best way from airport to madison? (Janesville, Beloit: to rent, purchase, university)

[Funny_74]

Hi,
can someone tell me what is the best possibility to go from Chicago international airport to Madison? Is it worth renting a car or are there any buses driving up to WI?

Thanks!

[craptacular]

Van Galder / Coach USA has frequent bus service between both Chicago airports (O'Hare & Midway) and Madison.
Van Galder Bus Company | Cities We Service to Airports

[Chelito23]

I just took the Van Galder Coach bus. I believe it is 27 dollars one way from O'Hare to Madison. They leave from the bus/shuttle center behind the airport Hilton. I think all terminals have a direct link to this hub...you will see signs that say bus/shuttle (different from CTA which is Chicago bus and train system).

The buses leave daily every two hours, except for midnight to 4 am when they don't run at all. You can pay the driver when the bus arrives, you don't need to purchase tickets in advance. Cash only btw.
I think two bags are allowed below and one carry on above and beyond tat they charge like 10 bucks or something peradditional bag.

The trip on the bus takes 3 hours and stops in South Beloit, Janesville, the Dutch Mill park and ride in Monona and finally the Memorial Union in Downtown Madison. The 3 hours is to the final destination.

There is a restroom onboard, no tvs though. It is a smooth and pleasant drive. Going back to O'Hare is just as easy.

ANOTHER alternative is Megabus. It is a doubledecker bus (like the ones in England). It costs the same but the times are less frequent. It makes it to Madison in 2 and a half hours though (fewer stops along the way). It only goes to the Dutch Mill park and ride though...and now that I think about it, I believe it departs from Union Station as opposed to O'Hare.

[r_k]

The bus is best, but if you need the car to move around while in Madison, then it makes more sense to rent the car in Chicago. However, if you are arriving after a long flight and may be tired then the bus is definitely better. The driving time is 2.5 hours, or a but more if there is traffic around the airport.

[everwinter]

Originally Posted by Chelito23

I just took the Van Galder Coach bus. I believe it is 27 dollars one way from O'Hare to Madison. They leave from the bus/shuttle center behind the airport Hilton. I think all terminals have a direct link to this hub...you will see signs that say bus/shuttle (different from CTA which is Chicago bus and train system).

The buses leave daily every two hours, except for midnight to 4 am when they don't run at all. You can pay the driver when the bus arrives, you don't need to purchase tickets in advance. Cash only btw.
I think two bags are allowed below and one carry on above and beyond tat they charge like 10 bucks or something peradditional bag.

The trip on the bus takes 3 hours and stops in South Beloit, Janesville, the Dutch Mill park and ride in Monona and finally the Memorial Union in Downtown Madison. The 3 hours is to the final destination.

There is a restroom onboard, no tvs though. It is a smooth and pleasant drive. Going back to O'Hare is just as easy.

ANOTHER alternative is Megabus. It is a doubledecker bus (like the ones in England). It costs the same but the times are less frequent. It makes it to Madison in 2 and a half hours though (fewer stops along the way). It only goes to the Dutch Mill park and ride though...and now that I think about it, I believe it departs from Union Station as opposed to O'Hare.

That's a lot of info. I believe you've just confirmed the point that American's are the friendliest people in the world.

[Ragnar]

I've also used the Van Galder Bus between Madison and Chicago. It's very convenient, especially if you need to go right from Chicago O'Hare Airport to the University of Wisconsin campus.

[Funny_74]

Thanks a lot for your help! I also found out that [SIZE=2]van Galder is an excellent service and makes several stops before Madison.... - so it will be very comfortable :-)
[/SIZE]