Madison Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops
Madison’s main local bus operator is Metro Transit, operated by the City of Madison, Wisconsin. Its network includes Rapid Route A, regular routes B through W, selected numbered routes, UW–Madison campus buses, and limited commuter and school-day services.
Rapid Route A runs approximately every 15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, with 30-minute service on Sundays and holidays. Regular adult bus fare is $2.00, and qualifying campus trips on routes 80–84 are free.
This guide helps you choose the correct bus, read actual timetable examples, find your boarding stop, use live arrivals, pay the fare, reach Dane County Regional Airport, plan UW campus travel and avoid 2026 holiday or schedule-change mistakes.
How Do I Find the Madison Bus Schedule?
Visit the official Madison Metro Routes & Schedules page, select your route, choose its direction, and then select weekday, Saturday or Sunday service. For your exact stop and the next predicted arrival, use the Metro Bus Tracker.
Madison Bus Rider Guide
Madison Metro Bus Routes: Which One Should You Take?
Metro’s route directory groups service into Rapid Route A, regular local buses, peak-only commuter routes, university campus routes and school-day supplemental trips. Not every route operates all day or seven days per week.
Rapid Route A — East–West BRT
Frequent Rapid ServiceConnects the Junction Road area with East Madison and Sun Prairie through corridors including Mineral Point Road, Whitney Way, University Avenue, State Street, the Capitol area and East Washington Avenue.
Best for: cross-town travel, UW Hospital area, downtown, Madison College and east-side connections.
Frequency: about 15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays; 30 minutes Sundays and holidays.
Official Rapid A route and timetableRoute B — Cahill to Northport
North–South CorridorServes Cahill, Fish Hatchery, South Park Street, the UW area, Capitol Square, East Washington, North Street, Packers Avenue and Northport.
Best for: south-to-north Madison travel, downtown transfers and selected UW connections.
Schedule: separate weekday, Saturday and Sunday tables.
Official Route B scheduleRoute C — Highland, Sprecher and Cottontail
West–East LocalA local corridor serving the Highland area, downtown-related connections and eastern neighborhoods along its various route branches.
Best for: selected west-side, UW-area and east-side destinations.
Rider tip: check the final destination shown on the trip because some trips use different terminal or branch patterns.
Check Route C directions and stopsRoute D — Dane County Airport
Airport CorridorConnects west-side neighborhoods, the UW/downtown corridor, north/east-side streets and Dane County Regional Airport on applicable branch trips.
Best for: Madison airport trips and longer cross-city local journeys.
Airport stop: the timetable identifies Airport Terminal Door 6.
Official Route D airport timetableRoute E — McKee to Capitol Square
Southwest to DowntownProvides local connections between the McKee Road corridor and the Capitol Square area.
Best for: selected southwest Madison neighborhoods traveling toward central Madison.
Check Route E scheduleRoute F — Junction to Capitol Square
West Madison ConnectionLinks the Junction Road area with downtown and selected west-side destinations.
Best for: riders needing local access beyond major Rapid A station locations.
Check Route F timetableOther Regular Madison Bus Routes
| Route | Main corridor or service description | What riders should check |
|---|---|---|
| G | Hughes & Park to Independence | Direction, regular stop and service day |
| H | Westfield to Hughes & Park | West-side departure stop and connection |
| J | Westfield to Brooks | UW/downtown-area stop and direction |
| L | Femrite to Sherman | Monona and east-side stop details |
| O | Hughes & Park to Brooks | Campus access and residential stops |
| P | Independence, Portage and Hayes | East/northeast route pattern |
| R | Junction, South Ridge and Capitol Square | Branch or destination shown |
| S | O’Keeffe, Main, Windsor and Grand | Sun Prairie-area boarding points |
| W | Sun Prairie Loop | Loop direction and operating times |
| 28 | Sherman to University Row | Limited route timetable and stops |
| 38 | Dutch Mill, Monona, Johnson and University Row | Monona and university transfer points |
Peak-Only and School-Day Routes
Metro also lists supplemental routes numbered in the 600s for Madison Metropolitan School District school days. These are open to the public but depend on the school calendar, so they should not be treated as daily regular bus service.
