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Find bus tickets from Madison to Chicago

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Madison-Chicago Bus Schedule

Bus
$31.00
5:55 PM
4 Collins Ct
9:40 PM
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
GLI
0 transfers
Bus
$44.00
5:55 PM
4 Collins Ct
10:40 PM
Dan Ryan Bus Station
GLI
1 transfer
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Bus
$53.00
6:05 PM
N Lake & W Johnson (NB)
9:40 PM
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
USJFL
4.4stars
1 transfer
Bus
$34.00
6:05 PM
N Lake & W Johnson (NB)
10:40 PM
Dan Ryan Bus Station
USJFL
4.4stars
2 transfers
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Journey Information

Madison to Chicago bus - cost & duration

Cheapest price$23.00
Shortest Duration3h 35m
Trips per day4
Bus lines2

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bus carrier should you take 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.

How do you get to the bus station from UW-Madison?

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.

How much longer does a bus take than a flight from Madison to Chicago?

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.

Is it safe to travel by bus from Madison to Chicago right now?

We stand behind CDC guidelines that caution passengers against non-essential travel during the coronavirus outbreak. That said, we recognize not everyone is in a position to completely abstain. Whether it’s for work, to take care of family or to get back home, some circumstances inevitably require travel. If you’re one of those individuals who still needs to book a trip, you can continue to do so on Wanderu.

Know that most bus companies are still running at this time, though some have limited service. Visit our COVID-19 travel guide for resources and daily updates on the coronavirus and COVID travel restrictions.

In order to keep vehicles as clean and sanitized as possible, bus companies are taking extra precautions for coronavirus. For details on what various companies are doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

How much is a bus ticket from Madison to Chicago?

Based on daily average prices in last 30 days, $27.00 was the low point for bus fares from Madison to Chicago. Buses from Chicago to Madison are similarly priced. Any tickets cheaper than $27.00 could be considered a great deal.

The best way to find cheap deals on bus tickets is by booking as early as possible, since most bus companies increase the price as the travel date approaches. You should book at least 26 days in advance. By doing so, you could save $27.16 on your ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

How long is the bus ride?

The bus usually takes around 4 hours and 6 minutes to cover the 122 miles (197 kilometers) from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 35 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the bus.

What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?

Because many passengers travel from Madison to Chicago at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Madison?

The first bus leaves at 5:00pm and the last bus leaves at 6:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Madison to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

How many buses are there each day?

There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Madison to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Madison to Chicago; ticket prices start at $30.00.

What bus companies travel from Madison to Chicago?

There are a couple of bus lines that have daily service from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois. Of these two services, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 2 bus trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound24h 8m$36.76
Jefferson Lines24h 5m$44.55

Where does the bus leave from in Madison?

Madison, Wisconsin has two bus stations with service to Chicago, Illinois:

  • 4 Collins Ct
  • N Lake & W Johnson (NB)

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Chicago, Illinois:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station
  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Price trends for buses from Madison to Chicago

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20NovDec

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10JFMAMJJASOND

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
4.8
Based on 15 ratings and reviews

Based on 1 reviews
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
2.0
Staff
5.0
Value
4.0
Condition
5.0
John
5.0
February 13, 2020Visiting friends
Pros
The things I appreciated about the trip was the driver was kind, he also remembered names, kept the bus clean, and he drove quite efficiently and smoothly.
Cons
The seats were terribly uncomfortable and the bathroom looked too small to attempt fitting in there, the driver I had obviously would have kept it in great condition.
Tips
Not all bus rides are this uncomfortable, nor are they all as pleasant.

Based on 4 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with Megabus report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 67 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
4.7
Staff
4.7
Value
4.0
Condition
4.7
Kathleen
5.0
November 23, 2019Visiting family
Pros
that I got to leave the driving to someone else. it was at late bus 11:15pm from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Cons
cut down on the travel time. Even with a stop in Milwaukee this trip should not take 3 hours + 10mins or so
Kathleen
5.0
September 28, 2019Solo travel
Pros
I travel to Madison Wisconsin from Chicago and especially love megabus it’s so easy and nice and especially during the winter months when it’s going to be snowing I will be booking many many many more trips I’m actually taking the megabus today to go to Madison
Cons
I travel to Madison Wisconsin from Chicago and especially love megabus it’s so easy and nice and especially during the winter months when it’s going to be snowing I will be booking many many many more trips I’m actually taking the megabus today to go to Madison
Caroline
4.0
September 13, 2019Visiting family
Pros
I liked the fast wifi.
Cons
Seatbelt was actually not working

Based on 10 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with Van Galder report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 71 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
4.4
Staff
4.3
Value
4.0
Condition
4.9
Don
5.0
November 30, 2019Visiting family
Pros
This was a very enjoyable trip at a time when it could have been hectic and less enjoyable because of weather conditions and holiday travel concerns. Our driver Don (Jordan I think) was extremely informative and in control the entire trip.
Cons
Since everything exceeded any expectations it leaves little room for improvement in my opinion!
Tips
Other than asking for Don as a driver don't worry about carryon luggage as it is readily available promptly upon arrival.
Karson
4.0
September 28, 2019Vacation
Cons
It would be very helpful to have additional information because there were multiple times that I was confused on timing or final destination.
Kathleen
5.0
September 6, 2019Visiting family
Pros
Pick up/drop off locations were very convenient for me. LOVED the free WI FI and more importantly I wasn't panicked thinking my phone would die as there was an outlet at every seat to plug in my device. That was KEY for me. I even paid my bills through my phone becaus...More
Cons
Don't see any really need for improvements. EXCEPT.....my destination was Chicago (where I live). Do think the driver could have taken a different route into the city. He took the Kennedy expressway (90) which is the WORST possible route to get into the city. Esp...More
Tips
Book THIS !!!! This was the first time I used Wanderu/Van Galder bus. I travel to University of Wisconsin frequently and I've driven there in the snow. WAY TOO STRESSFUL. Even though not snow season yet, I'm going to book my next trip in about 2 weeks through Wan...More

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