WI bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Shake Shack (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and food court.
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station.
Available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) is 1 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). ATMs are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Ticket office support is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Sidewalks and crosswalks are wheelchair accessible.
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.
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