Madison Metro Bus Times: Read a Real Route B Schedule
Madison has no single first or last bus time for the entire system. The first bus depends on the route, direction, boarding stop and service day. For example, Route B has published weekday trips starting before 6 AM, whereas a commuter-only or UW late-night route has a different service period.
The example below uses the official Route B weekday timetable effective August 16, 2026. It illustrates selected departures from Cahill toward Northport.
| Stop / Timepoint | Trip 1 | Trip 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cahill at Caddis | 5:23 AM | 5:53 AM |
| S Park at Hughes | 5:32 AM | 6:02 AM |
| East Campus | 5:42 AM | 6:12 AM |
| Capitol Square | 5:46 AM | 6:16 AM |
| Troy at Forster | 6:07 AM | 6:37 AM |
These are scheduled examples, not average journey times or current live arrival predictions. They do not establish the first or last trip for every direction or service day.
Southbound Route B Example
4:53 AM
4:59 AM
5:03 AM
5:19 AM
5:33 AM
5:43 AM
How to Find First, Last and Weekend Departures
- Open the Metro routes directory.
- Select the correct bus route.
- Choose the destination or route direction.
- Select Weekday, Saturday or Sunday.
- Read the first and last relevant rows in that direction.
- Identify your exact boarding timepoint.
- Use Bus Tracker for intermediate stops and newer predictions.
- Check the effective date printed with the timetable.
Madison Rapid Route A: Frequency, Stations and Branches
Rapid Route A is Metro’s high-frequency east–west bus rapid transit corridor. It serves key west-side destinations, the University Avenue corridor, downtown Madison, Madison College and eastern connections toward Sun Prairie.
Route A’s Main Travel Corridor
This is an explanatory corridor diagram, not a geographically accurate route map. Individual A1/A2 trips can use different terminal patterns.
Route A1 vs A2: Why the Destination Matters
Metro’s Route A timetables identify different route variants, including A1 and A2. Some trips serve the Sun Prairie Park & Ride, while others turn at eastern Madison locations. Do not assume every bus marked A continues to the same final stop.
How to Use a Madison BRT Station
Open Route A’s official schedule, current variant and station information.
Madison Metro Bus Map: How the Network Connects
Madison’s bus network is centered around several important corridors rather than a single bus terminal. Common points of interest include Capitol Square, UW–Madison, UW Hospital, East Washington Avenue, Junction Road, the north-side neighborhoods, Sun Prairie and the airport.
Conceptual network diagram only. These lines summarize major travel directions and are not actual route geometries, stop positions or guaranteed direct connections.
Where Can You Find the Complete Route Map?
- Open Madison Metro’s routes and maps directory.
- Choose the interactive system map for an overview.
- Search your street, destination or neighborhood.
- Identify the closest relevant route and stop.
- Confirm the proper direction or BRT station platform.
- Check the individual route page for its timetable and stop list.
- Use Bus Tracker for your exact boarding stop before leaving.
For unfamiliar walking connections, transfers or trip planning with a destination address, our Google Maps bus routes and stop-finding guide explains how to compare transit itineraries and walking directions. Metro’s own schedule and detour notices should still be your final source.
How Much Is the Madison Bus Fare?
Metro’s regular adult single-ride fare is $2.00. Eligible youth, seniors, riders with disabilities and low-income customers can qualify for reduced fares. A standard eligible contactless fare acts as a two-hour transfer pass.
Fast Fare Caps: How Much Can You Spend?
| Fare period | Regular adult | Eligible reduced fare |
|---|---|---|
| One ride | $2.00 | $1.00 |
| Daily cap | $5.00 | $2.50 |
| Weekly cap | $16.25 | $7.00 |
| Monthly cap | $65.00 | $28.00 |
Check Madison Metro’s official fares, discounts and fare caps.
How to Pay for a Madison Metro Bus
Contactless Credit or Debit Card
- Prepare an accepted contactless Visa, Mastercard or Discover card.
- Board the correct Metro bus.
- Tap the card on the fare validator.
- Use that same card on a connecting bus.
- Check the two-hour transfer period and fare caps.
Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay
- Prepare your supported phone or wallet.
- Open the correct payment card.
- Tap the fare reader.
- Use the same device and virtual card for future trips.
- Review fare-cap eligibility if you ride frequently.
Metro Fast Fare Card
- Obtain a Fast Fare card from Metro or an approved location.
- Add value or set up your account as instructed.
- Tap the card when boarding.
- Use the same card for transfer benefits and fare capping.
Metro lists its Administration Office and Madison Public Library locations among the ways to obtain cards.
Cash
- Confirm whether you are boarding at a regular stop or BRT station.
- At a regular local stop, prepare the exact onboard cash fare.
- At a BRT station, use the ticket vending machine before boarding.
- Keep the issued ticket or pass ready for inspection or use.
Reduced fare verification and fare capping rules differ by payment type.
How to Track a Madison Bus by Route and Stop
Madison Metro operates an official Bus Tracker that lets riders select a route, direction and stop to view upcoming arrivals. A predicted arrival can change, so check again just before leaving.
Open Madison Metro Bus Tracker.
Scheduled vs Predicted Bus Times
For an important appointment, class or work shift, give yourself enough time to catch an earlier bus if the first planned connection is tight. Arriving at the stop about five minutes before a predicted departure is a useful baseline, with a larger buffer during snow or unfamiliar transfers.
Which Madison Bus Goes to Dane County Regional Airport?
Metro Route D serves Dane County Regional Airport on applicable trips. The official timetable identifies the airport boarding point as Airport at Terminal Door 6.
How to Take Route D to the Airport
- Open the official Route D schedule.
- Select the correct direction and travel date.
- Find the column marked Airport at Terminal Door 6.
- Choose a trip that actually has a time in that column.
- Confirm the boarding stop and any transfers.
- Allow additional time for airline check-in and security.
- Check the airport stop and detours on your travel day.
For flights from Chicago O’Hare instead of Madison’s local airport, Madison also has separate intercity coach services. Our Van Galder bus schedule from Madison to Chicago O’Hare covers the UW campus and Dutch Mill pickup points, ticket options, travel times and current O’Hare boarding instructions. Van Galder is not covered by a Madison Metro fare.
UW–Madison Bus Routes 80, 81, 82 and 84
UW–Madison has a separate group of Metro routes serving campus destinations. Routes 80–84 are fare-free for UW students, employees, affiliates and university visitors under Metro’s published campus fare policy.
Route 80: Sample Campus Loop
The official Route 80 schedule includes morning departures, a campus-loop pattern and different regular/recess timetables. A route that operates during classes may use a reduced schedule once the semester ends.
Remaining Important UW Dates for 2026
| Date | UW campus service note | Rider action |
|---|---|---|
| November 25, 2026 | No late-night UW campus service | Check routes 81 and 82 before leaving. |
| November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving holiday/recess service | Use the campus holiday timetable. |
| November 28, 2026 | Recess schedule | Check Route 80 and 84 reduced service. |
| December 17–18, 2026 | No late-night service | Plan the return before evening. |
| December 18 onward | Winter recess service begins | Do not rely on regular-semester screenshots. |
Open the official UW 2026–2027 service calendar and Route 80’s detailed timetable.
Madison Bus Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving and Winter Break
Metro operates reduced or modified service on observed holidays. The route list operating on a holiday may be smaller than the normal weekday network, and UW–Madison campus buses follow their own academic calendar.
For December holidays, New Year’s Day and any weather-related interruptions, always open the official Metro Holiday Schedules page and select the specific holiday.
What About Snow or Ice?
