Cheap coach tickets from Madison to Ames
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Coach from Madison to Ames: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity coaches per day from Madison to Ames. Travelling by coach from Madison to Ames usually takes around 17 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines coach can make the trip in 12 hours and 20 minutes.
- Distance
- 227 mi (365 km)
- Shortest duration
- 12h 20m
- Cheapest price
- £55.74
- Trips per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Coach lines
- 2
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Madison to Ames Coach Timetable

There are several coach options that can take you from Madison to Ames:
See more detailsHow much is a coach ticket from Madison to Ames?
Coach tickets for a trip from Madison to Ames cost about £70 when you book at the cheapest time, 8 days ahead. While it’s a bit pricey for a coach ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find coach tickets at or below this price.
Average coach ticket prices from Madison to Ames by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Madison to Ames in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from £57 to £100. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 10 November 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Ames this week, coach tickets are available starting at £57.
Average coach ticket prices from Madison to Ames by month
Travelling from Madison to Ames by coach will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, coach ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around £116 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most coach companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your coach tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest coach tickets, book your trip at least 8 days in advance. This way, you can save up to £55.33 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from Madison to Ames?
There are two coach lines that have daily service from Madison to Ames that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 17h 33m | £77.39 |
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 13h 54m | £127.02 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German coach company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern coach travel. The company offers cheap coach tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US coaches include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power sockets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 2 trips per day from Madison to Ames, and the average ticket for this route costs only £77.39.






Jefferson Lines is a well-established intercity coach company with service to some of the Midwest’s top travel destinations. As one of the United States’ largest coach 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, toilets, and free WiFi. You can even check the status of your trip with their coach tracker tool. The carrier provides safe, affordable, and reliable service from Madison to Ames with ticket prices as low as £125.77.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Madison to Ames
There are 3 scheduled coaches that travel from Madison 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 coach you take, you will have to transfer coaches at least once during your journey.
Trips per day
3
Direct trips
0
The coach takes an average of 17 hours and 17 minutes to cover the 227 miles from Madison to Ames. However, the fastest coach only takes 12 hours and 20 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
227
Distance (km)
365
The first coach leaves at 6:45 and the last coach leaves at 14:00. To see the times for all coaches from Madison to Ames, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest coach
6:45am
Latest coach
2:00pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for coaches as people head from Madison to Ames 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Tuesday
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 coach/train station in Madison is located on Collins Ct. The city is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, 6 miles northeast of downtown.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Madison?
Main departure station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Madison has two coach stations with service to Ames.
All coach stations in Madison:
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
- Phillips 66
Where does the coach arrive in Ames?
Main arrival station: Phillips 66
These are the two stations where coaches may stop when they arrive in Ames.
Coach stations in Ames:
- Phillips 66
- Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave
Need a return trip from Ames to Madison?
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