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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Showing times and prices for 04 Feb
Cheapest price
£28
Average price
£38
Fastest journey
3 h 30 m
Average duration
4 h 14 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
198 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI will cost around £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £28.
Fast coaches
Of the 7 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Madison, WI every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 4 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 30 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 20 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.
FlixBus09:153h50
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station13:05Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI
£281One-way
0 changes
FlixBus09:153h30
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station12:45Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
£281One-way
0 changes
+FlixBus07:105h55
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL13:05Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI
£361One-way
1 change
+FlixBus07:105h35
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL12:45Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
£371One-way
1 change
329 Hiawatha Service · 8179 AMTRAK06:105h20
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:30Madison, WI
£421One-way
1 change
FlixBus09:153h30
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station12:45Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
£281One-way
0 changes
FlixBus09:153h50
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station13:05Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI
£281One-way
0 changes
335 Hiawatha Service · 8183 AMTRAK13:054h10
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL17:15Madison, WI
£431One-way
1 change
337 Hiawatha Service · 8185 AMTRAK15:154h20
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL19:35Madison, WI
£511One-way
1 change
329 Hiawatha Service · 8179 AMTRAK06:105h20
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:30Madison, WI
£421One-way
1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, and a flight costs an average of £109.
Distance: 198 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price Cheapest | £46 Average Price | £244 Average Price |
3h 49m Average total duration 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company | Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Madison, WI bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI coaches for today, Tuesday 3 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at 13:27
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 15:15 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h50 | 19:05 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 15:15 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h30 | 18:45 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 335 Hiawatha Service · 8183 AMTRAK | 19:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h10 | 23:15 Madison, WI | 1 change | |
| FlixBus | 21:00 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h40 | 00:40 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 21:00 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4h00 | 01:00 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 changesdirect | |
| 337 Hiawatha Service · 8185 AMTRAK | 21:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h20 | 01:35 Madison, WI | 1 change | |
| Wednesday 4 February | |||||
| 329 Hiawatha Service · 8179 AMTRAK | 12:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h20 | 17:30 Madison, WI | 1 change | |
| +FlixBus | 13:10 Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h55 | 19:05 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 1 change | |
| +FlixBus | 13:10 Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h35 | 18:45 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Madison, WI by coach, train or flight
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI run on average 24 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.
There are 22 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:30, the last at 23:15. The fastest coach covers the 198 km distance in 2h 35m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 198 km |
Average bus duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Buses per day 24 |
Direct buses 22 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 01:30 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
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 £20. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
£21
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own \BusSystem\" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Price
£35
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest Price
£24
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Vangalder Bus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
£29
Vangalder Bus frequency
11 a day
FAQs: Chicago, IL to Madison, WI coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Madison, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI can start from as little as £20 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI is £28; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI is 2h 35m to travel the 198 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI leaves at 1:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI leaves at 23:15.
Yes, there are 22 direct coaches a day from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI with FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound, Vangalder Bus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI, you can count on FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound, Vangalder Bus for the best way to get you to Madison, WI. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Chicago, IL and Madison, WI and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Madison, WI from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Madison, WI including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI:
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI for coach company FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI depends on the coach companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI:
- 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI:
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI. The following conditions apply:
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI with the following coach company: FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI with the following coach company: FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI with the following coach company: FlixBus, Infobus, Greyhound.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chicago, IL and Madison, WI
Chicago
Madison
The major coach station for departures in Chicago is Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station for your trip from Chicago to Madison.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
information
Chicago
information
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station
information
The major coach station for arrivals in Madison is Madison. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madison for your trip to Madison from Chicago.
Madison
information
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
information
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison)
information
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
Most popular buses to and from Madison, WI and Chicago, IL
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