Madison winter weather can make bus travel slower and pedestrian access harder. Snowbanks may affect stops, crossings, ramps and the final walking route. Check current detours and allow extra waiting and transfer time rather than treating a clear-weather journey estimate as guaranteed.
Madison to Milwaukee, Chicago and Other Wisconsin Cities
Madison Metro is the local network. Longer trips to Milwaukee, Chicago O’Hare, Chicago Union Station and surrounding cities generally require a separate intercity operator, ticket and boarding point.
Madison to Milwaukee with Badger Bus
Badger Bus provides scheduled intercity coach transportation from the UW–Madison area through Johnson Creek and the Milwaukee area. It also offers selected trips serving Mitchell International Airport.
For the latest published departure patterns, campus stop and airport boarding steps, read our Badger Bus Madison–Milwaukee timetable and ticket guide.
Continue on Local Milwaukee Buses
After reaching Milwaukee Intermodal Station, the city uses Milwaukee County Transit System routes and a different fare system. A Madison Metro fare does not cover those local buses.
Our Milwaukee local bus schedules and WisGo fare guide explains the connecting network, real-time tracking and airport routes.
Madison Metro Wheelchair Access and Paratransit Service
Metro states that its regular fixed-route buses are accessible. Features include low floors, boarding ramps, kneeling capability, wheelchair securement spaces, priority seating and audible/visual stop announcements.
Who May Qualify for Metro Paratransit?
Eligibility is based on an individual’s functional ability to use fixed-route transit, not simply age, income or the name of a medical condition. Metro may approve unconditional, conditional or temporary eligibility depending on individual circumstances.
How to Apply for Paratransit
- Open Metro’s official Paratransit Eligibility page.
- Review whether your mobility or other functional limitations may qualify.
- Download and complete the application or request one by mail.
- Submit the requested information to Metro.
- Respond to follow-up questions or attend an in-person assessment if required.
- Wait for the eligibility determination.
- Use the reservation service after approval.
Paratransit Fares and Reservations
Metro states that same-day paratransit reservations cannot be accommodated under its normal booking procedure. Riders should call ahead to schedule a trip, especially when timing affects a medical appointment or essential service.
Read official paratransit scheduling and cancellation rules.
How to Find a Madison Bus Schedule Online, Step by Step
- Open the official directory. Visit Madison Metro Routes & Schedules.
- Choose the right route. Match the route letter or number with the destination and corridor.
- Select a direction. Check the end destination, branch or route variant.
- Select the travel day. Choose Weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday service as appropriate.
- Check the effective date. Avoid accidentally using a future December timetable for a November trip.
- Find the boarding timepoint. Read your departure from the correct stop rather than the first terminal only.
- Check the exact stop. Use Metro Bus Tracker to identify the route, direction and stop.
- Review predicted arrivals. Recheck close to departure if real-time data is available.
- Prepare fare. Pay the correct amount or use an eligible campus pass; follow BRT cash-payment rules.
- Check service alerts. Confirm the boarding location and plan the return trip.
Madison Bus Problems: What to Do
Check the scheduled timetable and the current detours page. A missing live prediction does not always mean the bus has been canceled.
Buy a ticket at the station vending machine instead of attempting cash payment on board at a BRT platform.
Look at the destination and branch. Some trips terminate before Sun Prairie while others continue farther east.
Check the academic service calendar. Routes 81 and 82 may not operate during recess or on designated no-late-night days.
Choose Route D, then confirm that the specific trip serves Airport Terminal Door 6.
Do not stand in traffic or climb over a snowbank. Check temporary stop instructions and contact Metro for safe alternative boarding guidance.
Madison Metro Phone Number, Office and Rider Help
608-266-4466
For route, stop, fare and transit assistance.
1245 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, Wisconsin. Check office service details before visiting.
Wisconsin Relay 711
Relay access for eligible callers.
