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Cheap bus tickets from Madison to Chicago

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Helpful info about taking the bus from Madison to Chicago

Traveling from Madison to Chicago? We've got you covered:

In Madison, you have several bus stops to choose from, like the Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot in eastern Madison, but the best travel hub on this route is the Gordron Center at the University of Wisconsin. From here, you'll get the best selection of carriers - like CoachUsa and Flixbus US - as well as the most options for where to arrive in Chicago itself.

Depending on traffic and weather conditions, your bus will take I-90, which has you passing by Rockford, or I-95, which takes you near Milwaukee. The route by Rockford tends to be a bit quicker, with most journeys taking around 2 hours, but it can sometimes take closer to 3 or 3 and a half hours when dealing with less-than-ideal weather conditions. Be prepared for occasional longer journeys, but rest assured that the dedicated drivers will prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the trip. Or, if you need a quicker option, Amtrak runs trains from Madison to Chicago - just be sure to book in advance, as train fare tends to be a bit pricier than bus tickets.

Most passengers will likely choose to go to Chicago's Union Station since it's right in the city center and has plenty of connecting options - both by bus and train. But, if the next leg of your trip takes you skyward, you can book with CoachUSA to drop off right at the Chicago O'Hare airport for ultimate convenience. If neither of those options sounds good, consider booking on Greyhound, which offers additional drop-offs at the Dan Ryan Bus Station and 630 W Harrison St.

Whether you're commuting for business, exploring for pleasure, or visiting loved ones, our bus trips from Madison to Chicago offer a hassle-free and affordable way to travel. Sit back, relax, and let us take you to the vibrant streets of the Windy City.

Madison to Chicago Bus Schedule

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

There are usually 1 daily train trips available from Madison to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$40.66
Avg. Price
$62.89
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
94
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
3h 38m
Duration
1d 1h 53m

Bus from Madison to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 67 intercity buses per day from Madison to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Madison to Chicago usually takes around 3 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest Coach USA bus can make the trip in just one hour and 55 minutes.

Distance122 mi (197 km)
Shortest duration1h 45m
Cheapest price$20.48
Trips per day89
Most frequent serviceCoach USA
Bus lines4

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

When journeying from Madison to Chicago, passengers frequently cite the friendliness of drivers and appreciate the availability of both charging outlets and reliable WiFi. See more of what they have to say:

(Based on 74 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Tatoo

November 2, 2025- Solo travel

Amtrak Thruway

Pros: It was quick. Cons: Na.

4.0

Redet

August 31, 2025- Visiting friends

Coach USA

Pros: The bus driver was very nice and professional. Cons: I like when buses are under booked so that there is more of a chance to get a row to myself, but i know that that is not something your company can necessarily plan for. Tips: Get to the station on time and be respectful of the other passengers.

5.0

Alexis

July 21, 2025- Solo travel

FlixBus US

Pros: Staff was friendly and helpful. Answered any questions the travelers had. Cons: N/A. Tips: N/A.

5.0

DeNise

June 21, 2025- Solo travel

Coach USA

Pros: Not driving and being able to nap! Cons: N/A. Tips: Make sure u double check drop off and pickup closest to your destination..public transportation is a blessing!

5.0

Alexander

June 20, 2025- Visiting friends

Amtrak Thruway

Pros: Loved it! Cons: Nothing ! Keep on the good work. Tips: Recommend your company.

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Madison to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Madison to Chicago cost $38.88 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. 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 Madison to Chicago by month

$50$40$30$20$10AMJJASONDJFM
Traveling from Madison to Chicago by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $39 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

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 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $3.31 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Madison to Chicago?

There are 4 bus carriers from Madison to Chicago, each offering multiple trips per day available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. CoachUSA has the most trips on a given day, while Amtrak Thruway tends to have more reliable WiFi. Greyhound has the most options for departure and arrival but with fewer trips overall. With Wanderu, you can compare schedules, fares, and amenities all in one place to book with the carrier that meets your needs.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway113h 54m$43.00
Coach USA602h 58m$38.10
FlixBus US154h 40m$44.48
Jefferson Lines119h 24m$179.00

  • 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 Madison to Chicago start at $43. On average, there are 11 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

  • Book Coach USA from Madison to Chicago from $38. There are 60 trips per day offered by Coach USA from Madison to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Coach USA ticket to Chicago. In Madison, Coach USA departs to Chicago from University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center and one other station. In Chicago, Coach USA arrives at Chicago O'Hare Bus/Shuttle Ctr and one other station.

