The cheapest and fastest buses from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
- Cheapest price on Nov 13
- €29
- Average ticket price on Nov 13
- €42
- Fastest journey on Nov 13
- 2 h 55 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 13
- 3 h 14 m
- Buses on Nov 13
- 31
- Distance
- 198 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL will cost around €42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €29.
On Fri, Nov 13, we found 31 buses from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL, including 29 direct services.
On Fri, Nov 13 the direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Fri, Nov 13 the slowest buses will take 3 h 30 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.
FlixBus6:45 AM 3h10 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station €29 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus7:00 AM 2h55 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station €29 1 One-way 0 transfers
7:00 PM 3h05 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI 10:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station €33 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus1:45 PM 3h50 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station €38 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus1:25 PM 4h10 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station €38 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus7:00 AM 2h55 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station €29 1 One-way 0 transfers
7:00 PM 3h05 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI 10:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station €33 1 One-way 0 transfers
FlixBus6:45 AM 3h10 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station €29 1 One-way 0 transfers
8974 Connecting Bus4:50 PM 3h30 Madison, WI 8:20 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL €42 1 One-way 0 transfers
8964 Connecting Bus10:50 AM 3h30 Madison, WI 2:20 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL €42 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Buses from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €19 if you book in advance.
There are 6 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 55m.
Distance 198 km |
Average bus duration 3h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 2h 55m |
First bus 1:30 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Frequently asked questions about your Madison, WI to Chicago, IL trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL.
Live departures
Madison, WI to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madison, WI to Chicago, IL buses for today, Thursday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8982 Connecting Bus | 1:30 AM Madison, WI | 3h50 | 5:20 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8982 Connecting Bus | 1:45 AM Madison, WI | 3h35 | 5:20 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8956 Connecting Bus | 2:30 AM Madison, WI | 4h00 | 6:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8956 Connecting Bus | 2:45 AM Madison, WI | 3h45 | 6:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8976 Connecting Bus | 4:30 AM Madison, WI | 4h10 | 8:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8976 Connecting Bus | 4:45 AM Madison, WI | 3h55 | 8:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8960 Connecting Bus | 5:30 AM Madison, WI | 4h05 | 9:35 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8960 Connecting Bus | 5:45 AM Madison, WI | 3h50 | 9:35 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:45 AM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 3h10 | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:00 AM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 2h55 | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
8962 Connecting Bus | 7:30 AM Madison, WI | 4h00 | 11:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8962 Connecting Bus | 7:50 AM Madison, WI | 3h40 | 11:30 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8970 Connecting Bus | 8:30 AM Madison, WI | 4h00 | 12:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8970 Connecting Bus | 8:50 AM Madison, WI | 3h40 | 12:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8964 Connecting Bus | 10:30 AM Madison, WI | 3h50 | 2:20 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8964 Connecting Bus | 10:50 AM Madison, WI | 3h30 | 2:20 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8968 Connecting Bus | 11:30 AM Madison, WI | 4h00 | 3:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8968 Connecting Bus | 11:50 AM Madison, WI | 3h40 | 3:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:25 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 4h10 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
8972 Connecting Bus | 1:30 PM Madison, WI | 4h30 | 6:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:45 PM Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 3h50 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
8972 Connecting Bus | 1:50 PM Madison, WI | 4h10 | 6:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8966 Connecting Bus | 2:30 PM Madison, WI | 4h30 | 7:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8966 Connecting Bus | 2:50 PM Madison, WI | 4h10 | 7:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8974 Connecting Bus | 4:30 PM Madison, WI | 3h50 | 8:20 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8974 Connecting Bus | 4:50 PM Madison, WI | 3h30 | 8:20 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8978 Connecting Bus | 5:30 PM Madison, WI | 3h50 | 9:20 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8978 Connecting Bus | 5:50 PM Madison, WI | 3h30 | 9:20 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 PM Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 3h05 | 10:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Madison, WI to Chicago, IL 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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL.
- 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 Chicago, IL.
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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL.
- 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 Chicago, IL.
Bus providers: FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound from Madison, WI to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Madison, WI to Chicago, IL with FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound 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 Madison, WI and Chicago, IL
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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Most Madison, WI to Chicago, IL buses use the Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago. Use this guide to compare Madison, WI and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Madison, WI station do buses to Chicago, IL leave from?
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.
Which Chicago, IL station do buses from Madison, WI arrive at?
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.
Bus stations for Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Check bus stations information for Madison, WI and Chicago, IL, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
More options for your journey from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
