Cheap bus tickets from Lafayette to Madison
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Lafayette to Madison: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Lafayette to Madison. Traveling by bus from Lafayette to Madison usually takes around 6 hours, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 225 mi (362 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h 50m |
| Cheapest price | $39.98 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Lafayette to Madison Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Lafayette to Madison:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Lafayette to Madison?
Bus tickets for a trip from Lafayette to Madison cost $50.91 on average. Tickets cheaper than $50.91 are an excellent bargain. 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 Lafayette to Madison by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Lafayette to Madison in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $42 to $68. 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 $42.
Average bus ticket prices from Lafayette to Madison by month
Taking the bus from Lafayette to Madison is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only $52. If you're planning to take the bus from Lafayette to Madison during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $70. 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 save money on bus tickets and ensure availability, it's always best to book in advance.
What bus companies travel from Lafayette to Madison?
There are multiple buses that travel from Lafayette to Madison, including FlixBus US, Amtrak Thruway. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 5h 57m | $51.19 |
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 10h 13m | $83.00 |
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 Lafayette to Madison, and the average ticket for this route costs only $51.19.
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 Lafayette to Madison start at $83. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Lafayette to Madison
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Lafayette 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 6 hours to cover the 225 miles from Lafayette to Madison. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours and 50 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)
225
DISTANCE (KM)
362
The first bus leaves at 6:30am and the last bus leaves at 10:45am. To see the times for all buses from Lafayette to Madison, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
6:30am
LATEST BUS
10:45am
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Lafayette to Madison 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 bus 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
Lafayette
Lafayette, a quaint college town with a vibrant history, is a superb destination for fans of history and old buildings. The city's historic old quarter is a beautiful sight to behold, with some buildings dating back to the 19th century. A walk around this quarter will bring you back to the early days of the American Industrial Revolution. Don't miss out on the chance to visit Fort Ouiatenon, the first European fortified settlement in the area now called Indiana. If you are looking for a spot to enjoy a picnic with your friends and your family, head to historic Prophetstown State Park for plenty of activities; we're talking a water park, unique wildlife observation, camping, and a working farm dating back to the 1920s.
Lafayette's food scene offers a good mix of traditional dishes and modern ones. If you wish to enjoy genuine local specialties, South Street Smokehouse offers amazing homestyle dishes. For those who just can't have enough local pizzas, stop by Arni's, a pizzeria that has been around for more than 40 years.
Travel to Lafayette is easy thanks to multiple bus lines and the Amtrak Cardinal line, which runs through the city. The nearest major airport is about 60 miles away in Indianapolis, so ground travel is definitely your friend for this destination.
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 Lafayette?
Main departure station: Parking Lot next to CityBus Center
Lafayette has two bus stations with service to Madison.
All bus stations in Lafayette:
- Parking Lot next to CityBus Center
- Parking Lot next to CityBus Center
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
- Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Need a return trip from Madison to Lafayette?
Search Bus Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.