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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Madison to Kansas City. Traveling by bus from Madison to Kansas City usually takes around 15 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 15 hours,
Distance | 385 mi (619 km) |
Shortest duration | 15h 0m |
Cheapest price | $85.75 |
Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Madison to Kansas City?
$182.99 is the average price of a bus ticket from Madison to Kansas City. Bus tickets on this route can be more expensive due to the length of the trip. However, taking the bus can still be a good alternative to flying. 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.
Monthly average prices
What bus companies travel from Madison to Kansas City?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Madison to Kansas City that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
FlixBus US | 2 | 15h 5m | $205.14 |
Jefferson Lines | 1 | 17h 5m | $376.11 |
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 2 trips per day from Madison to Kansas City, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Book Jefferson Lines from Madison to Kansas City from $376. There are 1 Jefferson Lines schedules from Madison to Kansas City and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Kansas City. In Madison, Jefferson Lines departs to Kansas City from University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center and no other station. In Kansas City, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave and no other station.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Madison to Kansas City takes 17 hours and 5 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Kansas City in 15 hours and 0 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway trip to Kansas City.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 18 minutes to cover the 619 kilometers from Madison to Kansas City. However, the fastest bus only takes 15 hours. 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.
"Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Kansas City at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week."
The first bus leaves at 10:00am and the last bus leaves at 2:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Madison to Kansas City, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Madison to Kansas City. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Madison, WI to Kansas City, MO; ticket prices start at $146.87.
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.
Kansas City
Straddling two states, Kansas City is a vibrant modern city with plenty of activities for visitors. Those wishing to learn more about the city’s culture and history should not miss out on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, which offers artworks for both children and adults alike. If you seek something a bit quirkier and more interesting, the Arabia Steamboat Museum will certainly satisfy your curiosity. While you are in town, don’t forget to pay the Boulevard Brewing Company a visit. It is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and the source of pride from many local residents.
Kansas City’s signature barbecue is another source of pride, and you should take every occasion to try it out. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. If that’s not really your thing, The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen are also worth checking out.
Kansas City’s principal bus station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers bus trips to Chicago, Wichita and Denver, among many other places. Kansas City Union Station provides Amtrak intercity train services, and the trains Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief pass through the station on their way. Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Madison?
Main departure station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Madison has two bus stations with service to Kansas City.
All bus stations in Madison:
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)
Where does the bus arrive in Kansas City?
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave
Located on Troost Avenue, the Bus Terminal provides intercity bus service from Kansas City on Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Amtrak Thruway buses. Popular routes from this station travel to cities such as Columbia, Chicago, and Wichita. The lounge inside the station includes seating, restrooms, and a cell phone charging station to help you stay connected during your trip. Several public transit options depart from nearby 12th St, so it’s easy to travel throughout Kansas City from the bus terminal.
Bus stations in Kansas City:
Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Kansas City to Madison?
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