Is there a way to reach Milwaukee from Madison without a car?

The best way to travel from Madison to Milwaukee is by bus. The bus provides a cost-effective, safe, and easy way to travel between the two cities. You also have the choice of using carpooling services.

How long is the bus ride from Madison to Milwaukee?

On average, the trip from Madison to Milwaukee takes around 1h 42m, but the fastest bus can get you there in about 1h 5m. This is the time it takes to travel the 76 miles (122 km) that separate the two cities.

What is the distance between Madison and Milwaukee?

The distance between the two cities is 76 miles (122 km).

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

If you're headed to Milwaukee from Madison, chances are that your bus will depart from UW Memorial Union and arrive at Milwaukee Airport. These are the most popular 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 Milwaukee?

Go for the bus if you want the most affordable way to travel this route. With prices starting at $21, you won't find a cheaper way to get there.

What is the ticket price for the bus trip from Madison to Milwaukee?

The average bus ticket price from Madison to Milwaukee is $29. In the past 30 days, prices have fluctuated between $21 and $45, so it's best to compare them to make sure you get the best deal.

Can you do a day trip from Madison to Milwaukee?

Yes, you can do a day trip from Madison to Milwaukee. The round-trip travel time is around 2h 10m. So you'll have enough time to visit Milwaukee before returning to Madison in the evening.

Madison (WI) to Milwaukee Bus Tickets

FriApr 25

from $20

SatApr 26

from $20

SunApr 27

from $20

MonApr 28

from $20

TueApr 29

from $20

WedApr 30

from $20

ThuMay 1

from $20

FriMay 2

Next departures to Milwaukee

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: April 26 at 4:55pm
Departure city: Madison
Departure location: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Arrival time: April 26 at 6:20pm
Destination city: Milwaukee
Destination location: St. Paul & N5th
Operated by: Jefferson Lines
Vehicle: BusDuration: 1h 25m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: April 26 at 1:45pm
Departure city: Madison
Departure location: Dutch Mill Park & Ride
Arrival time: April 26 at 2:50pm
Destination city: Milwaukee
Destination location: Goerke's Corners Park & Ride (Brookfield)
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 1h 5m
Departure time: April 26 at 2:45am
Departure city: Madison
Departure location: Dutch Mill Park & Ride
Arrival time: April 26 at 9:38am
Destination city: Milwaukee
Destination location: MKE Airport - Trains
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: BusDuration: 6h 53m
Departure time: April 26 at 1:30pm
Departure city: Madison
Departure location: North Lake St
Arrival time: April 26 at 3:10pm
Destination city: Milwaukee
Destination location: Milwaukee Bus Station, St. Paul & N6th road.
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 1h 40m
Departure time: April 26 at 10:40am
Departure city: Madison
Departure location: Dutch Mill Park & Ride
Arrival time: April 26 at 12:05pm
Destination city: Milwaukee
Destination location: Milwaukee Bus Station, St. Paul & N6th road.
Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Vehicle: BusDuration: 1h 25m

Accepted payments

Bus Madison to Milwaukee: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$29

Average bus trip duration1h 42m

Number of daily buses38

Earliest bus departure6:30am

Distance74 miles (119 km)

Latest bus departure8:45pm

Compare bus companies

Badger Bus

4/538 reviews

Staff4.5

Timeliness4.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.4

Passengers generally had a positive experience, appreciating the timely and comfortable rides with friendly drivers. The buses were noted for being clean and providing good customer service. However, some users mentioned minor issues such as rattling windows or concerns about certain bus stops' surroundings. Overall, the travel experiences were pleasant and efficient.

Badger Bus Madison Milwaukee recent customer reviews

I enjoyed the fact that our driver was on time and kept us informed about when he’d be stopping to pick up another passenger and where

Brenda H.

February 25, 2025

Affordable and on time. The driver I had however had some minor road rage, could hear him going off on other drivers throughout half of the commute

Heather W.

March 13, 2024

That Johnson Street stop is very sketchy. Thankfully, I wasn't bothered too much by the neighborhood drug users...also it would have been nice if there was a tracker of where the bus was; due to waiting at a sketchy area. The trip itself was very pleasant!

Cruz G.

March 13, 2024

FlixBus

3.5/58,379 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness4

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 Milwaukee recent customer reviews

First off the bus was late arriving at the pickup point. The pickup was 8 pm and he showed up after 8:30 pm. The driver seemed incompetent to figure out his route either via his navigation on his phone or whatever he was using. Every stop was an adventure. We arrived at our destination over an hour late because of his incompetence

Kurt C.

