Cheap bus tickets from Rockford to Madison
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Bus from Rockford to Madison: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Rockford to Madison. Traveling by bus from Rockford to Madison usually takes around 1 hour and 18 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Distance
- 58 mi (93 km)
- Shortest duration
- 1h 10m
- Cheapest price
- €12.99
- Trips per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 1
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Rockford to Madison Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Rockford to Madison:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Rockford to Madison?
Bus tickets for a trip from Rockford to Madison cost about €16 when you book at the cheapest time, 6 days ahead. This is an excellent value for the trip. 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 Rockford to Madison by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Rockford to Madison in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from €16 to €18. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 11, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Madison this week, bus tickets are available starting at €16.
Average bus ticket prices from Rockford to Madison by month
Taking the bus from Rockford to Madison is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only €17. If you're planning to take the bus from Rockford to Madison during April, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €23. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
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 6 days in advance. This way, you can save up to €2.91 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Rockford to Madison?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Rockford to Madison. FlixBus US is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 1h 18m | €16.18 |
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 Rockford to Madison, and the average ticket for this route costs only €16.18.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Rockford to Madison
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Rockford to Madison. Both of these are direct buses, meaning that you do not have to worry about transferring buses at any point during your trip.
Trips per day
2
Direct trips
2
The bus takes an average of 1 hour and 18 minutes to cover the 58 miles from Rockford to Madison. However, the fastest bus only takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus 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)
58
Distance (km)
93
The first bus leaves at 2:25 PM and the last bus leaves at 2:25 PM. To see the times for all buses from Rockford to Madison, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
2:25pm
Latest bus
2:25pm
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Madison, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
Most crowded
Thursday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Rockford



Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.
Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.
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 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 Rockford?
Main departure station: E Side Tranfer Ctr
The East Side Transfer Center (commonly shortened to just “E Side”) is a bus station in Rockford. While some refer to it as just a Greyhound station, the center also services Van Galder Bus and Burlington Trailways. Together, the three carriers provide service across the Midwest, including Chicago. Within the transfer center, you can find a waiting room, vending machines, and restrooms. There are also benches outside if you'd prefer to get some fresh air while waiting. If you have time to kill, there's also a Subway and Cracker Barrel for a more substantial meal. For overnight connections, there are a number of convenient hotels just across I-90.
All bus stations in Rockford:
- E Side Tranfer Ctr
Where does the bus arrive in Madison?
Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Madison.
All bus stations in Madison:
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
- Phillips 66
Need a return trip from Madison to Rockford?
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