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Buses from Milwaukee to Madison

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Milwaukee - Madison Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 32 intercity buses per day from Milwaukee to Madison. Traveling by bus from Milwaukee to Madison usually takes around one hour and 38 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in just one hour and 15 minutes.

Distance76 mi (122 km)
Shortest duration1h 15m
Cheapest price$14.99
Trips per day32
Most frequent serviceBadger Bus
Bus lines5

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Milwaukee to Madison

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Stephanie

March 11, 2022- Solo travel

Badger Bus

Pros: The driver was funny kind and helpful I’m very grateful for the trip save me a lot of money. Cons: Hey you might as well throw in some popcorn while you’re at it ha ha just kidding. Tips: Try to book earlier seems like you can get a better deal when you do so.

Pros: The driver was funny kind and helpful I’m very grateful for the trip save me a lot of money. Cons: Hey you might as well throw in some popcorn while you’re at it ha ha just kidding. Tips: Try to book earlier seems like you can get a better deal when you do so.

4.0

Karl

July 7, 2021- Solo travel

Jefferson Lines

Pros: Good bargain, good time of day. Cons: You should NOT be required to provide a written ticket. My outlet didn’t charge my phone.

Pros: Good bargain, good time of day. Cons: You should NOT be required to provide a written ticket. My outlet didn’t charge my phone.

5.0

Adam

January 27, 2020- Regular commuter

Megabus

Pros: It’s good. Cons: Only the value of money. Tips: The last chairs so closed.

Pros: It’s good. Cons: Only the value of money. Tips: The last chairs so closed.

4.0

Rene

September 27, 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak Thruway

Pros: It was really quiet and was able to sleep. Cons: Make sure the tickets has my name on it and not the company.

Pros: It was really quiet and was able to sleep. Cons: Make sure the tickets has my name on it and not the company.

3.0

Andrea

July 15, 2019- Solo travel

Badger Bus

Pros: Internet on the way back. Cons: There was no Internet on the way to Madison Foot rests: 1x none, 1x not working.

Pros: Internet on the way back. Cons: There was no Internet on the way to Madison Foot rests: 1x none, 1x not working.

Buses from Milwaukee to Madison

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How much is a bus ticket from Milwaukee to Madison?

The average price for a bus ticket to Madison is $20.00, Traveling by bus on this route is one of the most affordable ways to hit the road from Milwaukee. Wanderu ensures that you find great deals on bus tickets everytime, we search all of the best bus options to present you the lowest prices available from our partner carriers.

Average prices by travel date

$30$20$10MayMay

Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Milwaukee to Madison is expected to range from $20 to $24. If you are looking to travel to Madison within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $21. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $20 and can be found on May 31, 2022.

Monthly average prices

$25$20$15$10$5JJASONDJFMAM
Traveling from Milwaukee to Madison by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for that route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $23 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$53020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 29 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save $3.54 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Milwaukee to Madison?

There are 5 bus lines from Milwaukee to Madison available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 26 daily trips, Badger Bus usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway51h 37m$20.00
Badger Bus261h 40m$22.08
FlixBus US51h 45m$21.90
Greyhound21h 20m$33.64
Jefferson Lines11h 15m$15.00
  • Amtrak Thruway

    Amtrak Thruway

    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 Milwaukee to Madison start at $20. On average, there are 5 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

  • Badger Bus

    Badger Bus

    Book Badger Bus from Milwaukee to Madison from $20. There are 26 trips per day offered by Badger Bus from Milwaukee to Madison and you can expect on average to pay for a Badger Bus ticket to Madison. In Milwaukee, Badger Bus departs to Madison from Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave and 2 other stations. In Madison, Badger Bus arrives at University of Wisconsin and 2 other stations.

    An average trip on Badger Bus from Milwaukee to Madison takes 1 hours and 40 minutes , while the fastest available Badger Bus trip will get you to Madison in 1 hours and 15 minutes .

    On weekends, Badger Bus offers 31 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Madison.

  • FlixBus US

    FlixBus US

    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 Madison, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Greyhound

    Greyhound

    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 Milwaukee to Madison every day, with the average journey taking around 1 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Madison usually start from $27.

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  • Jefferson Lines

    Jefferson Lines

    Jefferson Lines is a well-established intercity bus company with service to some of the Midwest’s top travel destinations. As one of the United States’ largest bus service providers, Jefferson Lines is beloved by students, commuters, and vacationers in America’s heartland. Travel with Jefferson Lines is comfortable thanks to reclining seats, individual climate controls, restrooms, and free WiFi. You can even check the status of your trip with their bus tracker tool. The carrier provides safe, affordable, and reliable service from Milwaukee to Madison with ticket prices as low as $15.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by bus from Milwaukee to Madison during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the bus ride from Milwaukee to Madison?

The bus takes an average of one hour and 38 minutes to cover the 76 miles from Milwaukee to Madison. However, the fastest bus only takes an hour and 15 minutes. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus 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.

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

Because many passengers travel from Milwaukee to Madison 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Milwaukee?

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

How many buses are there each day?

There are 32 scheduled buses that travel from Milwaukee to Madison every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Milwaukee to Madison without transferring.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Milwaukee to Madison; ticket prices start at $28.00.

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.

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 Milwaukee?

Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave - MKEIMS-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave - MKEIMS-1

Image credit: Payton Chung

Link to image attribution

Main 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

  • Mitchell Airport - 5300 S Howell Ave

  • Milwaukee (Downtown)

  • 1400 W College Ave

  • 2200 E Kenwood Blvd

Where does the bus arrive in Madison?

Main arrival station: University of Wisconsin

Buses arrive in Madison at 7 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Madison:

  • University of Wisconsin

  • 2902 E Washington Ave

  • E Gorham at N Pinckney St

  • University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center

  • University of Wisconsin

  • Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)

  • Phillips 66

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