June 10, 2024

The bus was on time. However, I was looking for bus 2548 (think that was the number) although a different bus showed up. How would I know that was bus I was supposed to take since it’s not what my ticket said. Thankfully a bus driver who I asked a question from on another company told me to ask

Carol I.

March 6, 2024

Greyhound

3.5/586,942 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness2.8

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.

Megabus

3.5/5370 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.6

Cleanliness4.3

Wifi2.3

Traveling with Megabus from Madison to Milwaukee is an affordable and reliable way to reach your destination. The company provides amenities like comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi (on most buses), ensuring a comfortable journey. Discover an easy and budget-friendly travel option to Milwaukee with Megabus. Tickets start at just $27.00, with an average price of around $27.00, making it an accessible choice for travelers.

Megabus US Madison Milwaukee recent customer reviews

The bus never appeared

Leidy L.

February 21, 2025

Jefferson Lines

4/5748 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness5

Cleanliness5

Wifi5

Founded in 1919, Jefferson Lines provides bus services across the Midwest in the US. Their buses have WiFi, USB plugs, bathrooms, reclining seats, reading lights and GPS tracking. Tickets are non-refundable, but you can change the date by paying a fee. Known for their affordable prices and convenient schedules, if you're looking to travel in the Midwest, Jefferson Lines is the way to go.

Jefferson Lines Madison Milwaukee recent customer reviews

Great service.

Nickolas N.

February 21, 2022

Amtrak

4/55,072 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5072 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $24.00

Amtrak Madison Milwaukee recent customer reviews

We waited two hours but never showed call customer service they couldn’t answer any questions for us end up paying someone to take us to a destination will never use the service again

Justice N.

June 25, 2024

The driver was very friendly and helpful.

William W.

June 7, 2022

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

Madison to Milwaukee Bus

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from Madison to Milwaukee is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.

We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from Madison to Milwaukee.

From cheap bus tickets to more luxurious buses traveling from Madison to Milwaukee, we offer a wide range of bus services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.

Where are the popular stops in Madison and Milwaukee?

Stops in Madison

A - UW Memorial Union

B - Dutch Mill Park & Ride

Stops in Milwaukee

A - Milwaukee Airport

B - Intermodal Station

C - S Cesar Chavez

Frequently asked questions for your trip Madison - Milwaukee

Is there a way to reach Milwaukee from Madison without a car?
How long is the bus ride from Madison to Milwaukee?
What is the distance between Madison and Milwaukee?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Madison to Milwaukee?
What is the cheapest way to get from Madison to Milwaukee?
What is the ticket price for the bus trip from Madison to Milwaukee?
Can you do a day trip from Madison to Milwaukee?

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

04/21

$22

04/22

$22

Today

$20

04/24

$20

04/25

$20

04/26

$20

04/27

$20

04/28

$20

The cheapest trip from Madison to Milwaukee was searched and found on Apr 23, 2025 with a price of $20

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

You can expect to pay from $20 to $81 for a bus ticket from Madison to Milwaukee based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $20 which is on 2025-04-24.

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.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while traveling from Madison to Milwaukee.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you're bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from Madison to Milwaukee.

Taking the bus creates the smallest carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport. Not to mention that buses will allow you to discover scenic gems from Madison to Milwaukee that are otherwise impossible to come by with a plane.

Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your bus trip from Madison to Milwaukee while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.

Did you know?

One of the longest bus route in the world goes all the way from Ontario to Alberta in Canada (with the same bus). This trip is 3,435 km or 2,135 miles long and the price is a bit under $100.

Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!

The bus driver with the longest career in the world drove more than 2,000,000 miles and is a happy World Record holder.

Will you be returning to Madison by bus?

Bus from Madison to Milwaukee

You can also go to Milwaukee by train

Train from Madison to Milwaukee

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. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

One passenger / one way

Next departures to Milwaukee

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 Milwaukee: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies

Madison to Milwaukee Bus

Where are the popular stops in Madison and Milwaukee?

Frequently asked questions for your trip Madison - Milwaukee

Is there a way to reach Milwaukee from Madison without a car?

How long is the bus ride from Madison to Milwaukee?

What is the distance between Madison and Milwaukee?

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

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

What is the ticket price for the bus trip from Madison to Milwaukee?

Can you do a day trip from Madison to Milwaukee?

Find cheapest prices for buses

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Did you know?

Will you be returning to Madison by bus?

You can also go to Milwaukee by train

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 Milwaukee

Buses Leaving from Milwaukee

Buses Going to Milwaukee

Popular routes in this country

Popular airport transfers