Cheap coach tickets from Madison to Iowa City
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Coach from Madison to Iowa City: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity coaches per day from Madison to Iowa City. Travelling by coach from Madison to Iowa City usually takes around 9 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 9 hours and 40 minutes.
- Distance
- 146 mi (235 km)
- Shortest duration
- 9h 40m
- Cheapest price
- US$46.97
- Trips per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Coach lines
- 2
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Madison to Iowa City Coach Timetable

There are several coach options that can take you from Madison to Iowa City:
See more detailsHow much is a coach ticket from Madison to Iowa City?
Coach tickets for a trip from Madison to Iowa City cost about US$75 when you book at the cheapest time, 7 days ahead. Consider it a bargain when you can snag tickets for less than US$75. 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 Iowa City by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Madison to Iowa City in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$51 to US$130. 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 Iowa City this week, coach tickets are available starting at US$51.
Average coach ticket prices from Madison to Iowa City by month
Taking the coach from Madison to Iowa City is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only US$93. If you're planning to take the coach from Madison to Iowa City during December, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$137. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
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 7 days in advance. This way, you can save up to US$73.30 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from Madison to Iowa City?
There are two coach lines that have daily service from Madison to Iowa 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.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 9h 48m | US$89.05 |
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 15h 10m | US$169.54 |
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 Iowa City, and the average ticket for this route costs only US$89.05.






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 Iowa City with ticket prices as low as US$168.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Madison to Iowa City
There are usually only 2 coaches per day from Madison to Iowa City. However, neither coach offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer coaches during the trip.
Trips per day
2
Direct trips
0
The coach takes an average of 9 hours and 58 minutes to cover the 146 miles from Madison to Iowa City. However, the fastest coach only takes 9 hours and 40 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)
146
Distance (km)
235
The first coach leaves at 6:45 and the last coach leaves at 10:20. To see the times for all coaches from Madison to Iowa City, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest coach
6:45am
Latest coach
10:20am
Saturday is usually the day when coaches are busiest, as many travellers take the coach to enjoy the weekend in Iowa City. 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, Thursday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Saturday
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 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.
Iowa City



The old capital city of Iowa, Iowa City, is a historic area with plenty of quaint old buildings and beautiful landmarks. The most notable attraction is the Old Capitol Building in the middle of the University of Iowa's campus. The building's first floor is a museum dedicated to the state's history so that you can brush up on your Hawkeye State knowledge (we'll get you started: the Iowa state rock is the geode!). For more history and culture, hit up Plum Grove, the home of the first Governor of Iowa, and the University of Iowa Art Museum.
Thanks to its lively cultural scene, Iowa City's food scene is vibrant and diverse. One of the must-try establishments in the city is Short's Burger and Shine, which features a wide variety of burgers made from locally sourced meat. In addition, the Hamburg Inn No. 2 is an award-winning restaurant, with visitors including many past presidents.
Coach service to Iowa City arrives right downtown for easy access to Iowa City's highlights. Although there is a small municipal airport in Iowa City, most commercial flights will depart from nearby Cedar Rapids Airport or even from Des Moines, about 100 miles away.
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 Iowa City.
All coach stations in Madison:
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
- Phillips 66
Where does the coach arrive in Iowa City?
Main arrival station: Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
The Burlington Trailways Station in Iowa City is part of the Court St Transportation Center near downtown. Coaches usually board outside the multi-storey car park on Court Street. The station includes a large indoor waiting area with seating, toilets, and even a charging station for your devices. You can walk to three hotels, a sushi restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, a Starbucks, and a bar in the immediate area, so you definitely won't have to travel hungry or thirsty. Greyhound and Burlington Trailways coaches depart from this station and connect Iowa City to Des Moines, Chicago, Omaha, and more cities throughout the Midwest.
Coach stations in Iowa City:
- Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
Need a return trip from Iowa City to Madison?
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