Bus from Madison, WI to Chicago: Tickets & Schedules

Next bus departures

Next departures for Madison to Chicago on November 30
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Coach USABus
    Madison WI - Dutch Mill Park-N-Ride (SMD)
    ORD Chicago O'Hare Airport Terminal 5Cheapest
    Coach USABus
      Madison WI - Dutch Mill Park-N-Ride (SMD)
      Chicago O'Hare International Airport T2Fastest
      AmtrakBus
      Dutch Mill Park & Ride
      Chicago (Union Station), ILNo tags
      FlixBusBus
      North Lake St
      Downtown Greyhound StationNo tags
      Greyhound Lines, Inc.Bus
      Dutch Mill Park & Ride
      Downtown Greyhound StationNo tags

      Last refresh of the prices: Today at 12:34 PM CST.

      Get from Madison to Chicago

      This route is served by bus only

      The journey takes about 3 hours 15 minutes and with fares starting at just $28, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

      87bus per day
      3h 15mAverage Duration
      117 milesDistance
      5kgCO₂ emissions

      Frequently asked questions about traveling from Madison, WI to Chicago by bus

      Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

      1. How much is the bus ticket from Madison to Chicago?

        The cheapest bus tickets from Madison to Chicago start from $28. The average price for this route is around $41. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

      2. How long is the bus ride from Madison to Chicago?

        The average bus trip duration from Madison to Chicago is 3h 15m, covering a distance of 117 miles (189 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 2h 40m and is operated by Coach USA.

      3. Which bus companies service the Madison to Chicago route?

        Several major bus companies operate on this route with 87 buses available per day, including services from Coach USA, Amtrak, FlixBus, Jefferson Lines, Greyhound.

      4. What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Madison to Chicago?

        The earliest bus departs from Madison to Chicago at 1:30am. And the latest bus departs at 7:55pm.

      5. What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Madison to Chicago?

        A bus trip from Madison to Chicago generates an estimated 5 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

      6. What is the best bus company from Madison to Chicago?

        According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Amtrak, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 5597 reviews.

      7. Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Madison to Chicago?

        Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.

      8. Which bus company has the most timely service from Madison to Chicago?

        According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is Coach USA, with a punctuality rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

      9. Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Madison to Chicago?

        According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Coach USA, with a cleanliness rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

      Find cheapest prices for buses

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

      Best price found
      11/27
      $39
      11/28
      $39
      Today
      $39
      11/30
      $37
      12/01
      $28
      12/02
      $25
      12/03
      $24
      12/04
      $24
      busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Madison, WI to Chicago was searched and found on Dec 3, 2025 with a price of $24

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

      You can expect to pay from $24 to $197 for a bus ticket from Madison, WI to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $24 which is on 2025-12-03.

      Usually Jefferson Lines 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.

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