Passengers frequently commend the bus service for its punctuality, cleanliness, and professional staff. Many appreciate the comfortable ride and helpful ground personnel who provide clear instructions. However, some users noted issues with signage outside buses and discrepancies regarding ticket printing requirements in emails. Overall, customer experiences are largely positive.
Coach USA Chicago Madison recent customer reviews
I was very happy with the service.. I was met at bay 6/7 by a very helpful assistant who made sure everybody was taken care of and got their bus. He even made a phone call to my friend as I could not use my phone...
5 out of 5 stars
Mary N.
Disappointing. My bus was over an hour behind schedule because she was caught in traffic in downtown Chicago. Never the less, it added so much extra time to a very long day of travel…now that the bus terminal is far from where I get off the plane after yesterday’s grueling experience I won’t be doing the direct to Chicago flight-take the bus to Madison anymore. It used to be so easy. Not any more.
1 out of 5 stars
Kathy P.
First time ever taking a bus like this. The bus was clean on time and the ground staff was helpful answering my questions. There was even a bathroom on the bus and outlets at each seat. The ticket gave very clear instructions. The only issue I had was that in the email it said the ticket needed to be printed out and that mobile tickets would not be accepted. This turned out not to be the case. So they either need to fix that or make it clearer if it only applies in certain areas.
Customers generally found the booking process easy and appreciated the friendly and helpful drivers. The bus was almost on time, though some felt that directions at Union Station in Chicago could have been clearer. A few reviews mentioned overbooking issues, resulting in some passengers having to stand during their journey.
Amtrak Chicago Madison recent customer reviews
I guess they had sold too many tickets: the bus was full and some people had to stand.
4 out of 5 stars
Annastiina L.
Overall a good experience, however the directions on where to board the bus at Union Station in Chicago could have been more clear. Would have been helpful if it simply said somewhere to board on Canal Street.
Based on 11465 reviews, the company was rated 3.5 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the WiFi. FlixBus ticket prices on this trip start at $39
FlixBus Chicago Madison recent customer reviews
Terrible first experience with FlixBus. The bus barely paused at the station and didn't stop long enough for me to board. Customer service just blames me and wants to argue semantics instead of trying to help a customer. I will never use this service again and advise others to book elsewhere.
According to 16 reviews, Greyhound received a 3.6-star rating for this journey. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the timeliness, but some complained about the cleanliness. Greyhound ticket prices on this trip start at $41
Greyhound Chicago Madison recent customer reviews
Overal good except for there staff member Carl that sexually harassed me and another person I was sitting by
2 out of 5 stars
Alyssia P.
Passengers played loud music on the bus. Bathroom was dirty.
2 out of 5 stars
Noam L.
The bus were dirty, the driver were rude and no polite at all.
Based on 759 reviews, the company was rated 3.9 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the temperature and the seats but often complained with the WiFi. Jefferson Lines ticket prices on this trip start at $265
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago 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 Chicago to Madison?
The cheapest bus tickets from Chicago to Madison start from $39. The average price for this route is around $58. 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 Chicago to Madison?
The average bus travel time from Chicago to Madison is 3h 35m, covering a distance of 166 km. The quickest bus can get you there in 2h 35m and is operated by Coach USA.
Which bus companies service the Chicago to Madison route?
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the bus from Chicago to Madison?
The earliest bus departs from Chicago to Madison at 12:00am. And the latest bus departs at 11:15pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Chicago to Madison?
A bus trip from Chicago to Madison generates an estimated 4 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Chicago to Madison?
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.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Chicago to Madison?
Based on Busbud reviews, the bus company Amtrak has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.
Which bus company has the best on-time performance from Chicago to Madison?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Coach USA, with a punctuality rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Chicago to Madison?
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
11-26
$55
11-27
$62
Today
$55
11-29
$55
11-30
$55
12-01
$45
12-02
$38
12-03
$36
The cheapest trip from Chicago to Madison, WI was searched and found on Dec 3, 2025 with a price of $36
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Chicago to Madison, WI, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $36 to $284 for a bus ticket from Chicago to Madison, WI based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $36 which is on 2025-12-03.
Usually FlixBus, 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.
The cheapest trip from Chicago to Madison, WI was searched and found on Dec 3, 2025 with a price of $36
