Kansas City, MO, USA to Madison, WI, USA from $44: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$44 - Train, BusBest price

785 kmDistance

6h 8m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Kansas City 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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Traveling From Kansas City to Madison

The journey from Kansas City to Madison offers a refreshing contrast, with Kansas City's vibrant urban energy giving way to Madison's picturesque natural landscapes and a laid-back atmosphere.

Best Neighborhoods in Madison

Madison boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct charm and experiences.

Downtown Madison

• Bustling shops and cafes create a lively atmosphere.

• Home to the iconic State Capitol building.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Vibrant student life and cultural events year-round.

• Beautiful campus with picturesque lakeside views.

Middleton

• Known for its charming shops and excellent dining options.

• Offers scenic parks and outdoor recreational spaces.

Best Times To Visit Madison's Attractions

Timing your visit can elevate your experience at Madison's top spots.

Wisconsin State Capitol

Visit early in the morning on weekdays to enjoy quieter tours.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Weekday afternoons in spring showcase blooming flowers with fewer visitors.

Monona Terrace

Sunset hours offer stunning lake views without the heavy crowds.

Madison Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Madison experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers shaping travel plans; spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the city. Be prepared for variable weather, as it can influence outdoor activities and events throughout the year.

Dining Recommendation in Madison

Head to The Old Fashioned for a taste of Wisconsin’s cheese curds, a dish that contrasts with Kansas City's barbecue. This restaurant’s focus on local ingredients and a cozy, rustic atmosphere provides a unique dining experience that celebrates regional flavors.

Kansas City - Madison operators

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

Plane Show flights

Website

united.com

Plane from Kansas City (MCI) to Madison (MSN)

Average Duration

6h 8m

Estimated price

$232-652

Plane from Kansas City (MCI) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

1h 38m

Estimated price

$443-444

Plane from Kansas City (MCI) to Milwaukee (MKE)

Average Duration

1h 36m

Estimated price

$2328-444

Website

delta.com

Plane from Kansas City (MCI) to Madison (MSN)

Average Duration

6h 8m

Estimated price

$2325-440

Website

aa.com

Plane from Kansas City (MCI) to Madison (MSN)

Average Duration

6h 8m

Estimated price

$440-6523

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1-858-800-8898

Website

jeffersonlines.com

Bus from Kansas City, MO to St. Paul

Average Duration

15h 20m

Estimated price

$112-285

Bus from St. Paul to Madison, WI-Lake St.

Average Duration

15h 20m

Estimated price

$232-2321

Contact phone

+1 414-266-4409

Website

badgerbus.com

Bus from Mitchell Airport to Madison, WI-Lake St.

Average Duration

Estimated price

$944-945

Bus from Milwaukee Intermodal to Madison, WI-Lake St.

Average Duration

1h 35m

Estimated price

$946-947

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Kansas City to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

11h 45m

Estimated price

$446-447

Train from Chicago Union Station to Milwaukee

Average Duration

1h 29m

Estimated price

$3126-448

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

Average Duration

3h 35m

Estimated price

$0-0

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

Traveling between Kansas City 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 Kansas City to Madison covering a distance of 488 miles. The journey promises approximately 8 hours and 7 minutes of picturesque landscapes and smooth highways. 💰 Experience a budget-friendly adventure with driving costs ranging between $85 to $130 for the trip from Kansas City to Madison. Enjoy the flexibility and freedom of exploring the Midwest at your own pace and within your preferred budget.

Average price

$85 - $130

🛫 Traveling from Kansas City to Madison by plane involves a total flight time of approximately 6 hours and 8 minutes due to the lack of direct flights, with a stopover typically lasting around 3 hours and 26 minutes. 🌐 The primary airlines offering flights on this route are American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta. Passengers can expect a range of prices varying between $232 and $652 for their journey from Kansas City Airport to Madison Airport.

Departure Point

Kansas City Airport

Arrival Point

Madison Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 26m and has one stopover

🚌 Traveling from Kansas City to Madison by bus requires making transfers along the way. The journey, with transfers, takes approximately 15 hours and 20 minutes. 🛣️ The routes from Kansas City to Madison vary in duration and number of transfers. Some routes have up to 3 transfers, while others have 2 transfers, with travel times ranging from about 14 to 21 hours. 💸 Prices for the bus trip between Kansas City and Madison can range from $112 to $285, providing travelers with options to fit their budget and schedule.

Departure Point

Kansas City, MO station

Arrival Point

Madison, WI-Lake St. station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Kansas City to Madison.

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The distance between Kansas City and Madison is approximately 387 miles by air and 487.7 miles by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By train and bus via Milwaukee, it takes approximately 16 hours and 59 minutes to reach Madison from Kansas City. By plane, the journey takes around 6 hours and 21 minutes. By car, it takes approximately 8 hours and 7 minutes to drive from Kansas City to Madison. By bus, the travel time is approximately 14 hours and 25 minutes to reach Madison from Kansas City.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Kansas City to Madison is by train and bus, with prices ranging from $45 to $230. This option takes approximately 15 hours and 50 minutes. If time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, which takes 6 hours and 21 minutes with prices ranging from $230 to $650. It is important to consider both cost and time when deciding which transportation option to choose.

The prices for a bus ticket between Madison and Kansas City vary significantly, ranging from $75 to $225. These prices can be influenced by factors such as the date and time of travel, as well as the specific bus company chosen. It is advisable to compare prices and book in advance to secure the best deal for your journey.

To get from Kansas City to Madison without using public transportation, you can opt to drive the entire way. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 488 miles and it takes around 8 hours and 7 minutes to complete the journey by car. Prices for renting a car for this trip vary, ranging from $85 to $130.

To travel from Kansas City to Madison without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 14 hours and 25 minutes and the ticket prices range from $75 to $230. This is the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel between the two cities without having to drive yourself.

Yes, there is a direct link between Kansas City and Madison although it requires transfers. There is no direct bus from Kansas City to Madison, but there are bus services operated by Jefferson Lines and Megabus that can take you from Kansas City to Madison with a transfer in St Paul, MN. The journey takes approximately 14 hours and 25 minutes, including transfers.

The flight duration from Kansas City to Madison typically ranges from 3 hours and 29 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the layover time. However, please note that there is no direct flight available between the two cities, so passengers will have to make a stopover. The cost of a flight ticket between Madison and Kansas City can vary between $232 and $652, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability of promotions or discounts. It is recommended to check with multiple airlines to find the best prices.

There are plenty of options for accommodations near Madison with over 97 hotels to choose from. Prices start at $55, catering to a variety of budgets. Whether you're looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly options, or something in between, you'll be able to find a suitable place to stay near Madison. It's recommended to check online booking platforms or contact a local travel agent to explore the different options and make a reservation that suits your preferences.

Kansas City, MO, USA to Madison, WI, USA from $44: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Kansas City to Madison

Best Neighborhoods in Madison

Best Times To Visit Madison's Attractions

Madison Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Madison

Kansas City - Madison operators

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

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Kansas City

Trips to Madison

Popular routes