Cheap bus tickets from Madison to Champaign
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Bus from Madison to Champaign: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Madison to Champaign. Travelling by bus from Madison to Champaign usually takes around 13 hours and 15 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
- Distance
- 213 mi (343 km)
- Shortest duration
- 13h 15m
- Cheapest price
- $55.06
- Trips per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 1
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Madison to Champaign Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Madison to Champaign?
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Madison to Champaign.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$93.35Cheaper | Avg. Price$108.52 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration13h 15m | Duration8h 59mFaster |

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Madison to Champaign (Based on 1 rating and review)
5.0
There are several bus options that can take you from Madison to Champaign:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Madison to Champaign?
Bus tickets for a trip from Madison to Champaign cost about $62 when you book at the cheapest time, 12 days ahead. Tickets cheaper than $62 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Madison to Champaign by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Madison to Champaign in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $67 to $155. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 5, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Champaign this week, bus tickets are available starting at $67.
Average bus ticket prices from Madison to Champaign by month
Taking the bus from Madison to Champaign is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $77. If you're planning to take the bus from Madison to Champaign during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $120. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 12 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $45.22 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Madison to Champaign?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Madison to Champaign. FlixBus US is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 13h 15m | $93.35 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trip per day from Madison to Champaign, and the average ticket for this route costs only $93.35.






Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Madison to Champaign
There is usually only one bus per day from Madison to Champaign. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Madison to Champaign; ticket prices start at $81.
Trips per day
1
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 13 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 343 kilometres from Madison to Champaign. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
213
Distance (km)
343
There is usually only one bus per day from Madison to Champaign. It leaves the station in Madison at 1:45 p.m. each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
Earliest bus
1:45pm
Latest bus
1:45pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Madison to Champaign for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Thursday
City Information
Madison



Consistently ranking high on the lists of the best places to live in the USA, Madison still maintains its quaint and idyllic small-town vibe despite being the capital city of Wisconsin. Sitting among the city’s most iconic and most popular landmarks is the Madison Memorial Union, which is located within the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The building features a lakeview terrace filled with colourful chairs, allowing visitors to chill out and enjoy the sun. If you are interested in the history of the state or architecture as a whole, head over to the State Capitol building, which was built between 1906 and 1917. The building features lavish council chambers, which were modeled after the famous Doge’s Palace in Venice, along with other architectural highlights. If you wish to stay close to nature, the Olbrich Botanical garden, with its famous Thai Pavilion and Garden, will certainly be a great choice.
As a college city, Madison features numerous cutting-edge establishments that will make your mouth water. For some of the best dining views in town, head over to Graze, where you can also grab some of the best cheese curds in Madison. If you want to enjoy the best brunch in town, Sardine might have what you need.
The busiest bus/train station in Madison is located on Collins Ct. The city is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, 6 miles northeast of downtown.
Champaign



A significant hub for the Silicon Prairie, Champaign is a stunning city with many exciting landmarks to visit. The downtown area of Champaign is perhaps its busiest area, with over 40 different bars, art galleries, and boutique shops for you to enjoy. To enjoy arthouse films or independent productions, head over to the Art Theater, which also hosts special screenings. The campustown area near the University of Illinois hosts not only cheap eateries but also fine dining spots. The area tends to get crowded at night since students will be out on the street to enjoy the hopping nightlife.
As a busy college town, Champaign naturally has a very vibrant food scene with many excellent dining options. Radio Maria is a unique Spanish establishment with very colourful Spanish decorations and amazing tapas dishes. Those who want something more exotic and exciting could check out DESTIHL, which offers unique home-cooked dishes and great artisan beers.
The Illinois Terminal is Champaign's primary bus and train station, served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Jefferson Lines, and Greyhound. From Champaign, you can continue your journey and visit some of the other top destinations in Illinois.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Madison?
Main departure station: Phillips 66
Madison has two bus stations with service to Champaign.
All bus stations in Madison:
- Phillips 66
Where does the bus arrive in Champaign?
Main arrival station: Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

The Illinois Terminal is located at 45 East University Avenue in Champaign. The transport centre opened in 1999, and now provides bus and train service in the Champaign-Urbana area. The terminal is served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and local mass transit. Make sure to wait in the correct station building; Champaign’s old train station, dating to 1898, is just across the street. The Illinois Terminal offers short-term parking, fast food, and even meeting spaces and banquet halls. Thanks to the station’s convenient location, some of the best restaurants and bars in downtown Champaign are just a short walk away.
All bus stations in Champaign:
- Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
Need a return trip from Champaign to Madison?
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