The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
- Cheapest price on Nov 02
- €22
- Average ticket price on Nov 02
- €44
- Fastest journey on Nov 02
- 3 h 5 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 02
- 3 h 27 m
- Buses on Nov 02
- 10
- Distance
- 198 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL to Madison, WI will cost around €44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €22.
On Mon, Nov 02, we found 10 buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI, including 5 direct services.
On Mon, Nov 02 the direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest buses will take 3 h 45 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.
FlixBus12:30 PM 3h20 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station 3:50 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI €22 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus12:30 PM 3h05 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station 3:35 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) €22 1 One-way 0 transfers
3:00 PM 3h40 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station 6:40 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI €30 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus9:00 AM 3h45 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station 12:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI €47 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus9:00 AM 3h25 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station 12:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) €47 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus12:30 PM 3h05 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station 3:35 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) €22 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus12:30 PM 3h20 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station 3:50 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI €22 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus9:00 AM 3h25 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station 12:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) €47 1 One-way 0 transfers
3:00 PM 3h40 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station 6:40 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI €30 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus9:00 AM 3h45 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station 12:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI €47 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €19 if you book in advance.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:30, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 198 km distance in 2h 35m.
Distance 198 km |
Average bus duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 1:30 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Frequently asked questions about your Chicago, IL to Madison, WI trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Madison, WI bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI buses for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 7:15 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h30 | 12:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 7:15 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h10 | 12:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h25 | 12:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h45 | 12:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h05 | 3:35 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h20 | 3:50 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h40 | 6:40 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
337 Hiawatha Service · 8185 Connecting Bus | 3:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h20 | 7:35 PM Madison, WI | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Chicago, IL to Madison, WI buses with Omio?
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 Greyhound or Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
- 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, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound or Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
Bus providers: FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WIYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Madison, WI with FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus for as low as €19. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Infobus
Greyhound
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Chicago, IL and Madison, WI
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- 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.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL 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.

popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Most Chicago, IL to Madison, WI buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) station pair, with some services arriving at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Madison, WI bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do buses to Madison, WI leave from?
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Getting to Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station from Chicago city centre
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station is 21 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station bus station facilities and services
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Wheelchair accessible with elevator service.
Getting to Chicago from Chicago city centre
Chicago is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago bus station facilities and services
Chicago has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Fast food outlets are available.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Which Madison, WI station do buses from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Getting to Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) from Madison city centre
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) 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 and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison). ATMs are available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison): Bus station is accessible for wheelchairs.
Getting to Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) from Madison city centre
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) bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
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).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride): Accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Getting to Madison from Madison city centre
Madison bus station facilities and services
Madison has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Madison.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madison.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madison: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison: Wheelchair access available.
Bus stations for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Check bus stations information for Chicago, IL and Madison, WI, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