    An average trip on Coach USA from Madison to Chicago takes 2 hours and 58 minutes , while the fastest available Coach USA trip will get you to Chicago in 1 hours and 45 minutes .

    On weekends, Coach USA offers 56 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Chicago.

  • 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 15 trips per day from Madison to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Book Jefferson Lines from Madison to Chicago from $179. Typically there is one Jefferson Lines schedule per day from Madison to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Chicago. In Madison, Jefferson Lines departs to Chicago from University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center . In Chicago, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .

    An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Madison to Chicago takes 19 hours and 24 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 1 hours and 45 minutes .

    On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Chicago.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Madison to Chicago

The cheapest bus carrier you can take from Madison to Chicago is Greyhound, which has an average ticket price of $24.40. That said, Greyhound also averages the longest travel time at 5 hours and 54 minutes. To arrive in Chicago sooner, consider traveling on a Megabus, with an average travel time of 3 hours and 43 minutes. Megabus tickets average a few dollars more than Greyhound, but may be worth it to save you almost two hours.
Bus carriers such as Megabus and Van Galder depart from Langdon Street just outside of the Memorial Union building on the east side of the UW-Madison campus. The Memorial Union is on the south shore of Lake Mendota, next to the Helen C. White Hall and across from the Wisconsin Historical Society.
The fastest you can expect to arrive in Chicago from Madison is about 3 hours, though the average time is closer to 3 hours and 45 minutes. Nonstop flights from Madison to Chicago take about an hour, but are far more expensive, averaging about $229. For comparison, bus tickets for this route average just $25.08.

When deciding between traveling by bus or train from NYC to Philadelphia, several factors come into play:

Time
Buses typically take between 2 and 3 hours, but delays due to traffic or weather are common. Trains are much more consistent, taking 2.5 hours and ignoring traffic completely. Planes may seem like the fastest option at first glance, with flights lasting a little over an hour, but checking bags and navigating security often puts the overall travel time behind trains and quick bus trips.

Price
Bus tickets are generally the most budget-friendly option for travel between Madison and Chicago. Prices can vary depending on the time of booking, demand, and any special promotions or discounts. Amtrak train tickets are typically more expensive than bus tickets but may still be affordable, especially when booking in advance, taking advantage of discounts for students, seniors, or members, or using Wanderu to find and score the best deals. Meanwhile, flights from Madison to Chicago can be costly, especially when booking last-minute or during peak travel times. Additionally, passengers may incur additional expenses for baggage fees, seat selection, and other add-ons. Regardless of how you travel, book in advance and compare carriers for the best price!

Amenities
Buses and trains both typically offer comfortable seating, restrooms, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and sometimes entertainment options such as movies or onboard WiFi. Trains have the added benefit of panoramic windows and often have snacks and beverages available. Economy-class seats on an airplane may be cramped, and amenities such as Wi-Fi and power outlets are not always available or may come at an additional cost. You'll likely get free beverage service, but, since it's a short flight, many airlines may skip the service entirely.

Environmental Impact
Both buses and trains are more environmentally friendly than planes, as they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile. Opting for bus or train travel helps reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable transportation. Planes are especially wasteful on such short journeys, to the point it'd likely be more environmentally-friendly to drive yourself rather than fly.

The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 27 minutes to cover the 122 miles from Madison to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes an hour and 45 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. 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.

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Chicago. 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, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Chicago, book your ticket for the last day of the week.

The first bus leaves at 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Madison to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 87 scheduled buses that travel from Madison to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 89 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 Madison to Chicago; ticket prices start at $49.00.

City Information

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.

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Madison?

Main departure station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

Buses to Chicago leave from 5 stations in Madison.

All bus stations in Madison:

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

  • Phillips 66

  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Terminal 5 Station, O'Hare Intl Airport

Buses arrive in Chicago at 5 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Terminal 5 Station, O'Hare Intl Airport

  • Chicago O'Hare Bus/Shuttle Ctr

  • Union Station

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

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