4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€27
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€40
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 27 m
Buses on Sep 18
11
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 €40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €27.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 11 buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI, including 5 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 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 Fri, Sep 18 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 PM3h20Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3:50 PMMadison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI€271One-way0 transfers- FlixBus12:30 PM3h05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3:35 PMMadison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)€271One-way0 transfers
3:00 PM3h40Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station6:40 PMMadison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI€291One-way0 transfers- FlixBus9:00 AM3h45Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station12:45 PMMadison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI€301One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus9:00 AM3h25Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station12:25 PMMadison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)€301One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus12:30 PM3h05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3:35 PMMadison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)€271One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus12:30 PM3h20Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3:50 PMMadison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI€271One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus9:00 AM3h25Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station12:25 PMMadison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)€301One-way0 transfers
- 3:00 PM3h40Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station6:40 PMMadison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI€291One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus9:00 AM3h45Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station12:45 PMMadison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI€301One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €28 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €28, while a flight costs an average of €272.
Distance: 198 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€28 Average price Cheapest | €54 Average price | €272 Average price | €28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 46m Average total duration 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration 2h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI:
A bus is €26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI costing on average €54.
A bus is €243 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI costing on average €272.
Other travel options to Madison, WI take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 54m.
Bus takes on average 3h 16m.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Madison, WI bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 329 · 8179 | 6:10 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h20 | 11:30 AM Madison, WI | 1 transfer | |
| +FlixBus | 7:10 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h15 | 12:25 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 1 transfer | |
| +FlixBus | 7:10 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h35 | 12:45 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 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 | |
| 335 · 8183 | 1:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h10 | 5:15 PM Madison, WI | 1 transfer | |
| 3:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h40 | 6:40 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 337 · 8185 | 3:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h20 | 7:35 PM Madison, WI | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Madison, WI by bus, train, or flight
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.
Sep 17
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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 Infobus, Greyhound or Vangalder Bus 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 Infobus, Greyhound or Vangalder Bus 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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.
There are 13 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:30, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 198 km distance in 3h 20m.
Distance 198 km |
Average bus duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
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 |
Bus providers: FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound, Vangalder Bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WIYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Madison, WI with FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound, Vangalder Bus for as low as €18. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Infobus
Greyhound
Vangalder Bus
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.
- 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.
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 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.
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.
Which Madison, WI station do buses from Chicago, IL arrive at?
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, 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 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.
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
Travel to popular destinations by train, bus or flight
Most popular trains to and from Madison, WI and Chicago, IL
Most popular buses to and from Madison, WI and Chicago, IL
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