Indianapolis, IN, USA to Madison, WI, USA from $30: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Indianapolis to Madison: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$30 - Train, Bus via MilwaukeeBest price

531 kmDistance

5h 34m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Indianapolis to Madison with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Indianapolis - Madison operators

Explore transport companies operating between Indianapolis and Madison, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus

Website

palmlandlines.com

Bus from Indianapolis IN to Chicago IL

Average Duration

3h 20m

Estimated price

$371-2318

Bus from Chicago Union Station to Madison

Average Duration

3h 35m

Estimated price

$0-0

Contact phone

+1 608-752-5407

Website

https://www.coachusa.com/van-galder-bus-company

Bus from Chicago Union Station to Madison, WI-Lake St.

Average Duration

3h 40m

Estimated price

$2316-372

Bus from O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility to Madison, WI-Lake St.

Average Duration

2h 50m

Estimated price

$2319-372

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Indianapolis Bus Station to Chicago Bus Station

Average Duration

3h 45m

Estimated price

$373-751

Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Madison

Average Duration

3h 40m

Estimated price

$374-2318

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from Milwaukee Mitchell Airport to Madison

Average Duration

2h 5m

Estimated price

$375-2310

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Indianapolis to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$2315-1051

Train from Chicago Union Station to Milwaukee

Average Duration

1h 29m

Estimated price

$306-75

Train from Milwaukee to Madison

Average Duration

1h 45m

Estimated price

$0-0

Plane

Website

aa.com

Plane from Indianapolis Airport to Madison Airport

Average Duration

4h 18m

Estimated price

$300-301

Website

delta.com

Plane from Indianapolis Airport to Madison Airport

Average Duration

3h 44m

Estimated price

$1051-1053

Website

united.com

Plane from Indianapolis Airport to Madison Airport

Average Duration

4h 4m

Estimated price

$1051-1058

Indianapolis to Madison: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Indianapolis and Madison offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Indianapolis to Madison, covering a distance of 330 miles in approximately 5 hours and 34 minutes. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes as you journey through the heart of the Midwest. 💰 Indulge in budget-friendly travel with car prices ranging from $60 to $90 for the Indianapolis to Madison route. Experience the freedom of the open road while exploring charming towns and cities along the way.

Average price

$60 - $90

🚆 Traveling by train from Indianapolis to Madison is a scenic journey covering a distance of 338 miles. With a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 35 minutes, this route involves a transfer along the way. 🚆 The first leg of the trip includes a 3-hour and 45-minute bus ride from Indianapolis to Chicago Bus Station with FlixBus. The second step is a 3-hour and 20-minute bus journey from Chicago to Madison with Van Galder, departing from Chicago Airport Shuttle. 🚆 Alternatively, another route takes around 7 hours and 55 minutes to reach Madison from Indianapolis with a transfer in Chicago. Greyhound operates the bus service from Indianapolis to Chicago Train Station before transferring to the Van Galder bus towards Madison, departing from Chicago Airport Shuttle.

🛫 When traveling from Indianapolis to Madison by plane, passengers can expect a journey with one stopover and a total duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes. 💸 Prices for flights between the two cities can range from $144 to $294, with a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes.

Departure Point

Indianapolis Airport

Arrival Point

Madison Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 15m and has one stopover

🚌 The bus journey from Indianapolis to Madison involves a transfer at Chicago Union Station. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes. 🚌 The prices for a bus ticket between Indianapolis and Madison range from $75 to $105. Plan your trip accordingly to enjoy the scenic journey between these two cities by bus.

Departure Point

Indianapolis Bus Station

Arrival Point

Madison station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Indianapolis to Madison.

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The distance between Indianapolis and Madison is approximately 458.7 km or 531.1 km by road. Depending on the mode of transportation, typical travel times vary. It takes around 10 hours and 14 minutes to reach Madison from Indianapolis by train and bus via Milwaukee, 5 hours and 50 minutes by plane, 5 hours and 34 minutes by car, and about 7 hours and 25 minutes by bus.

The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Indianapolis to Madison would be taking a bus via Indianapolis Bus Station. This option typically costs between $35 and $130 and takes approximately 8 hours and 25 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving would be the fastest option. It takes around 5 hours and 34 minutes to drive from Indianapolis to Madison and costs between $60 and $90.

The prices for a bus ticket between Indianapolis and Madison typically range from $75 to $105.

To travel from Indianapolis to Madison without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 531.1 km, which takes around 5 hours and 34 minutes. The route offers scenic views and allows for flexibility in terms of stops and exploring along the way. However, it's important to consider the cost of gas, tolls, and other expenses, which can range from $60 to $90 depending on fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.

The best way to travel from Indianapolis to Madison without a car is by bus. It takes approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes and the cost ranges from $75 to $110. Another option is to take a train to Milwaukee and then transfer to a bus, which takes about 10 hours and 14 minutes.

Yes, there is no direct link between Indianapolis and Madison by bus. However, there are bus services operated by Greyhound USA and Flixbus USA that require a transfer at Chicago Union Station. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes.

The flight between Indianapolis and Madison typically takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes, including one stopover. However, there are no direct flights between the two cities. The cost of a flight ticket for this route can range from $144 to $294, depending on the airline and the time of booking.

There are plenty of accommodation options near Madison. With over 97 hotels available, you can find accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices start at $55, ensuring there are options for affordable stays.