How do I get from Madison to Chicago without a car?

The best way to travel from Madison to Chicago is by bus. The bus provides a cost-effective, safe, and easy way to travel between the two cities. Taking a ride with other travelers through carpool services is an additional option to consider.

How long is the bus ride from Madison to Chicago?

On average, the trip from Madison to Chicago takes around 3h 30m, although the minimum time it takes to get there is 2h 55m with the fastest bus. This is the time it takes to travel the 123 miles (199 km) that separate the two cities.

How far is Madison from Chicago?

The distance between the two cities is 123 miles (199 km).

How many buses travel between Madison and Chicago daily?

On average, there is 1 daily departure on this route, offered by Coach USA, FlixBus and Greyhound. Depending on the day of the week, the number of buses available from Madison to Chicago may vary. Want to make your bus journey from Madison to Chicago as smooth as possible? Busbud has got you covered! Browse schedules, pick the perfect bus for your travel style and budget - all in one place.

What time are the first and last bus from Madison to Chicago?

The first bus leaves at 1:30am and the last one leaves at 8:20pm.

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Madison to Chicago?

Most of the buses traveling from Madison to Chicago leave from UW Memorial Union and arrive at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. These are the main departure and arrival locations on this route, there are other pick-up and drop-off locations that could make it easier for you to reach your destination.

What is the cheapest way to get from Madison to Chicago?

Go for the bus if you want the most cost-effective way to travel this route. The lowest price for the bus on this route is $34.

How much does a bus ticket from Madison to Chicago cost?

The average bus ticket price from Madison to Chicago is $41. In the past 30 days, prices have fluctuated between $34 and $92, so it's best to compare them to make sure you get the best deal.

Can you do a day trip from Madison to Chicago?

Yes, you can do a day trip from Madison to Chicago. The round-trip travel time is around 5h 50m. So you'll have plenty of time to discover Chicago before making your way back to Madison.

What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?

Once in Chicago, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Navy Pier, Museum of Science and Industry, Willis Tower (Sears Tower), The Field Museum and Auditorium Building and Theatre.

Bus Tickets Madison, WI to Chicago, IL

TodayJan 22

from $30

TomorrowJan 23

from $30

FriJan 24

from $30

SatJan 25

from $30

SunJan 26

from $30

MonJan 27

from $30

TueJan 28

from $30

WedJan 29

from $30

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

High demand route — 14 searches over the past 24 hours. Book now!

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: January 23 at 7:45pm
Departure city: Madison
Departure location: North Lake St
Arrival time: January 23 at 11:30pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 3h 45m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: January 23 at 1:45am
Departure city: Madison
Departure location: Madison WI - Dutch Mill Park-N-Ride (SMD)
Arrival time: January 23 at 4:40am
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Chicago O'Hare International Airport T2
Operated by: Coach USA
Vehicle: BusDuration: 2h 55m
Departure time: January 23 at 1:45am
Departure city: Madison
Departure location: Dutch Mill Park & Ride
Arrival time: January 23 at 5:20am
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: BusDuration: 3h 35m
Departure time: January 23 at 1:30pm
Departure city: Madison
Departure location: North Lake St
Arrival time: January 23 at 5:20pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 3h 50m
Departure time: January 23 at 5:15pm
Departure city: Madison
Departure location: Dutch Mill Park & Ride
Arrival time: January 23 at 9:05pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Vehicle: BusDuration: 3h 50m

Accepted payments

Bus Madison to Chicago: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$41

Average bus trip duration3h 30m

Number of daily buses1

Earliest bus departure1:30am

Distance118 miles (189 km)

Latest bus departure8:20pm

Compare bus companies

Coach USA

4/5105 reviews

Staff4.4

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.8

Wifi3.4

Passengers have shared positive experiences, highlighting the cleanliness of both the buses and bathrooms. The trips were noted for being on time, comfortable, and peaceful with a cozy atmosphere. Drivers provided clear safety instructions and showed genuine concern for passengers' comfort by asking if any assistance was needed during journeys.

Coach USA Madison Chicago recent customer reviews

Terrible. A two hour drive turned into 4.5 cause of slow driver, driver change that took 45 minutes and driver veering off the optimal path to “save time” did not save time rather added 10 minutes

Usman S.

December 20, 2024

The temperature was nice, and there was power for my phone. It was a peaceful and uneventful trip.

