Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioned
Cheapest price on 14 Sept
£20
Average ticket price on 14 Sept
£21
Fastest journey on 14 Sept
2 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 14 Sept
3 h 26 m
Buses on 14 Sept
5
Distance
198 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL will cost around £21 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £20.
On Mon 14 Sept, we found 5 buses from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL, including 5 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 h 10 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
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FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £24 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 11m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, while a flight costs an average of £245.
Distance: 198 km
Most popular Coach | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£24 Average Price Cheapest | £245 Average Price | £46 Average Price | £25 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 56m Average total duration 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 26h 44m Average total duration 26h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL:
A coach is £22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average £46.
A coach is £220 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average £245.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 26m.
Train takes on average 26h 14m.
Tickets start at around £24 compared to roughly £25 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £1. The journey takes 3h 26m versus 2h 21m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus, Vangalder Bus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
The table below shows live departures for Madison, WI to Chicago, IL coaches for today, Sunday 13 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 6:45 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 3h10 | 9:55 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 7:00 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 2h55 | 9:55 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:25 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 4h10 | 17:35 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:45 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 3h50 | 17:35 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 19:00 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 3h05 | 22:05 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, flight and train 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.
Buses from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 11 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:30, the last at 23:15. The fastest coach covers the 198 km distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 198 km |
Average bus duration 3h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 1:30 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Compare Infobus classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Science museum in Jackson Park with hands-on exhibits, a U-505 submarine, and broad appeal for families and curious adults.
Natural history museum on the Museum Campus, known for dinosaur fossils, gem displays, and wide-ranging science exhibits.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and frequent events at the heart of central Chicago.
Bustling avenue for architecture, shopping, river views, and easy walking between landmark buildings and major attractions.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River with terraces, bridges, boat access, and excellent close-up architecture views.
Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago classic with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked in a deep pan.
Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers and celery salt.
Italian beef is thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in savoury juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
Elegant fine-dining restaurant rooted in Midwestern ingredients, with polished service and a refined contemporary dining room.
Historic pizzeria known for classic Chicago deep-dish in a lively, casual setting near the Magnificent Mile.
Long-running counter-service spot famed for Italian beef sandwiches, dipped rolls and spicy giardiniera in a no-frills setting.
Expensive by US city standards: hotels, dining and attractions add up, though buses and the 'L' help keep daily costs manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafés if table service is given.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madison, WI to Chicago, IL buses use the Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) 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.
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, 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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