Cheap bus tickets from Cleveland to Madison
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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 4 daily train trips available from Cleveland to Madison.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$87.18 | Avg. Price$149.62 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration18h 8m | Duration14h 20m |
Bus from Cleveland to Madison: Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Cleveland to Madison. Traveling by bus from Cleveland to Madison usually takes around 17 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 408 mi (657 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 40m |
| Cheapest price | $61.95 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Cleveland to Madison?
Bus tickets for a trip from Cleveland to Madison cost $72.67 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
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 $115. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 17, 2025.
If you’re looking to travel to Madison this week, bus tickets are available starting at $69.
Prices as travel date approaches
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 16 days in advance to save up to $33.27.
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. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 5 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 11h 50m | $102.56 |
| Greyhound | 5 | 18h 3m | $77.47 |
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 Cleveland to Madison, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 Cleveland to Madison every day, with the average journey taking around 18 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Madison usually start from $62.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Cleveland to Madison
The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 54 minutes to cover the 408 miles from Cleveland to Madison. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 hours and 40 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.
Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday 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, 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.
The first bus leaves at 2:00am and the last bus leaves at 4:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Cleveland to Madison, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Cleveland 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.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Cleveland to Madison; ticket prices start at $92.00.
City Information
Cleveland
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
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?
Image credit: Eli Pousson
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Terminal - 1465 Chester Ave
Cleveland’s Bus Terminal at 1465 Chester Ave opened in 1948 amid wide celebration for its unique Streamline Moderne design. The aerodynamic architectural style, typical of Greyhound’s stations in big cities across the country, landed this station in the US National Register of Historic Places. Although the station was opened for Greyhound service, today, the station also serves Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Jefferson Lines. Vending machines and a snack bar in the station give you a chance to fuel up or take a short walk to one of several nearby cafés. The station sits in the heart of downtown Cleveland, and the Amtrak station is only 1 mile away.
All bus stations in Cleveland:
Bus Terminal - 1465 Chester Ave
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
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Madison to Cleveland?
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