Daryl G.

December 12, 2024

Very comfortable ride. The bus driver was very informative. The bus driver wanted to know how we felt and if there's anything he could do. That's a great asset.

Michael C.

December 9, 2024

FlixBus

3.5/57,392 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.7

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.6

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

FlixBus Madison Chicago recent customer reviews

More better pick up location indicators. Need to know where I'm supposed to be to get picked up. Costed me 2 tickets. No refunds.i paid 3 times to get home. Cold and almost out of money. And costed me a day of work.

Shaun G.

November 28, 2024

Bus came late; got us to Chicago an hour late. Driver never explained and was rude when asked.

Leslie K.

April 22, 2023

first time rider and i had a good experience, no complaints

Harli D.

February 22, 2024

Greyhound

3.5/586,769 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness2.6

Cleanliness3.3

Wifi2.3

Greyhound Lines offers the most comprehensive intercity bus services in the United States. They operate a modern, environmentally friendly fleet that serves more than 2400 destinations and carries nearly 16 million passengers annually. When traveling with them, you can expect free WiFi, onboard entertainment, bathrooms, power outlets and decent legroom. One of the great perks of Greyhound is that they connect big cities and smaller towns in the US, where you usually can't get to by train or plane. If you're looking for safe and affordable transportation, Greyhound is a great choice.

Greyhound Madison Chicago recent customer reviews

Bus was more than 3 hrs late forcing me to make other accommodations for my transport

Armon M.

February 9, 2020

Busses should not leave early from main stops. Late we need to understand, but not early with a limited number of routes and difficult to reach stops. I got lucky to make it to the bus stop with a random paid driver from the gas station when I couldn't get a taxi as the plan b. She pulled up on the guys back just as I was getting out so timing is critical. We pulled out two minutes early by my watch. Shortly after under-way, I noticed a heavy set woman was coughing violently and had no mask and didn't cover her mouth. I asked fellow passengers how long she was like that and they said they got on in Billings Montana and she in North Dakota they recalled and she was coughing the whole way. She was not prepared to make her trip and was obnoxious that she wouldn't cover herself from contaminating everyone. If Greyhound knows it has an exhaust problem which can trigger her alleged asthma then they should have on board a supply of masks for anyone requesting one. I just wonder how little support Greyhound gives their staff.

John J.

November 2, 2018

I accidentally signed up for the wrong time. I tried to get a bus that went from Madison to Chicago at 6:30 am (I had a flight to catch at 11:30). However my tickets were for 6:30 pm. I called the customer service number and the machine said that it would be best to go to a station to get a refund/change tickets. When I went to both of the stations in Madison I noticed that there was no office. It was just a stop. I ended up cutting my loses and paying $20 for another bus ticket. It was frustrating that I wasn't able to talk to anybody at Greyhound about my situation.

Chris M.

September 3, 2017

US bus companies: FlixBus, Greyhound, Los Limousines, Valley Transit, OurBus, New York Trailways, Wanda Coach

Madison to Chicago Buses

Find Affordable Madison to Chicago Bus Tickets on Busbud

Looking for cheap bus tickets from Madison to Chicago? Busbud lets you compare schedules, prices, and top bus companies like Greyhound for the best onboard amenities and services. Plan your trip from Madison to Chicago easily with Busbud—it’s fast, affordable, and eco-friendly!

Madison to Chicago Bus Tickets from Just $14

Book Madison to Chicago bus tickets starting at $14. Enjoy a comfortable journey of approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes to cover the 150-mile (240 km) route. Choose the ideal departure time that fits your schedule, with options for early morning, daytime, or night buses.

Best Deals on Madison to Chicago Buses

Find flexible schedules and the best prices for your Madison to Chicago bus trip. With Busbud, secure your seat and enjoy a smooth, cost-effective travel experience to Chicago’s popular spots. ‏‏‎

Where are the popular stops in Madison and Chicago?

