Cheap bus tickets from Indianapolis to Madison

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Bus from Indianapolis to Madison: Journey Information

There are 9 intercity buses per day from Indianapolis to Madison. Traveling by bus from Indianapolis to Madison usually takes around 9 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance
283 mi (456 km)
Shortest duration
7h 5m
Cheapest price
$46.98
Trips per day
2
Most frequent service
Greyhound
Bus lines
3

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Indianapolis to Madison Bus Schedule

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How much is a bus ticket from Indianapolis to Madison?

Bus tickets for a trip from Indianapolis to Madison cost $64.94 on average. 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 Indianapolis to Madison by travel date

$90$60$30AugAug

If you're planning to travel by bus from Indianapolis to Madison in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $63 to $83. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 24, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Madison this week, bus tickets are available starting at $63.

Average bus ticket prices from Indianapolis to Madison by month

$100$80$60$40$20JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Indianapolis to Madison is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $72. If you're planning to take the bus from Indianapolis to Madison during April, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $91. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$25020

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 17 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $35.71 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Indianapolis to Madison?

There are multiple buses that travel from Indianapolis to Madison, including Greyhound, FlixBus US, Amtrak Thruway. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound59h 9m$86.68
FlixBus US48h 24m$77.30
Amtrak Thruway211h 27m$96.00
  • Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 5 bus trips from Indianapolis to Madison every day, with the average journey taking around 9 hours and 9 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Madison usually start from $48.97.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu
  • 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 4 trips per day from Indianapolis to Madison, and the average ticket for this route costs only $77.30.

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  • Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Indianapolis to Madison start at $96. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Indianapolis to Madison

There are 9 scheduled buses that travel from Indianapolis to Madison every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 2 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Indianapolis to Madison; ticket prices start at $98.

TRIPS PER DAY

9

DIRECT TRIPS

2

The bus takes an average of 9 hours and 3 minutes to cover the 283 miles from Indianapolis to Madison. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 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.

DISTANCE (MI)

283

DISTANCE (KM)

456

The first bus leaves at 3:15am and the last bus leaves at 10:25am. To see the times for all buses from Indianapolis to Madison, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

3:15am

LATEST BUS

10:25am

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, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.

MOST CROWDED

Thursday

LEAST CROWDED

Saturday

City Information

Indianapolis

IND-0IND-1IND-2

Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.

Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.

Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.

Madison

MSI-0MSI-1MSI-2

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 Indianapolis?

Main departure station: 350 S Illinois St

Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Union Station (350 S Illinois St) - INDAMT-0

Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.

All bus stations in Indianapolis:

  • 350 S Illinois St
  • Indianapolis (W Vermont St)

Where does the bus arrive in Madison?

Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

Buses arrive in Madison at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Madison:

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)
  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

Need a return trip from Madison to Indianapolis?

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