Cheap bus tickets from Milwaukee to Ames

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Bus from Milwaukee to Ames: Journey Information

There are 3 intercity buses per day from Milwaukee to Ames. Travelling by bus from Milwaukee to Ames usually takes around 16 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 13 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance
300 mi (482 km)
Shortest duration
13h 45m
Cheapest price
$83.23
Trips per day
3
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
2

Millions of travellers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travellers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Milwaukee to Ames Bus Schedule

Wanderu mascot

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Milwaukee to Ames?

Bus tickets for a trip from Milwaukee to Ames cost about $125 when you book at the cheapest time, 7 days ahead. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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 Milwaukee to Ames by travel date

$195$130$65NovNov

If you're planning to travel by bus from Milwaukee to Ames in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $104 to $192. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 12, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Ames this week, bus tickets are available starting at $104.

Average bus ticket prices from Milwaukee to Ames by month

$250$200$150$100$50JFMAMJJASOND

Travelling from Milwaukee to Ames by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $215 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$200$160$120$80$400

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 7 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $67.43 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Milwaukee to Ames?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Milwaukee to Ames that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US316h 3m$149.59
Jefferson Lines215h 40m$242.40
  • 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 3 trips per day from Milwaukee to Ames, and the average ticket for this route costs only $149.59.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5
  • Jefferson Lines is a well-established intercity bus company with service to some of the Midwest’s top travel destinations. As one of the United States’ largest bus service providers, Jefferson Lines is beloved by students, commuters, and vacationers in America’s heartland. Travel with Jefferson Lines is comfortable thanks to reclining seats, individual climate controls, washrooms, and free WiFi. You can even check the status of your trip with their bus tracker tool. The carrier provides safe, affordable, and reliable service from Milwaukee to Ames with ticket prices as low as $237.11.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Milwaukee to Ames

There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Milwaukee to Ames 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.

Trips per day

3

Direct trips

0

The bus takes an average of 16 hours and 2 minutes to cover the 482 kilometres from Milwaukee to Ames. However, the fastest bus only takes 13 hours and 45 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.

Distance (mi)

300

Distance (km)

482

The first bus leaves at 8:55 a.m. and the last bus leaves at 11:05 a.m. To see the times for all buses from Milwaukee to Ames, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

8:55am

Latest bus

11:05am

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travellers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Ames. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, travelling mid-week is your best bet.

Most crowded

Saturday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Milwaukee

MKE-0MKE-1MKE-2

Nestling on the banks of the great Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some of the most scenic views around, making it every photographer’s perfect destination. Boasting 85 miles of scenic waterfront bike lanes, Milwaukee is the perfect spot to ride a bike and enjoy the sunset together with your friends. It is also the home of the Harley Davidson Museum, a vast waterfront gallery that offers 11 permanent exhibitions. The museum features not only bikes but also special items such as a whole engine room, making it a must-visit spot for bike enthusiasts. If you are not interested in bikes, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, offers many wondrous shots.

Milwaukee’s famous German bratwursts are a must-try for all visitors, and the best place to enjoy this dish is Usinger’s. Other similar establishments include Mader’s and Milwaukee Public Market. For authentic American eats, Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-In offers amazing sloppy-joe burgers.

The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the city’s main transportation hub. Visitors can catch both buses and trains at this location. The city is served by two airports. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the southern edge of the city handles commercial flights, while the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in the northwest handles private flights.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Milwaukee?

Main departure station: Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave  - MKEIMS-0Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave  - MKEIMS-1

The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the major transportation hub for rail and bus travel in Wisconsin. The station is Amtrak’s second busiest in the Midwest. It acts as a gateway for long-distance travel into the American West and also connects Milwaukee to the surrounding Midwest states via the Hiawatha service. Renovated in 2007, the Intermodal Station now also offers a range of intercity bus services from carriers, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. Local bus routes and The Hop streetcar service provide convenient local travel around Milwaukee. Located in the city’s downtown, The Intermodal Station has vast retail spaces, several museums, and pleasant waterways all on its doorstep.

All bus stations in Milwaukee:

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
  • Mitchell Airport - 5300 S Howell Ave

Where does the bus arrive in Ames?

Main arrival station: Phillips 66

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Ames.

All bus stations in Ames:

  • Phillips 66
  • Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave

Need a return trip from Ames to Milwaukee?

Search Bus Tickets

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.