Next bus departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jefferson Lines + Jefferson Lines | Bus | Ames | University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center | CheapestFastest | ||||
 | Bus | Ames | University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 3:15 PM CST.
Get from Ames to Madison
The journey takes about 16 hours 10 minutes and with fares starting at just $129, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular stops in Ames and Madison?
Stops in Ames
- A
Intermodal Facility
129 Hayward Ave, Ames, IA 50014, USA
Stops in Madison
- A
UW Memorial Union
800 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA - B
Dutch Mill Park & Ride
4 Collins Ct, Madison, WI 53716, USA
Compare bus companies
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.
Frequently asked questions about traveling from Ames, IA, US to Madison, WI by bus
Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.
How much is the bus ticket from Ames to Madison?
The cheapest bus tickets from Ames to Madison start from $129. The average price for this route is around $173. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Ames to Madison?
The average bus trip duration from Ames to Madison is 16h 10m, covering a distance of 228 miles (368 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 12h and is operated by Jefferson Lines.
Which bus companies service the Ames to Madison route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Ames to Madison?
The earliest bus departs from Ames to Madison at 12:40am. And the latest bus departs at 4:50am.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Ames to Madison?
A bus trip from Ames to Madison generates an estimated 9 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Ames, IA, US to Madison, WI was searched and found on Jan 8, 2026 with a price of $168To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Ames, IA, US to Madison, WI, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $168 to $168 for a bus ticket from Ames, IA, US to Madison, WI based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $168 which is on 2026-01-09.
