Cheap bus tickets from Louisville to Madison
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Louisville to Madison: Journey Information
There are 7 intercity buses per day from Louisville to Madison. Traveling by bus from Louisville to Madison usually takes around 12 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 25 minutes.
- Distance
- 384 mi (618 km)
- Shortest duration
- 10h 25m
- Cheapest price
- RON 332.91
- Trips per day
- 7
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Bus lines
- 3
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Louisville to Madison Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Louisville to Madison:
- Amtrak Thruway: 2 daily buses from RON 599
- FlixBus US: 3 daily buses from RON 340
- Greyhound: 4 daily buses from RON 333
How much is a bus ticket from Louisville to Madison?
Bus tickets for a trip from Louisville to Madison cost about RON 362 when you book at the cheapest time, 27 days ahead. 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 Louisville to Madison by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Louisville to Madison in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from RON 379 to RON 508. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 12, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Madison this week, bus tickets are available starting at RON 379.
Average bus ticket prices from Louisville to Madison by month
Taking the bus from Louisville to Madison is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only RON 441. If you're planning to take the bus from Louisville to Madison during May, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 609. 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 27 days in advance. This way, you can save up to RON 359.75 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Louisville to Madison?
There are 3 bus lines from Louisville to Madison available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 4 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 2 | 13h 25m | RON 599.03 |
| FlixBus US | 3 | 14h 34m | RON 525.72 |
| Greyhound | 4 | 11h 7m | RON 539.38 |
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 Louisville to Madison start at RON 599.03. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
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 3 trips per day from Louisville to Madison, and the average ticket for this route costs only RON 525.72.






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 4 bus trips from Louisville to Madison every day, with the average journey taking around 11 hours and 7 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Madison usually start from RON 332.91.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Louisville to Madison
There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Louisville 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.
Trips per day
7
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 384 miles from Louisville to Madison. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 hours and 25 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)
384
Distance (km)
618
The first bus leaves at 2:00 AM and the last bus leaves at 8:00 PM. To see the times for all buses from Louisville to Madison, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
2:00am
Latest bus
8:00pm
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Madison. 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, 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
Saturday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Louisville



A mecca for fans of sports, Louisville holds the honor of being the birthplace of many sports legends. Even non-sports fans should not miss out on the Muhammad Ali Center, where tourists can learn more about the life and legacy of the legendary boxer. Aside from permanent galleries dedicated to the boxer himself, the museum also features temporary exhibitions on topics such as race and gender equality. Another top highlight from the city is Churchill Downs, where the famous Kentucky Derby is hosted. Contrary to what people might imagine, the racing track is actually quite idyllic, and if there is one place you must visit in Louisville, this is probably the one. If you are looking for a unique experience, head towards the Louisville Mega Cavern. This cavern system was created out of a 19th-century limestone quarry and it features the world’s only underground zip line course.
Three things dominate the food scene in Louisville: barbecue, bourbon, and mint juleps. Some local favorites are Mark’s Feed Store and Feast BBQ. If you are looking for the finest bourbon, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is certainly a good call.
The central bus station in Louisville is the Bus Terminal on W Muhammad Ali Blvd, connecting the city with near and far destinations such as Cincinnati, Chicago and Nashville. There are no train tracks that run through the city. However, the city is still a part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Louisville International Airport fulfills air services for the city.
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 Louisville?
Main departure station: Louisville Bus Station
The Louisville Bus Terminal, located at 720 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, serves interstate Greyhound bus services. The station is equipped with restrooms, vending machines, and indoor seating. The station also has an adjoining cafeteria in case vending machine snacks aren't enough to satisfy your hunger. In addition, there is also a customer service and ticket kiosk where station staff can answer any questions you may have. The station is located in Downtown Louisville, only a short walk from the city's most exciting amenities and several nearby restaurants and convenience stores.
All bus stations in Louisville:
- Louisville Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Madison?
Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Buses arrive in Madison at 5 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Madison:
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
- Phillips 66
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
- Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
Need a return trip from Madison to Louisville?
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