Madison Metro Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops
Madison Metro Transit operates the main public bus network in Madison, Wisconsin, serving Downtown Madison, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Middleton, Fitchburg, Verona, Sun Prairie, Monona and surrounding areas.
Its network includes Rapid Route A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), local lettered routes, commuter buses to Epic Systems, free UW campus routes and Route D service to Dane County Regional Airport.
Check the current routes, schedules, ticket prices, first and last bus guidance, transfer rules, live arrivals, BRT station boarding instructions, accessible travel and regional connections below.
*Route A frequency is approximately every 15 minutes during designated weekday and Saturday periods; Sunday and holiday service is typically every 30 minutes.
Where Can I Find the Madison Metro Bus Schedule?
Use the official Madison Metro Routes & Schedules directory. Select your route letter or number, check the destination, choose the correct service day and locate your boarding stop.
Before leaving, use the Metro Bus Tracker to check scheduled and real-time arrivals at your stop.
Madison Metro Bus Rider Guide
Madison Metro Bus Routes and Destinations
Madison Metro’s network uses letters for most local routes and numbers for university, commuter and school supplemental service. The route letter alone does not tell you which direction a bus is traveling.
| Route | Official corridor | Useful destinations | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Junction / Sun Prairie Park & Ride / UW Hospital | East-West BRT corridor, Downtown, UW, East Washington | Bus Rapid Transit |
| B | Cahill / Northport | South and north Madison corridors | Local; shares BRT stations in portions |
| C | Highland / Sprecher / Cottontail | UW Hospital area and eastern neighborhoods | Local |
| D | Watts / New Sprecher / Dane County Airport | Airport, campus and west-side connections | Local and airport |
| E | McKee / Capitol Square | Southwest Madison and Downtown | Local |
| F | Junction / Capitol Square | West Madison and downtown corridor | Local; uses some BRT stations |
| G | Hughes & Park / Independence | Southwest and northeast neighborhoods | Local |
| H | Westfield / Hughes & Park | West Madison, residential connections | Local |
| J | Westfield / Brooks | West Madison and central Madison | Local |
| L | Femrite / Sherman | East and north Madison connections | Local |
| O | Hughes & Park / Brooks | Southern and campus-side corridors | Local |
| P | Independence / Portage / Hayes | North and east Madison | Local |
| R | Junction / South Ridge / Capitol Square | West Madison and Downtown | Local |
| S | O’Keeffe / Main / Windsor / Grand | Sun Prairie regional corridors | Local |
| W | Sun Prairie Loop | Local Sun Prairie trips | Local loop |
| 28 | Sherman / University Row | North-side connections | Local |
| 38 | Dutch Mill / Monona / Johnson / University Row | Dutch Mill, Monona and university-area travel | Local |
Peak-Only and Special Routes
Peak-period service. Check workday departures and direction.
Peak-period service for a specific commuter corridor.
Useful for selected downtown-to-Verona commuter trips.
School Supplemental Routes
Metro also lists several 600-series supplemental routes for Madison Metropolitan School District school days, including routes beginning with 601, 602, 603 and others.
These trips are open to the public, but they are not regular year-round all-day routes. Check the school calendar, route variation and exact trip before planning a commute around them.
Madison Metro Rapid Route A Schedule and Stops
Rapid Route A is Madison Metro’s first Bus Rapid Transit service. It provides frequent east-west travel connecting Junction Road, the University of Wisconsin area, Downtown Madison, East Washington Avenue and Sun Prairie.
Service can be less frequent outside the designated frequent-service periods. These frequencies are general route characteristics, not a guarantee that a bus arrives exactly every 15 minutes at an individual stop.
Route A Main Stops and Travel Corridor
Simplified route sequence, not a geographic map or a complete list of stations. Some Route A trips use different variants or endpoints.
Route A Has Different Trip Variants
The official Route A timetable distinguishes variants such as A1 and A2. Not every trip serves every far-east endpoint, so check the complete row and the destination shown on the bus. This is especially relevant when traveling beyond East Springs toward the Sun Prairie Park & Ride area.
Open the official Route A timetable and station information.
How to Board a Madison BRT Bus Correctly
BRT stations work differently from ordinary curbside bus stops. Route A has dedicated station platforms, multiple boarding doors and specialized fare validators.
