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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Madison to Detroit. Traveling by bus from Madison to Detroit usually takes around 12 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 9 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 327 mi (526 km) |
| Shortest duration | 9h 50m |
| Cheapest price | US$41.48 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Madison to Detroit?
US$47.67 is the average price of a bus ticket from Madison to Detroit. Any tickets cheaper than US$47.67 can be considered a great deal. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Madison to Detroit is expected to be between US$44 and US$62. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is May 9, 2024, when tickets are available for May 9, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just US$47.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 24 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save CUS$68.32 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Madison to Detroit?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Madison to Detroit that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 14h 4m | US$76.78 |
| Greyhound | 4 | 12h 9m | US$56.46 |
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 trips per day from Madison to Detroit, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 4 bus trips from Madison to Detroit every day, with the average journey taking around 12 hours and 9 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Detroit usually start from US$40.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 13 minutes to cover the 526 kilometers from Madison to Detroit. However, the fastest bus only takes 9 hours and 50 minutes. 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.
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Detroit, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
The first bus leaves at 10:00am and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Madison to Detroit, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Madison to Detroit every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Madison to Detroit; ticket prices start at US$73.00.
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 Madison. The building features a lakeview terrace filled with colorful 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.
Detroit
Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.
As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.
The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Madison?
Main departure station: Phillips 66
Buses to Detroit leave from 3 stations in Madison.
All bus stations in Madison:
Phillips 66
Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Where does the bus arrive in Detroit?
Image credit: Dane
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St
Located near hip Corktown, the Detroit Greyhound Bus Station is minutes away from local breweries, diverse restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Besides Greyhound, many other bus carriers serve this station, including Indian Trails, Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Jefferson Lines. For travelers’ convenience, the station offers massive parking lots, clean restrooms, and lockers to rent. The station is a short walk from several local bus stops, and about a 15 minute walk from the closest light rail station to connect to neighborhoods throughout Detroit.
Bus stations in Detroit:
Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St
11 W Baltimore Ave
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Detroit to Madison?
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