Cheap bus tickets from Cleveland to Madison

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Bus from Cleveland to Madison: Journey Information

There are 2 intercity buses per day from Cleveland to Madison. Traveling by bus from Cleveland to Madison usually takes around 15 hours and 25 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 12 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance
408 mi (657 km)
Shortest duration
12h 10m
Cheapest price
$65.47
Trips per day
0
Most frequent service
Greyhound
Bus lines
2

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Cleveland to Madison Bus Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Cleveland to Madison?

There are usually 8 daily train trips available from Cleveland to Madison.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price$95.96CheaperAvg. Price$142.24
Daily Trips2Daily Trips8
Duration15h 25mDuration14h 46mFaster
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How much is a bus ticket from Cleveland to Madison?

Bus tickets for a trip from Cleveland to Madison cost $66.13 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 Cleveland to Madison by travel date

$120$80$40OctOct

If you're planning to travel by bus from Cleveland to Madison in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $66 to $119. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 26, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Madison this week, bus tickets are available starting at $94.

Prices as travel date approaches

$150$120$90$60$300

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 19 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $67.32 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Cleveland to Madison?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Cleveland to Madison that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US113h 56m$90.00
Greyhound221h 45m$121.65
  • 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 1 trips per day from Cleveland to Madison, and the average ticket for this route costs only $90.00.

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  • 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 2 bus trips from Cleveland to Madison every day, with the average journey taking around 21 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Madison usually start from $91.46.

    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

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Cleveland to Madison

There are usually only 2 buses per day from Cleveland to Madison. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Cleveland to Madison; ticket prices start at $96.

Trips per day

2

Direct trips

0

The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 25 minutes to cover the 408 miles from Cleveland to Madison. However, the fastest bus only takes 12 hours and 10 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)

408

Distance (km)

657

The first bus leaves at 7:30am and the last bus leaves at 5:25pm. To see the times for all buses from Cleveland to Madison, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

7:30am

Latest bus

5:25pm

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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

Most crowded

Thursday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Cleveland

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An industrial powerhouse in the past eras, Cleveland offers to the world more than just LeBron James and Halle Berry. Unlike most other big cities, Cleveland still retains its quaint small-town feel, especially as you wander around the Cleveland Metroparks, a system of 21,000 acres of pure nature. For nature lovers, the Cleveland Botanical Garden provides a treasure trove of botanical knowledge and rare plant species. Another must-not-miss spot is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which features exhibitions on the greatest legends such as Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, etc.

For foodies, Cleveland truly is a mecca. The city boasts an array of top chefs and high-class establishments that can bring you an unforgettable experience. For authentic American classics, Sylman’s Deli has everything you need. If you are looking for a more diverse option, head to Momocho for some mouth-watering Mexican indulgences.

Cleveland’s main bus station is located just behind the Playhouse Square Parking Garage in the Theater District. The local Amtrak train station is also located downtown not too far from the bus station. The principal airport in the city is the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which sits 9 miles southwest of Downtown and is located next to the Glenn Research Center.

Madison

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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 Cleveland?

Main departure station: E. 12th between Rockwell and St. Clair

Most buses depart from the main station in Cleveland.

All bus stations in Cleveland:

  • E. 12th between Rockwell and St. Clair

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
  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)

Need a return trip from Madison to Cleveland?

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