Important: Cash Payment Is Different at BRT Stations
Cash is accepted on board. Have exact fare ready and use the front-door fare equipment as instructed.
Cash is not accepted on the bus when boarding at a BRT platform. Buy an eligible ticket at a station vending machine before boarding, or use another accepted payment method.
Routes B and F may also use BRT station platforms along shared corridors. Their vehicle appearance or route letter can differ from Rapid Route A, so do not board solely because a bus arrives at the same station.
Wheelchair Boarding at BRT Stations
Metro recommends that wheelchair users board using the middle doors for easiest access to the vehicle’s securement areas. Raised platforms and deployed boarding ramps help bridge the gap. Metro notes that a ramp is not available at the front door of BRT buses.
Read Metro’s official BRT boarding and accessibility instructions.
Madison Metro Bus Times: Weekday, Saturday and Sunday
Madison Metro does not have one first-bus or last-bus time for the entire city. A Route A BRT station, airport Route D stop, UW campus loop and peak-only Epic commuter route may have very different operating periods.
| Service type | Typical service pattern | When to check |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid Route A | 15-minute service during designated weekday/Saturday periods; 30-minute Sunday/holiday service. | Exact station, destination and service date. |
| Regular local routes | Variable frequency and start/end times. | Individual route timetable and service-day section. |
| Routes 55, 65, 75 | Peak-only commuter trips. | Weekday commute times, direction and holiday exceptions. |
| UW Routes 80–84 | Campus service with recess adjustments. | UW class calendar, exam periods and school breaks. |
| 600-series supplemental | School-day trips. | Madison Metropolitan School District calendar. |
| Route D airport | Published weekday and weekend service with directional variations. | Flight time, airport-bound direction and last return trip. |
How to Find Your Actual First and Last Bus
- Open the Metro Routes & Schedules directory.
- Select the route serving your destination.
- Check the timetable’s effective date.
- Choose the proper direction and service day.
- Locate your stop in the departure table.
- Find the earliest and latest trips that actually serve that stop.
- Check whether the trip continues to your intended destination.
- Review detours and service cancellations for your travel date.
Madison Metro’s schedule adjustments effective August 16, 2026 included routes A, B, F, G and S, as well as timepoint updates for supplemental routes. This is why older online timetables can disagree with current service.
Madison Metro Bus Fare: $2 Adults, $1 Reduced Fare
Madison Metro’s standard adult bus fare is $2.00. Qualifying youth, senior, disabled and low-income riders may use a $1 reduced fare with the required eligibility verification.
How Madison’s Two-Hour Transfer Works
With eligible contactless or Fast Fare payment, a single ride acts like a two-hour pass. Tap the same physical card or same virtual-wallet card every time you board. The system tracks transfers automatically during the two-hour window.
Madison Metro Fare Caps
| Fare period | Adult cap | Reduced cap |
|---|---|---|
| Single ride | $2.00 | $1.00 |
| Daily | $5.00 | $2.50 |
| Weekly | $16.25 | $7.00 |
| Monthly | $65.00 | $28.00 |
Fare Cap Comparison
Chart represents published adult fare cap amounts, not usage percentages or route performance.
When Does Fare Capping Save Money?
Suppose a regular adult rider makes four separate $2 journeys in one day, each outside the free transfer window. Without a cap, the total would be $8. With eligible fare capping, the daily charge stops at $5. The actual amount depends on how the rides fall within the two-hour transfer windows.
Open official Madison Metro fare prices, reduced fare eligibility and transfer rules.
How to Pay for a Madison Metro Bus
Contactless Credit or Debit Card
- Prepare an accepted Mastercard, Visa or Discover contactless card.
- Board at the designated door.
- Tap your card on the fare validator.
- Check for successful payment.
- Use that same card for subsequent transfers.
Supported phone wallets include Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. American Express is not currently listed as accepted.
Fast Fare Card
- Obtain a Fast Fare card.
- Load an available balance.
- Tap the card on boarding.
- Continue using the same card to benefit from eligible transfers and fare caps.
Metro lists Fast Fare card pickup at its administrative office, Madison Public Library locations and mail-order options.
Cash at a Regular Stop
- Confirm that you are boarding at an ordinary blue-sign bus stop.