Published Customer Service Hours
Monday–Friday: 6:15 AM–6:00 PM. Weekend and holiday: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Email: mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com
For lost items, note the route, direction, boarding stop, date, approximate time and item description before contacting Metro. Ask for the current lost-property collection process instead of traveling to the office without confirmation.
Before You Board a Madison Metro Bus
- Confirm the correct route and destination.
- Select the actual travel date and service day.
- Read the timetable’s effective date.
- Confirm the stop or BRT station platform.
- Check the live arrival prediction.
- Prepare the accepted payment method.
- Check any temporary detour or stop closure.
- Review the full transfer and walking route.
- Confirm accessible boarding if required.
- Verify the last bus for your return journey.
Madison Metro Official Schedules, Fares, Maps and Accessibility Links
Complete route directory, timetable pages, maps and service-day selectors.
Open official routesChoose route, direction and stop for upcoming departures.
Open live trackerBRT route, directions, branches, stops and future-effective schedule details.
Open Route AOfficial Cahill–Northport timetable, including August 16, 2026 schedule information.
Open Route BAirport Terminal Door 6, D1/D2 branches and airport-serving trips.
Open Route DAdult and reduced fares, fare caps, cash restrictions and payment options.
Open fare informationRoutes 80, 81, 82 and 84, recess periods, holiday service and late-night exceptions.
Open campus calendarThanksgiving, Ho-Chunk Day and other observed holiday operating patterns.
Open holiday schedulesCurrent service reroutes, temporary boarding locations and road-work impacts.
Check current detoursADA eligibility, application, assessments and visitor information.
Open eligibility guideIndependent website disclosure: BusSchedule.us is not Madison Metro Transit or the City of Madison. This guide does not operate buses, control arrival predictions, sell official tickets, manage fare accounts or determine paratransit eligibility.
Madison Bus Schedule FAQs
1. Where can I find the Madison Metro bus schedule?
Use the City of Madison Metro Transit Routes & Schedules page. Select the route, direction and weekday, Saturday or Sunday timetable. For exact stop arrivals, use Metro Bus Tracker.
2. What is the Madison bus fare in 2026?
The standard adult Metro bus fare is $2.00. Qualifying reduced fares are $1.00, and children under five ride free with a chaperone under the published policy. Eligible contactless payments include a two-hour transfer period.
3. How often does Madison Rapid Route A run?
Metro lists Rapid Route A running about every 15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, with 30-minute service on Sundays and holidays. Check the exact branch, station and current timetable before traveling.
4. Which Madison bus goes to Dane County Regional Airport?
Metro Route D serves Dane County Regional Airport on applicable trips. The official timetable lists a stop at Airport Terminal Door 6. Not every D-branch trip serves the airport, so check the airport column in the schedule.
5. Are UW–Madison campus buses free?
Metro lists routes 80–84 as free for UW–Madison students, employees, affiliates and university visitors. The routes follow special regular-semester and recess schedules.
6. How do I track a Madison bus live?
Open Metro Bus Tracker, choose the route, select the direction and then select your stop. Review upcoming arrival predictions and recheck before leaving because predictions can change.
7. Can I pay cash on Madison BRT buses?
At BRT stations, you cannot pay cash directly on board. Cash-paying riders must buy an eligible ticket or day pass from the station vending machine before boarding. Regular local stops have different cash-payment rules.
8. How do Madison Metro transfers and fare caps work?
Eligible payments provide a two-hour transfer window when the same payment method is used. Published adult fare caps are $5 daily, $16.25 weekly and $65 monthly. Reduced-fare caps apply to approved eligible riders.
9. Does Madison Metro run on Thanksgiving?
Yes, but reduced service applies. Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026 is listed with Sunday service on specified regular routes. UW campus services use a separate holiday/recess pattern.
10. Are Madison Metro buses wheelchair accessible?
Metro states that its regular fixed-route buses offer accessible features including ramps, low floors, wheelchair securement and priority seating. Eligible riders who cannot use fixed-route buses because of a disability may apply for Metro Paratransit.