Bus from Madison, WI to Chicago: Tickets & Timetables

Next bus departures

Next departures from Madison to Chicago on 22 December
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 10:51 AM 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 R 407, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

      81bus per day
      3h 15mAverage duration
      166 kmDistance
      4kgCO₂ emissions

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

      Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ 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 at R 407. The average price for this route is around R 693. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

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

        The average bus journey time from Madison to Chicago is 3h 15m, covering a distance of 166 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 1h 55m and is operated by FlixBus.

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

        Several major bus companies operate on this route with 81 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 01:30. And the latest bus departs at 19:55.

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

        A bus trip from Madison to Chicago produces an estimated 4 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.

      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 5654 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 offers the most punctual service from Madison to Chicago?

        According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Coach USA, with a punctuality rating of 4.1 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 4.7 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
      19/12
      R 656
      20/12
      R 656
      Today
      R 656
      22/12
      R 637
      23/12
      R 551
      24/12
      R 516
      25/12
      R 508
      26/12
      R 516
      busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Madison, WI to Chicago was searched and found on 25 Dec 2025 with a price of R 508

      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 R 508 to R 3 389 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 R 508, which is on 2025-12-25.

      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.

      People from around the world trust Busbud