Bus Travel: Madison To Chicago Duration Explored

The bus ride from Chicago to Madison takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 44 minutes, depending on the bus company and traffic. The distance between the two cities is around 150 to 170 miles, and there are multiple bus companies that offer this route, including FlixBus, Greyhound, and Amtrak.

Bus ticket prices

Megabus advertises "fares starting at just $1*" for its Madison to Chicago route, although it is unclear what the full price is.

It is worth noting that bus ticket prices tend to be fairly consistent throughout the year, so you can expect to pay around $31 whenever you decide to travel. However, it is generally recommended to book at least 25 days in advance to get the best deals.

Bus companies

The bus ride from Madison to Chicago takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes to 3 hours and 44 minutes, depending on the bus company and route taken. There are multiple bus companies that operate this route, each offering its own unique features and amenities. Here is some information about some of the popular bus companies for this route:

FlixBus

FlixBus is one of the most popular choices for travelling between Madison and Chicago. They offer comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets on board. FlixBus is also one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel. Their buses usually take around 3 hours and 25 minutes to complete the journey. Ticket prices start at $21.49, and you can choose from multiple daily trips.

Megabus

Megabus is another excellent option for this route, providing low-cost travel options. They offer amenities such as individual power outlets, onboard restrooms, three-point seatbelts, and reclining seats. Megabus tickets are very affordable, with fares starting as low as $1. They also offer reserved seating options for a more comfortable and spacious ride. Megabus has convenient departure times and makes it easy to plan your trip with their online itinerary tracking.

Greyhound

Greyhound is a well-known bus company in the United States, offering extensive coverage across the country. They provide free Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, air conditioning, and reclining seats on their buses. Greyhound tickets are refundable, with the option to receive a partial or full refund in the form of a voucher. They have multiple daily trips between Madison and Chicago, with ticket prices starting at $31.

Amtrak Thruway

Amtrak Thruway is another option for this route, with 11 daily buses available. Their buses feature comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and onboard restrooms. Ticket prices start at $39, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Other Options

In addition to the companies mentioned above, there are a few other bus companies that operate between Madison and Chicago. These include Jefferson Lines, known for its extensive coverage in the heart of the US, and RedCoach, which provides premium bus services in Florida and Texas.

Bus schedules

The bus from Chicago to Madison takes on average between 3 hours 35 minutes and 3 hours 44 minutes, covering a distance of 122 to 173 miles. The first bus is at 3:00 am and the last bus leaves at 9:00 pm. There are 14 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Madison, with Sunday being the busiest day and Tuesday the least busy.

The earliest bus arriving in Madison departs Chicago Union Station at 8:15 am. The bus from Chicago to Madison happens to be one of the most popular routes among the network of cities across North America, allowing for flexible scheduling.

There are 3 bus lines from Chicago to Madison:

• Amtrak Thruway: 11 daily buses from $39
• FlixBus US: 2 daily buses from $31
• Greyhound: 1 daily bus from $31

The cheapest time to travel from Chicago to Madison is on a Wednesday, with prices starting from $27. Monday is the most expensive day, with prices starting from $34. Afternoon is the cheapest time of day to travel, with tickets starting from $27. Morning is the most expensive time, with prices starting from $33.

Bus stations

Chicago, IL

The bus from Madison to Chicago departs from either Madison University of Wisconsin or the Madison Dutch Mill Park and Ride. The bus will arrive at Van Buren Street between South Canal and Clinton Street.

There are three bus stations in Chicago:

• Greyhound station off of Harrison St, 630 W Harrison St Chicago, IL 60607 United States
• Chicago Train Station, 537-517 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60606 United States
• Chicago (Cumberland Farms), 5800 N Cumberland Ave Chicago, IL 60631 United States

Madison, WI

The bus from Chicago to Madison departs from W Polk St. between S Clinton St and S Canal St.

There are three bus stations in Madison:

• Madison (Madison Campus WI), 200 North Lake St Madison, WI 53703 United States
• Madison (Phillips 66), 4 Collins Ct Madison, WI 53716 United States
• Madison (Dutch Mill Park & Ride), 46 Collins Ct Madison, WI 53716 United States

Onboard services

When travelling by bus from Madison to Chicago, you can expect a range of onboard services to keep you comfortable and entertained throughout the journey. The exact services will depend on the bus company and route, but here are some common amenities offered:

Greyhound:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Personal power outlets near every seat
• Reclining leather seats with footrests
• Extra legroom
• Overhead storage
• On-board restroom
• Free onboard entertainment (e.g. movies)
• Reserved seating options
• Wheelchair lifts and accommodations for passengers with reduced mobility
• Accommodations for service animals

FlixBus:

• Large and comfortable seats
• Toilet
• Wi-Fi
• Power outlets
• Reserved seating options
• Eco-friendly travel options
• Carbon offset programs
• Online entertainment system

Megabus:

• Onboard restrooms
• Individual power outlets
• Three-point seatbelts
• Reclining seats
• Reserved seating
• Seating upgrade options

Coach USA:

• On-time departures and arrivals
• Clean buses, including bathroom facilities
• Drivers who explain stops and safety well

Amtrak Thruway:

• Comfortable reclining seats with leg rests
• Onboard restroom facilities

Wanderu:

• Easy booking with no extra fees
• Real-time bus tracking
• Reviews from previous customers

Frequently asked questions