- Must visit
Chazen Museum of Art
This campus museum explores social life and human cultures through archaeological and ethnographic collections and changing academic exhibitions.
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 £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £39.
On Tue 03 Nov, we found 8 buses from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 52 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 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.
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329 Hiawatha Service · 8179 Connecting Bus
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335 Hiawatha Service · 8183 Connecting Bus
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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 £17 if you book in advance.
There are 7 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.
Distance 198 km |
Average bus duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 1:30 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Madison, WI coaches for tomorrow, Tuesday 3 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
329 Hiawatha Service · 8179 Connecting Bus | 6:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h20 | 11:30 Madison, WI | 1 change | |
+ FlixBus | 7:15 Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h30 | 12:45 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 1 change | |
+ FlixBus | 7:15 Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 5h10 | 12:25 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 9:00 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h45 | 12:45 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 9:00 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h25 | 12:25 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 0 changesdirect | |
335 Hiawatha Service · 8183 Connecting Bus | 13:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h10 | 17:15 Madison, WI | 1 change | |
![]() | 15:00 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3h40 | 18:40 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 0 changesdirect | |
337 Hiawatha Service · 8185 Connecting Bus | 15:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h20 | 19:35 Madison, WI | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Madison, WI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madison, WI trip today.
This campus museum explores social life and human cultures through archaeological and ethnographic collections and changing academic exhibitions.
A free contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions, a sculpture garden and a central location just off Capitol Square.
This university museum presents geology, archaeology and cultural collections, including dinosaur displays and exhibits on Wisconsin’s natural history.
The city’s central square is ringed by historic buildings, shops and civic spaces, and hosts markets, events and easy Capitol views.
A lively downtown street for strolling, shopping and people-watching, connecting the Capitol with the university through a dense urban corridor.
This narrow pedestrian and cycle causeway across Lake Mendota delivers classic water views and links downtown with the university area.
Wisconsin cheese curds are fresh young cheddar curds, often eaten battered and fried. They are a state staple tied closely to the region’s dairy heritage.
A butter burger is a Midwestern burger served on a buttered bun, often with extra butter added. It is a classic Wisconsin diner and supper club favourite.
Beer cheese soup is a creamy soup made with cheddar and local beer, often linked to Wisconsin taverns and cold-weather dining.
Refined farm-to-table restaurant serving seasonal tasting menus and polished American cooking in an intimate atmosphere.
Classic Madison spot for steaks, seafood and Friday fish fry with a traditional supper club feel.
Lively gastropub known for beer, cheese curds and hearty Wisconsin fare in a casual downtown setting.
Moderate for a US state capital: hotels and dining are manageable, but visitor costs are higher than in smaller Midwestern cities. Local buses help keep transport costs down.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for café drinks if there is table service; tipping is expected in most service settings.
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.

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.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station is 21 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Wheelchair accessible with elevator service.
Chicago is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago.
Available at Chicago: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
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 is available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison). ATMs are available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison).
Ticket office support is available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison).
Available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison): Bus station is accessible for wheelchairs.
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) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
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).
Ticket office support is available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride).
Available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride): Accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Madison has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Madison.
Ticket office support is available at Madison.
Available at Madison: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison: Wheelchair access available.
Check bus stations information for Chicago, IL and Madison, WI, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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