1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Showing times and prices for 30 Jan
Cheapest price
£29
Average price
£32
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h 24 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
198 km
Cheap tickets
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 £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £29.
Fast coaches
Of the 6 buses that leave Madison, WI for Chicago, IL every day 6 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 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 3 h 50 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.
FlixBus07:002h55
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)09:55Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
£291One-way
0 changes
FlixBus06:453h10
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI09:55Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
£291One-way
0 changes
FlixBus17:403h25
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)21:05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
£331One-way
0 changes
FlixBus13:453h50
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)17:35Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
£331One-way
0 changes
FlixBus13:254h10
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI17:35Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
£331One-way
0 changes
FlixBus07:002h55
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)09:55Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
£291One-way
0 changes
FlixBus06:453h10
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI09:55Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
£291One-way
0 changes
FlixBus17:403h25
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)21:05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
£331One-way
0 changes
FlixBus17:253h40
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI21:05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
£331One-way
0 changes
FlixBus13:453h50
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)17:35Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
£331One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, flight and train for Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Omio 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 prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, and a flight costs an average of £163.
Distance: 198 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price Cheapest | £47 Average Price | £237 Average Price |
3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Madison, WI to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madison, WI to Chicago, IL coaches for today, Thursday 29 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at 08:42
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 19:25 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 4h10 | 23:35 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 19:45 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 3h50 | 23:35 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 23:25 Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), WI | 3h40 | 03:05 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8280 AMTRAK · 1340 Borealis | 23:30 Madison, WI | 25h51 | 01:21 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 change | |
| FlixBus | 23:40 Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) | 3h25 | 03:05 Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madison, WI to Chicago, IL by coach, flight or train
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.
Fri
30 Jan
30 Jan
Sat
31 Jan
31 Jan
Sun
01 Feb
01 Feb
Mon
02 Feb
02 Feb
Tue
03 Feb
03 Feb
Wed
04 Feb
04 Feb
Thu
05 Feb
05 Feb
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 20 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.
There are 20 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 198 km distance in 2h 40m.
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 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Buses per day 20 |
Direct buses 20 |
Fastest bus 2h 40m |
First bus 01:30 |
Last bus 23:50 |
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, Greyhound, Infobus, Vangalder Bus, Jefferson Lines, Badger Bus from Madison, WI to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Madison, WI to Chicago, IL with FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus, Vangalder Bus, Jefferson Lines, Badger 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 10m
Cheapest Price
£19
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
3h 15m
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 5m
Cheapest Price
£23
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 50m
Cheapest Price
£29
Vangalder Bus frequency
9 a day
Jefferson Lines
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest Price
£102
Jefferson Lines frequency
1 a day
Badger Bus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest Price
£61
Badger Bus frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Madison, WI to Chicago, IL coach
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL can start from as little as £20 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Madison, WI to Chicago, IL 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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL is 2h 40m 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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL leaves at 1:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL leaves at 23:50.
Yes, there are 20 direct coaches a day from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL with FlixBus, Greyhound, Vangalder Bus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL, you can count on FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus, Vangalder Bus, Jefferson Lines, Badger Bus for the best way to get you to Chicago, IL. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Madison, WI and Chicago, IL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Madison, WI is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madison, WI and Chicago, IL including taking a coach, flight and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL:
- 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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL for coach company FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL 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, Greyhound, Infobus.
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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL:
- 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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL:
- 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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL. 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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL with the following coach company: FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL with the following coach company: FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL with the following coach company: FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Madison, WI and Chicago, IL
Madison
Chicago
The major coach station for departures in Madison is Madison. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madison for your trip from Madison to Chicago.
Madison
information
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)
information
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison)
information
The major coach station for arrivals 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 to Chicago from Madison.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
information
Chicago
information
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station
information
More options for your journey from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Madison, WI
Most popular bus connections
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
