Bloomington, IL, USA to Madison, WI, USA from $27: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

How to Get from Bloomington 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.

$27 - Train, bus via MilwaukeeBest price

320 kmDistance

3h 19m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

See more options

Sort by

Browse car rentals Explore flights

Traveling From Bloomington to Madison

Embarking on a trip from Bloomington to Madison offers you a blend of Bloomington's vibrant arts scene and Madison's scenic lakes and vibrant college culture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Madison

Madison boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its distinct charm and excitement.

Downtown Madison

• Thriving local shops and restaurants

• Home to the historic Wisconsin State Capitol

University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Vibrant student life and culture

• Numerous museums and art galleries

Monona Terrace

• Stunning views of Lake Monona

• Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece

Best Times To Visit Madison's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your experience at Madison's top spots.

Wisconsin State Capitol

Weekdays in the morning are quieter, allowing for peaceful exploration.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Spring and early summer showcase vibrant blooms with fewer visitors.

Monona Terrace

Visit on weekdays for stunning views and serene surroundings.

Madison Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Madison experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, making activities vary seasonally. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, creating enjoyable conditions for outdoor exploration and events.

Dining Recommendation in Madison

Experience Madison’s iconic cheese curds at The Old Fashioned, a restaurant celebrating local flavors and Wisconsin traditions. Unlike Bloomington's diverse culinary scene, Madison's focus on regional ingredients and a cozy, rustic atmosphere provides a warm, authentic dining experience.

Bloomington - Madison operators

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

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

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

Train from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

2h 35m

Estimated price

$270-271

Train from Chicago Union Station to Milwaukee

Average Duration

1h 29m

Estimated price

$277-278

Train from Bloomington-Normal to Peoria Amtrak Station

Average Duration

1h 17m

Estimated price

$0-0

Bus

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

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

Bus from Chicago Union Station to Madison

Average Duration

3h 35m

Estimated price

0-0

Bus from Milwaukee to Madison

Average Duration

1h 45m

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

$2136-2137

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

Average Duration

2h 50m

Estimated price

$274-2137

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Bloomington to Chicago Bus Station

Average Duration

4h 55m

Estimated price

$2136-740

Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Madison

Average Duration

3h 40m

Estimated price

$276-740

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Madison

Average Duration

3h 40m

Estimated price

$276-740

Plane

Website

https://www.aa.com/

Plane from Bloomington (BMI) to Madison (MSN)

Average Duration

4h 28m

Estimated price

$1236-1231

Plane from Peoria (PIA) to Madison (MSN)

Average Duration

5h 9m

Estimated price

$287-1237

Plane from Bloomington (BMI) to Dallas/Ft.Worth

Average Duration

5h 31m

Estimated price

$1230-12340

Website

https://www.delta.com/

Plane from Bloomington to Madison

Average Duration

6h 33m

Estimated price

$1230-1239

Drive

Drive from Bloomington to Madison

Average Duration

3h 19m

Estimated price

$35-280

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

Traveling between Bloomington 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 Bloomington to Madison covering a distance of 199 miles. Enjoy the change in landscape as you journey northward. ⛽️ The cost of driving from Bloomington to Madison ranges from $35 to $55, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. Plan your pit stops wisely to make the most of your road trip experience. 🌆 Arrive in Madison after approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes of driving, ready to explore the vibrant capital city of Wisconsin. Discover its rich culture, charming neighborhoods, and bustling downtown area.

Average price

$35 - $55

🚆 Embark on an exciting train journey from Bloomington to Madison spanning a distance of 389 miles. With a total travel time of 9 hours and 15 minutes, this scenic route includes a transfer along the way. 🚌 Make your way through picturesque landscapes as you board a bus towards Chicago Bus Station. Enjoy a comfortable ride with FlixBus before transferring to another bus operated by Van Galder for the final leg towards Madison, which takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.

🛫 Flying from Bloomington to Madison involves a one-stop flight that typically takes around 2 hours and 58 minutes. Both Delta and American Airlines operate flights on this route. 🌍 Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between Bloomington Airport and Madison Airport, so a layover is necessary. The total travel time from Bloomington to Madison by plane is approximately 5 hours and 9 minutes. 💸 The cost of a flight from Bloomington to Madison can range anywhere from $223 to $603, depending on the airline, timing, and availability. Plan your trip accordingly to find the best deal for your journey.

Departure Point

Bloomington Airport

Arrival Point

Madison Airport. The quickest flight takes 2h 58m and has one stopover

🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Bloomington to Madison travelers can take a route that includes a transfer at the Chicago Bus Station. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 9 hours and 35 minutes. 🌆 The trip covers a distance of 389 miles and offers various bus services operated by Greyhound USA and Flixbus USA. Prices for the bus tickets between Bloomington and Madison typically range from $74 to $98. 🛣️ Routes vary in length and number of transfers, with options ranging from one to two transfers and total travel times between 7 hours and 52 minutes to 17 hours and 9 minutes. Travelers can plan their itinerary based on their preferences for duration and number of stops.

Departure Point

Bloomington station

Arrival Point

Madison station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Bloomington to Madison.

Or choose the category:

The distance between Bloomington and Madison is 181 miles by air and 199 miles by road. If you prefer to travel by train and then bus, it would take approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. If you choose to fly, the travel time would be around 5 hours and 48 minutes. However, if you decide to drive, it would take about 3 hours and 19 minutes. Lastly, if you opt for the bus, it would take around 8 hours and 50 minutes to reach Madison from Bloomington.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Bloomington to Madison is by car. It takes approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes to drive the 181-mile distance between the two cities. The cost of driving is estimated to be around $35 to $55, which is cheaper compared to other modes of transportation like train, bus, or plane. Additionally, driving allows for more flexibility in terms of departure and arrival times.

The prices for a bus ticket between Madison and Bloomington can range from $73 to $110.

To travel from Bloomington to Madison without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 199 miles. The journey typically takes about 3 hours and 19 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of fuel and tolls may vary, but the approximate price range is between $35 and $55. It is advised to check for any road closures or construction updates before embarking on your journey.

If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from Bloomington to Madison is by taking a train and then a bus. This option takes approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes and can cost between $28 and $130, depending on the specific train and bus options you choose. This allows you to sit back and relax while enjoying the scenery on your way to Madison.

Yes, there is a link between Bloomington and Madison though it requires transfers. The journey by bus from Bloomington to Madison takes approximately 8 hours and 50 minutes, including transfers at O'Hare Term 123 and Milwaukee. Bus services operated by Greyhound USA and Flixbus USA provide transportation between the two cities. However, there is no direct bus route available, so passengers will need to transfer at designated stops.

The flight duration between Bloomington and Madison varies depending on the number of stopovers. The quickest flight with one stopover takes approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes. However, there are no direct flights available between these two cities. The cost of a flight ticket between Madison and Bloomington ranges from $233 to $603, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.

There are plenty of accommodation options near Madison. With over 97 hotels to choose from, you'll be sure to find a place that suits your needs. Prices for hotels start at $55, offering a range of options for different budgets. Whether you prefer luxury accommodations or more budget-friendly options, there are plenty of choices available for your stay near Madison.

Bloomington, IL, USA to Madison, WI, USA from $27: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Bloomington to Madison

Best Neighbourhoods in Madison

Best Times To Visit Madison's Attractions

Madison Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Madison

Bloomington - Madison operators

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

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Bloomington

Trips to Peoria

Popular routes