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

The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Madison is to drive which costs $26 - $40 and takes 2h 28m.

What is the fastest way to get from Chicago, IL to Madison?

The fastest way to get from Chicago, IL to Madison is to drive which takes 2h 28m and costs $26 - $40.

Is there a direct bus between Chicago, IL and Madison?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Chicago Bus Station station and arriving at Madison. Services depart three times a day, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 3h 50m.

How far is it from Chicago, IL to Madison?

The distance between Chicago, IL and Madison is 174 miles. The road distance is 147.5 miles.

How do I travel from Chicago, IL to Madison without a car?

The best way to get from Chicago, IL to Madison without a car is to bus which takes 3h 50m and costs $28 - $60.

How long does it take to get from Chicago, IL to Madison?

The bus from Chicago Bus Station to Madison takes 3h 50m including transfers and departs three times a day.

Where do I catch the Chicago, IL to Madison bus from?

Chicago, IL to Madison bus services, operated by Flixbus USA, depart from Chicago Bus Station.

Bus or fly from Chicago, IL to Madison?

The best way to get from Chicago, IL to Madison is to bus which takes 3h 50m and costs $28 - $60. Alternatively, you can fly, which costs $55 - $420 and takes 3h 46m.

Where does the Chicago, IL to Madison bus arrive?

Chicago, IL to Madison bus services, operated by Flixbus USA, arrive at Madison station.

Can I drive from Chicago, IL to Madison?

Yes, the driving distance between Chicago, IL to Madison is 148 miles. It takes approximately 2h 28m to drive from Chicago, IL to Madison.

How do I get a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Madison?

Book your Chicago, IL to Madison bus tickets online with Omio and FlixBus.

Where can I stay near Madison?

There are 142+ hotels available in Madison.

Chicago, IL to Madison - 5 ways to travel via train, bus, car, and plane

There are 5 ways to get from Chicago, IL to Madison by bus (Flixbus), train, bus, car, or plane

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Bus (Flixbus)
best
1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to MadisonFlixBus 2514 / ...
3h 50m
$28–60
Bus via W Jackson Blvd, after S Clinton St
cheapest
1. Take the bus from W Jackson Blvd, after S Clinton St to 250 N. Lake St - Madison UW CampusVan Galder
3h 57m
$21–45
Train, bus
1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to MilwaukeeHiawatha Service / ...
2. Take the bus from Milwaukee, WI - Amtrak to Madison, WI-Lake St.Daily Route
4h 13m
$29–104
Drive 146.7 mi
1. Drive from Chicago, IL to Madison146.7 mi
2h 28m
$27–39
Fly
1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field (MSN)ORD - MSN
3h 46m
$60–417

Chicago, IL to Madison by bus (Flixbus)

19Weekly Buses

3h 50mAverage Duration

$28Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Chicago, IL to Madison.

Launch map view

Distance: 173 mi
Duration: 3h 50m

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Madison, WI, USA?

Flixbus USA operates a bus from Chicago Bus Station to Madison 3 times a day. Tickets cost $28–60 and the journey takes 3h 50m. Alternatively, American Airlines and United Airlines fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field (MSN) every 2 hours.

Airlines

Train operators

Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.