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San Diego to Madison bus

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San Diego - Madison Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 5 intercity buses per day from San Diego to Madison. Traveling by bus from San Diego to Madison usually takes around 72 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 61 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance1664 mi (2678 km)
Shortest duration61h 5m
Cheapest price$252.44
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

How much is a bus ticket from San Diego to Madison?

Bus tickets for a trip from San Diego to Madison cost $255.02 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Madison. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Monthly avg. prices

$350$280$210$140$70AMJJASONDJFM
Bus tickets from San Diego to Madison are at their cheapest average price in May. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around $220. On the other hand, traveling on this route during March might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for March trips cost $340, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

What bus companies travel from San Diego to Madison?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from San Diego to Madison. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US53d 0h 33m$370.92
  • 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 5 trips per day from San Diego to Madison, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 72 hours and 33 minutes to cover the 1664 miles from San Diego to Madison. However, the fastest bus only takes 61 hours and 5 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.

Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, 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 bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.

The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00am. To see the times for all buses from San Diego to Madison, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from San Diego to Madison 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 San Diego to Madison; ticket prices start at $387.50.

City Information

San Diego

San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.

Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.

Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

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.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in San Diego?

Main departure station: 2728 Congress St (Old Town SD)

Buses to Madison leave from 4 stations in San Diego.

All bus stations in San Diego:

  • 2728 Congress St (Old Town SD)

  • La Jolla - UC San Diego

  • Balboa Park - Presidents Way

  • 789 W Harbor Dr - Seaport Village

Where does the bus arrive in Madison?

Main arrival station: Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)

The Phillips 66 on Collins Ct is a gas station where Greyhound buses stop in Madison. The bus stops outside the gas station, and inside, Phillips 66 offers convenient snacks and services for travelers. You can grab a coffee or quick bite to enjoy on the bus or use the available restroom or ATM. The surrounding area also offers a few restaurants and hotels for more extended stays. The station is located a few miles outside of Madison’s downtown area, but it is easy to access local public transportation across the street at the Dutch Mill Park & Ride.

All bus stations in Madison:

  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

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