Traveling by bus to Chicago
Useful information for your bus trip
Greyhound buses usually have power outlets, WiFi, toilets, and A/C. However, Busbud recommends bringing snacks and wearing comfortable clothes to fully enjoy your trip.
What are the boarding requirements?
Bus companies recommend arriving 30 minutes before the departure time. Prepare your paper ticket, e-ticket or obtain it directly at the station (Will Call ticket, only for Greyhound) for your bus from Madison to Chicago and a valid photo ID.
How much luggage can I take on the bus?
Each bus company has its own luggage policy. As a general guideline, for your bus trip between Madison and Chicago, you are allowed one carry-on bag and one luggage. Your luggage should not weight more than 23 kg (50 lbs) and your carry-on should fit in the overheard compartment of the bus.
Madison ➟ Chicago: bus vs car
Transportation mode | Bus | Car |
---|
Average cost of travel | $24 | $24 |
Average travel time | 3 h 50 min | 2 h 50 min |
Carbon footprint (CO2 emissions) | 30 kg of CO2 | 61 kg of CO2 |
Is the bus environmentally-friendly?
🍃On average, the bus generates 68% less CO2 emissions in the atmosphere than traveling the same distance between Madison and Chicago by car (about 150 miles).
Is the bus cheaper than the car for a trip between Madison and Chicago?
🚌 The bus and taking the car cost about the same price between Madison and Chicago. However, with the bus, no need to find a parking spot and if you're stuck in traffic, you can relax, catch up on some work, read, listen to music, and much more!
Did you know?
Things to do in Chicago
Once arrived, you'll be able to start exploring the city and its surroundings! The Windy City has sky-high skyscrapers, amazing cheap eats, and culture to match almost any city in the world. We suggest taking a river cruise on the Chicago river, visit the Skydeck or take stroll in Grant Park to fully enjoy your visit.
