Next bus departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bus | University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center | Ames | CheapestFastest | ||||
| Bus | University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center | Ames | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Last Wednesday at 11:30 PM CST.
Get from Madison to Ames
The journey takes about 12 hours 20 minutes and with fares starting at just $173, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular stops in Madison and Ames?
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
Stops in Ames
- A
Intermodal Facility
129 Hayward Ave, Ames, IA 50014, 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.
Jefferson Lines Madison Ames recent customer reviews
the service is very bad there is no call for passagers i miss the bus at Madison
Senlin C.
Frequently asked questions about traveling from Madison, WI to Ames, IA, US 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 Madison to Ames?
The cheapest bus tickets from Madison to Ames start from $173. 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 Madison to Ames?
The average bus trip duration from Madison to Ames is 12h 20m, covering a distance of 228 miles (368 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 12h 20m and is operated by Jefferson Lines.
Which bus companies service the Madison to Ames route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 1 buses available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Madison to Ames?
The earliest bus departs from Madison to Ames at 10:20am. And the latest bus departs at 2:00pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Madison to Ames?
A bus trip from Madison to Ames 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 Madison, WI to Ames, IA, US was searched and found on Feb 26, 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 Madison, WI to Ames, IA, US, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $168 to $168 for a bus ticket from Madison, WI to Ames, IA, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $168 which is on 2026-02-28.
