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Journey Information
There are 10 intercity buses per day from Milwaukee to Columbus. Traveling by bus from Milwaukee to Columbus usually takes around 12 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 9 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 331 mi (533 km) |
| Shortest duration | 9h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $44.98 |
| Trips per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Milwaukee to Columbus?
Bus tickets for a trip from Milwaukee to Columbus cost $57.74 on average. Tickets cheaper than $57.74 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average prices by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Milwaukee to Columbus in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $54 to $76. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on May 14, 2024.
If you’re looking to travel to Columbus this week, bus tickets are available starting at $59.
Monthly avg. prices
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 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $58.41 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Milwaukee to Columbus?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Milwaukee to Columbus that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 8 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 5 | 12h 36m | $87.07 |
| Greyhound | 8 | 12h 41m | $70.79 |
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 5 trips per day from Milwaukee to Columbus, 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 8 bus trips from Milwaukee to Columbus every day, with the average journey taking around 12 hours and 41 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Columbus usually start from $45.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 40 minutes to cover the 331 miles from Milwaukee to Columbus. However, the fastest bus only takes 9 hours and 30 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.
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Columbus. 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, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Milwaukee to Columbus, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Milwaukee
Nestling on the banks of the great Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some of the most scenic views around, making it every photographer’s perfect destination. Boasting 85 miles of scenic waterfront bike lanes, Milwaukee is the perfect spot to ride a bike and enjoy the sunset together with your friends. It is also the home of the Harley Davidson Museum, a vast waterfront gallery that offers 11 permanent exhibitions. The museum features not only bikes but also special items such as a whole engine room, making it a must-visit spot for bike enthusiasts. If you are not interested in bikes, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, offers many wondrous shots.
Milwaukee’s famous German bratwursts are a must-try for all visitors, and the best place to enjoy this dish is Usinger’s. Other similar establishments include Mader’s and Milwaukee Public Market. For authentic American eats, Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-In offers amazing sloppy-joe burgers.
The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the city’s main transportation hub. Visitors can catch both buses and trains at this location. The city is served by two airports. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the southern edge of the city handles commercial flights, while the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in the northwest handles private flights.
Columbus
Brimming with life and cultural events, Columbus is the affordable destination of your dreams! Featuring a budding art scene, Columbus attracts art lovers through the exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Arts where children and adults alike can indulge in thought-provoking artworks. Fans of sports should not miss out on a baseball game at Huntington Park, which offers reasonably-priced tickets; it is also rarely crowded. For those who simply want to stroll about, the German Village offers a quaint and scenic view rarely seen elsewhere.
As the sun goes down, dig deeper into the German heritage of Columbus by enjoying a traditional schnitzel dish at the Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus. When you are looking for a quick snack, Bodega serves some of the best sandwiches in town, and there are up to 47 varieties of craft beers for you to choose from.
Columbus’ busiest bus station is located on E Town St., and it offers intercity bus trips to Cleveland, Chicago, New York and many other cities. The Columbus Union Station was the first union station ever built, and it’s served by Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited train lines. The local airport, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, is located on the east side of the city, 6 miles east of Downtown. It provides access to 31 other airports.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Milwaukee?
Image credit: Payton Chung
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the major transportation hub for rail and bus travel in Wisconsin. The station is Amtrak’s second busiest in the Midwest. It acts as a gateway for long-distance travel into the American West and also connects Milwaukee to the surrounding Midwest states via the Hiawatha service. Renovated in 2007, the Intermodal Station now also offers a range of intercity bus services from carriers, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. Local bus routes and The Hop streetcar service provide convenient local travel around Milwaukee. Located in the city’s downtown, The Intermodal Station has vast retail spaces, several museums, and pleasant waterways all on its doorstep.
All bus stations in Milwaukee:
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
Milwaukee (Downtown)
Mitchell Airport - 5300 S Howell Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Columbus?
Image credit: Antony-22
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Columbus, OH (Bus Station)
The Bus Terminal at 111 E Town St is Columbus’ hub for intercity bus service on a variety of carriers including Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, Miller Transportation, Barons Bus Lines, and Amtrak Thruway. Conveniently located in downtown Columbus, the station’s area features several parking lots, hotels, and fast food restaurants. The waiting area within the station building includes restrooms, vending machines, and even arcade-style games if you’re prone to boredom while waiting for the bus. From this station, you can travel to destinations including Cincinnati, Chicago, and New York.
All bus stations in Columbus:
Columbus, OH (Bus Station)
Ohio State University
100 E Rich St
4600 International Gateway
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