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San Francisco, CA, USA to Madison, WI, USA from $95: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Francisco, United States of America
to
Madison, United States of America

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$95 - PlaneBest price
3384 kmDistance
7h 46m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco 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.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
7h  46m
Estimated price
$95-352
Recommended
route map
Distance: 3384 km
Duration: 7h 46m

See more options

Company
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
9h  28m
Estimated price
$120-514
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
9h  45m
Estimated price
$122-463
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
57h 
Estimated price
$127-950
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
9h  57m
Estimated price
$194-605
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
32h  7m
Estimated price
$951-952
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
57h  12m
Estimated price
$5147-1203
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Traveling From San Francisco to Madison

Journeying from San Francisco's vibrant coastal allure to Madison's charming Midwest atmosphere reveals a fascinating contrast between urban energy and a laid-back college town vibe.

Best Neighbourhoods in Madison

Madison boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Downtown Madison
• Bustling area with shops and restaurants.
• Home to the Capitol building and street festivals.
State-Langdon
• Vibrant student atmosphere near the University.
• Historic homes with rich architectural styles.
Monona Terrace
• Scenic lakeside views and parks.
• Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, offers cultural events.

Best Times To Visit Madison's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Madison by timing your visits to popular attractions cleverly.

Wisconsin State Capitol
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Spring blooms attract fewer visitors compared to summer's peak season.
Monona Terrace
Weekdays are quieter, perfect for enjoying events and views.

Madison Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Madison features a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, making spring and fall the best times for comfortable exploration. Weather can greatly influence your travel experience, so packing layers and planning for seasonal events will enhance your visit.

Dining Recommendation

Try the Wisconsin cheese curds at the Old Fashioned, a staple that showcases local ingredients and the heart of Midwestern comfort food. The casual, rustic atmosphere and a focus on farm-to-table dishes provide a warm contrast to the trendy dining scenes found in San Francisco.

San Francisco - Madison operators

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

Plane
Website
delta.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN)

Average Duration
7h 46m
Estimated price
$95-953

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN) via Minneapolis

Average Duration
6h 44m
Estimated price
$3520-957

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN) via Detroit

Average Duration
7h 39m
Estimated price
$3521-954

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN) via Atlanta

Average Duration
8h 33m
Estimated price
$3522-3523
Website
united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN)

Average Duration
7h 46m
Estimated price
$95-953

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN) via Chicago O'Hare

Average Duration
7h 10m
Estimated price
$955-954

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Madison (MSN) via Chicago O'Hare

Average Duration
6h 30m
Estimated price
$956-957

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Madison (MSN) via Denver

Average Duration
7h 46m
Estimated price
$956-957

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Madison (MSN) via Denver

Average Duration
7h 38m
Estimated price
$958-959
Website
aa.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN) via Phoenix

Average Duration
6h 15m
Estimated price
$955-3529

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN) via Dallas/Ft.Worth

Average Duration
8h 42m
Estimated price
$955-3529

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN) via Chicago O'Hare

Average Duration
9h 40m
Estimated price
$3521-954
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN) via Denver

Average Duration
7h 51m
Estimated price
$1203-958
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Madison (MSN) via Phoenix

Average Duration
6h 31m
Estimated price
$956-957

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Madison (MSN) via Phoenix

Average Duration
7h 58m
Estimated price
$1201-959
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Richmond to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration
49h 3m
Estimated price
$12070-1200

Train from Chicago Union Station to Madison

Average Duration
3h 35m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
$1206-1207
Bus
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Bakersfield Train Station

Average Duration
8h 5m
Estimated price
$5147-1203

Bus from Bakersfield Train Station to Las Vegas Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration
5h 23m
Estimated price
$0-0

Bus from St Louis Bus Station to Chicago Bus Station

Average Duration
6h 39m
Estimated price
$0-0

Bus from Chicago Union Station to Madison

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 608-752-5407
Website
coachusa.com

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

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
$5144-5145

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

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$5146-5145

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Madison.

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The distance between San Francisco and Madison is approximately 1773 miles. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By plane, it takes about 7 hours and 57 minutes. By car, it takes approximately 32 hours and 7 minutes. Unfortunately, the travel time by train and bus is not provided.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Madison is by train and bus, which can cost between $120 and $700 and takes approximately 2 days and 9 hours. This option allows you to save money but requires a longer travel time. On the other hand, the quickest way to reach Madison is by flying, which takes about 7 hours and 57 minutes and costs between $240 and $500. This option is more time-efficient but may be more expensive compared to taking a train and bus.
The prices for a bus ticket from San Francisco to Madison range from $291 to $611. The cost may vary depending on factors such as the date of travel, time of booking, and type of bus service. It is recommended to check with different bus operators or travel websites to compare prices and find the best deal for your journey.
To travel from San Francisco to Madison without using public transportation, you would need to drive the distance of approximately 2103 miles. The drive typically takes around 32 hours and 7 minutes, depending on traffic and stops along the way. The cost of the trip by car can range from $380 to $550, considering gas and any tolls or parking expenses.
To travel from San Francisco to Madison without a car, the best option is to take a combination of train and bus. This journey typically takes around 2 days and 9 hours and can cost anywhere between $120 to $700. You can start by taking a train from San Francisco to Chicago, which usually takes about 1 day and 13 hours. From Chicago, you can then catch a bus to Madison, which takes roughly 3 hours. By combining these modes of transportation, you can easily reach your destination without the need for a car.
No, there is no direct link between San Francisco and Madison by bus. However, there are bus services that connect the two cities with transfers in Los Angeles, St Louis, and Chicago. The journey takes approximately 2 days and 12 hours, including transfers. The bus services are operated by Flixbus USA and Amtrak.
The flight between San Francisco and Madison typically takes around 5 hours and 36 minutes with one stopover. The prices for this flight route can vary between $240 and $492. However, it's important to note that there are no direct flights available, so passengers will have to make a stop during their journey.
There are numerous accommodations available near Madison. There are over 97 hotels to choose from with prices starting at $55 per night. Some popular options include the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace, the Graduate Madison, and the Hyatt Place Madison/Downtown. These hotels offer a range of amenities and convenient locations for visitors to enjoy their stay in Madison.

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