Stops in Madison

A - UW Memorial Union

B - Dutch Mill Park & Ride

Stops in Chicago

A - Chicago O'Hare International Airport

B - Downtown Greyhound Station

C - Polk St & Canal St

D - Tornado Bus S Kedzie Ave

E - Cumberland CTA

F - Turimex California Ave

Frequently asked questions for your trip Madison - Chicago

How do I get from Madison to Chicago without a car?
How long is the bus ride from Madison to Chicago?
How far is Madison from Chicago?
How many buses travel between Madison and Chicago daily?
What time are the first and last bus from Madison to Chicago?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Madison to Chicago?
What is the cheapest way to get from Madison to Chicago?
How much does a bus ticket from Madison to Chicago cost?
Can you do a day trip from Madison to Chicago?
What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

01/20

$30

01/21

$31

Today

$30

01/23

$30

01/24

$30

01/25

$30

01/26

$30

01/27

$30

The cheapest trip from Madison to Chicago was searched and found on Jan 20, 2025 with a price of $30

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Madison to Chicago, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $30 to $82 for a bus ticket from Madison to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $30 which is on 2025-01-23.

Usually Amtrak will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

Traveling by bus to Chicago

Useful information for your bus trip

Greyhound buses usually have power outlets, WiFi, toilets, and A/C. However, Busbud recommends bringing snacks and wearing comfortable clothes to fully enjoy your trip.

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‏‏‎What are the boarding requirements?

Bus companies recommend arriving 30 minutes before the departure time. Prepare your paper ticket, e-ticket or obtain it directly at the station (Will Call ticket, only for Greyhound) for your bus from Madison to Chicago and a valid photo ID.

‏‏‎

How much luggage can I take on the bus?

Each bus company has its own luggage policy. As a general guideline, for your bus trip between Madison and Chicago, you are allowed one carry-on bag and one luggage. Your luggage should not weight more than 23 kg (50 lbs) and your carry-on should fit in the overheard compartment of the bus.

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Madison ➟ Chicago: bus vs car

Transportation mode	Bus	Car
Average cost of travel	$24	$24
Average travel time	3 h 50 min	2 h 50 min
Carbon footprint (CO2 emissions)	30 kg of CO2	61 kg of CO2

‏‏‎

Is the bus environmentally-friendly?

🍃On average, the bus generates 68% less CO2 emissions in the atmosphere than traveling the same distance between Madison and Chicago by car (about 150 miles).

‏‏‎

‏‏‎Is the bus cheaper than the car for a trip between Madison and Chicago?

🚌 The bus and taking the car cost about the same price between Madison and Chicago. However, with the bus, no need to find a parking spot and if you're stuck in traffic, you can relax, catch up on some work, read, listen to music, and much more! ‏‏‎

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Did you know?

Things to do in Chicago

Once arrived, you'll be able to start exploring the city and its surroundings! The Windy City has sky-high skyscrapers, amazing cheap eats, and culture to match almost any city in the world. We suggest taking a river cruise on the Chicago river, visit the Skydeck or take stroll in Grant Park to fully enjoy your visit.

Will you be returning to Madison by bus?

Bus from Madison to Chicago

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud makes bus travel easy. We help travelers find a bus, plot routes, and book intercity bus tickets all over the world. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travelers no matter where they are in the world. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

One passenger / one way

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

Bus Madison to Chicago: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies

Madison to Chicago Buses

Find Affordable Madison to Chicago Bus Tickets on Busbud

Madison to Chicago Bus Tickets from Just $14

Best Deals on Madison to Chicago Buses

Where are the popular stops in Madison and Chicago?

Frequently asked questions for your trip Madison - Chicago

How do I get from Madison to Chicago without a car?

How long is the bus ride from Madison to Chicago?

How far is Madison from Chicago?

How many buses travel between Madison and Chicago daily?

What time are the first and last bus from Madison to Chicago?

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Madison to Chicago?

What is the cheapest way to get from Madison to Chicago?

How much does a bus ticket from Madison to Chicago cost?

Can you do a day trip from Madison to Chicago?

What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?

Find cheapest prices for buses

Traveling by bus to Chicago

Useful information for your bus trip

‏‏‎What are the boarding requirements?

How much luggage can I take on the bus?

Madison ➟ Chicago: bus vs car

Is the bus environmentally-friendly?

‏‏‎Is the bus cheaper than the car for a trip between Madison and Chicago?

Did you know?

Things to do in Chicago

Will you be returning to Madison by bus?

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Popular Buses Connecting Madison

Buses Leaving from Madison

Buses Going to Madison

Popular Buses Connecting Chicago

Buses Leaving from Chicago

Buses Going to Chicago

Popular routes in this country

Popular airport transfers