- Prepare exact cash fare.
- Board using the appropriate door.
- Pay at the farebox.
Do not assume cash provides the same automatic transfers or fare caps as eligible electronic payment.
Cash at a BRT Station
- Locate the station ticket vending machine.
- Select an eligible single ticket or day-pass product.
- Complete the purchase before the bus arrives.
- Use the ticket or barcode at the onboard validator.
Metro does not accept cash on board buses when boarding at BRT stations.
Read Fast Fare setup, transfer and fare-capping instructions.
Free Madison Metro Buses on the UW Campus
Metro operates four fare-free campus routes: 80, 81, 82 and 84. These buses are available to students, university employees, affiliates and visitors under Metro’s campus service policy.
Do UW Buses Run During School Breaks?
Campus service changes when the university is not in session. Metro publishes recess schedules, and some campus routes may not run during holidays or breaks.
This matters for students living in Eagle Heights, people visiting the UW Hospital area and anyone planning a trip during Thanksgiving, winter break or summer.
How to Find a UW Campus Departure
- Open the Metro route directory.
- Select Route 80, 81, 82 or 84.
- Choose the correct university service period.
- Check whether a standard, weekend or recess timetable applies.
- Confirm the stop near your residence, classroom or destination.
- Check the return trip before traveling late in the day.
Open Route 80’s official schedule and UW campus service details.
Madison Airport Bus Schedule: Metro Route D
Route D serves Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) and connects the airport with Madison’s broader bus network. Its published corridor includes locations such as Johnson/Gorham, University Avenue, Monroe Street and west-side neighborhoods.
Some Route D trips have D1 and D2 variants. Do not assume every trip follows the same pattern to its western endpoint or serves a specific destination such as Epic Systems.
Simplified corridor representation, not an exact airport-to-Epic itinerary. Actual stops depend on Route D direction and variant.
How to Take Route D to the Airport
- Open Metro Route D’s official schedule.
- Select the direction toward Dane County Regional Airport.
- Choose your travel date and departure stop.
- Check whether that particular trip reaches the airport terminal.
- Find the current terminal-side bus stop location.
- Allow time for walking to the airline check-in area and security screening.
- Check live arrivals and detours shortly before leaving.
Airport to UW–Madison
Passengers going from MSN to the university area can review westbound Route D trips. Match the correct campus-side stop and walking distance before boarding, especially with luggage.
Madison Metro Bus Map: Find the Correct Stop and Direction
Metro provides an interactive service map showing routes, stops and points of interest. Use it to find nearby buses, but use the official schedule and Bus Tracker for the actual departure.
How to Find Your Nearest Metro Stop
- Open the official route and system map directory.
- Choose the interactive service map.
- Search for your destination or identify the nearby street.
- Find the route and stop nearest to your starting point.
- Confirm the direction or destination displayed for that stop.
- Open the Bus Tracker for its scheduled and predicted arrivals.
- Check whether any stop is moved because of construction.
For a detailed walkthrough of choosing public transit directions, checking walking distance and understanding scheduled versus live departure times, see our Google Maps bus routes, stops and departure-time guide. Metro also lists Google Maps and Transit as third-party rider tools.
Madison Metro Bus Tracker: Check Live Arrivals
Madison Metro’s Bus Tracker lets riders plan trips, locate routes, select stops and view available real-time bus arrival information.
Open Madison Metro’s official Bus Tracker.
Can I Save My Favorite Bus Stop?
Metro’s tracking system provides account options that can be used to receive route or stop email information. Regular riders may find this useful for recurring commute stops.
Read Metro’s official rider apps and notification information.
Metro warns that some third-party apps do not include every construction or event detour, so the agency’s active detour page remains important even when a separate app displays a route.
Madison Metro Thanksgiving, Christmas and Holiday Service
Metro publishes specific service-day rules for observed city holidays. These are especially important for students, healthcare workers, airport passengers and anyone traveling on a day when normal weekday commuter buses may not run.
| Holiday | Date | Published service pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | Nov. 26, 2026 | Sunday schedule on designated routes; UW Route 80 uses weekend recess service, while 81–84 do not operate. |
| Ho-Chunk Day | Nov. 27, 2026 | