Next bus departures

Next departures from Chicago to Madison on 16 October
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	Bus Wifi Toilet Power outlets	09:00	Downtown Greyhound Station	3h 45m	12:45	UW Madison	Cheapest
	Bus Power outlets	00:15	Chicago O'Hare International Airport Multi-Modal Facility	2h 35m	02:50	Madison WI - Dutch Mill Park-N-Ride (SMD)	Fastest
	Bus Wifi Toilet Power outlets	06:30	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3h 40m	10:10	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	No tags
	Bus Wifi Toilet Power outlets	12:30	Downtown Greyhound Station	3h 20m	15:50	UW Madison	No tags
	Bus Wifi Toilet Power outlets	15:00	Downtown Greyhound Station	3h 40m	18:40	UW Madison	No tags
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus	Bus Wifi Toilet Power outlets	07:15	N Cumberland Ave	5h 30m	12:45	UW Madison	No tags
	Bus Power outlets	06:15	Chicago O'Hare International Airport Multi-Modal Facility	2h 35m	08:50	Madison WI - Dutch Mill Park-N-Ride (SMD)	No tags
	Bus	21:15	Chicago (Bus Station)	20h 30m	17:45	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 1:24 AM CDT.

Get from Chicago to Madison

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 3 hours 5 minutes, and with fares starting at just R 432, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

73bus per day

3h 5mAverage duration

181 kmDistance

5kgCO₂ emissions

Bus stations and stops in Chicago and Madison

Stops in Chicago

A
Downtown Greyhound Station
630 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Visit page
B
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Visit page
C
Polk St & Canal St
500-536 W Polk St, Chicago IL 60607, USA
D
Tornado Bus S Kedzie Ave
2807 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60623, USA
E
Cumberland CTA
5800 N Cumberland Ave, Chicago, IL 60631, USA
F
Turimex California Ave
2139 S California Ave, Chicago, IL 60608, USA

Stops in Madison

A
UW Memorial Union
800 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA
B
Dutch Mill Park & Ride
4 Collins Ct, Madison, WI 53716, USA

Compare companies

Coach USA

3.9/5273 reviews

Staff4.5

Timeliness4.2

Cleanliness4.7

WiFi3.1

Many users have praised the bus service for its cleanliness, punctuality, and professional staff. Passengers appreciated the smooth rides and helpful drivers who provided clear information. However, some mentioned minor issues such as unclear signage at stops or slightly uncomfortable seating arrangements. Overall, travelers found it to be a reliable option with courteous service.

Coach USA Chicago Madison recent customer reviews

Everything was fine. Perhaps a little less air conditioning would have been better. It was a little chilly

Beth F.

1 October 2026

The email receipt was a bit confusing because the pdf of the ticket was at the bottom of the email. Should have been a link at the top. Boarding process was well organized from Ohare MMF. On the bus was just ok. VERY uncomfortable hard seats that barely recline.

Lori E.

21 September 2026

It was good. The bus was on time, the driver assisted with the bags and we arrived at our destination on time

Maverick S.

9 September 2026

Amtrak

4.1/56 571 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.5

WiFi3.6

Users generally found the booking process straightforward and appreciated the friendly and helpful drivers. However, some noted that buses were crowded, with instances of passengers having to stand due to overbooking. Additionally, clearer directions for boarding at Union Station in Chicago would enhance the experience further.

Amtrak Chicago Madison recent customer reviews

Wonderful drivers. Crowded. Guy across from me getting high and playing loud music

Linda C.

25 April 2026

I guess they had sold too many tickets: the bus was full and some people had to stand.

Annastiina L.

3 August 2022

Overall a good experience, however the directions on where to board the bus at Union Station in Chicago could have been more clear. Would have been helpful if it simply said somewhere to board on Canal Street.

Justin W.

16 June 2022

FlixBus

3.5/516 248 reviews

Staff4.2

Timeliness4.0

Cleanliness4.1

WiFi2.7

Based on 16248 reviews, the company was rated 3.5 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the temperature but often complained about the Wi-Fi. FlixBus ticket prices on this trip start at R 432

FlixBus Chicago Madison recent customer reviews

Terrible first experience with FlixBus. The bus barely paused at the station and didn't stop long enough for me to board. Customer service just blames me and wants to argue semantics instead of trying to help a customer. I will never use this service again and advise others to book elsewhere.

Justin C.

3 May 2025

very good! driver was nice and we knew rules

Jovana S.

31 March 2025

Greyhound

3.5/588 231 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness3.0

Cleanliness3.4

WiFi2.5

According to 16 reviews, Greyhound received a 3.6-star rating for this journey. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the timeliness, but some complained about the cleanliness. Greyhound ticket prices on this trip start at R 433

Greyhound Chicago Madison recent customer reviews

Overal good except for there staff member Carl that sexually harassed me and another person I was sitting by

Alyssia P.

5 April 2021

Passengers played loud music on the bus. Bathroom was dirty.

Noam L.

15 June 2023

The bus were dirty, the driver were rude and no polite at all.

Hassell M.

6 March 2019

Jefferson Lines

3.9/5805 reviews

Staff4.2

Timeliness3.5

Cleanliness4.3

WiFi2.9

US bus companies:FlixBus, Greyhound, Tufesa, Chihuahuenses, Adirondack Trailways, Valley Transit, Wanda Coach

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Madison, WI by bus

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

How much is the bus ticket from Chicago to Madison?
The cheapest bus tickets from Chicago to Madison start at R 432. The average price for this route is around R 684. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Chicago to Madison?
The average bus journey time from Chicago to Madison is 3h 5m, covering a distance of 181 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 2h 35m and is operated by Coach USA.
Which bus companies service the Chicago to Madison route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 73 buses available per day, including services from Coach USA, Amtrak, FlixBus, Greyhound, Jefferson Lines.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Chicago to Madison?
The earliest bus departs from Chicago to Madison at 00:00. And the latest bus departs at 23:30.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Chicago to Madison?
A bus trip from Chicago to Madison produces an estimated 4.517225 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.
What is the best bus company from Chicago to Madison?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Amtrak, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 6559 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Chicago to Madison?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.
Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Chicago to Madison?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Coach USA, with a punctuality rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Chicago to Madison?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Coach USA, with a cleanliness rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

13/10

R 647

14/10

R 647

Today

R 501

16/10

R 560

17/10

R 441

18/10

R 501

19/10

R 365

20/10

R 382

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Madison, WI was searched and found on 19 Oct 2026 with a price of R 365

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Chicago to Madison, WI as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 365 to R 3 036 for a bus ticket from Chicago to Madison, WI based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 365, which is on 2026-10-19.

Usually Jefferson Lines will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.