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.
Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.
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.
Greyhound Lines offers the most comprehensive intercity bus services in the United States. They operate a modern, environmentally friendly fleet that serves more than 2400 destinations and carries nearly 16 million passengers annually. When traveling with them, you can expect free WiFi, onboard entertainment, bathrooms, power outlets and decent legroom. One of the great perks of Greyhound is that they connect big cities and smaller towns in the US, where you usually can't get to by train or plane. If you're looking for safe and affordable transportation, Greyhound is a great choice.
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.
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 Chicago to Madison, WI by bus
What is the distance between Chicago and Madison?
The distance between the two cities is 123 miles (199 km).
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Chicago to Madison?
If you're headed to Madison from Chicago, chances are that your bus will depart from Downtown Greyhound Station and arrive at UW Memorial Union. These are the primary departure and arrival locations on this route, but you can also find other options that could better fit your plans.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
Best price found
11/17
$39
11/18
$39
Today
$30
11/20
$29
11/21
$34
11/22
$32
11/23
$36
11/24
$32
The cheapest trip from Chicago to Madison, WI was searched and found on Nov 20, 2025 with a price of $29
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 $29 to $197 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 $29 which is on 2025-11-20.
Usually Amtrak, 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 Nov 20, 2025 with a price of $29
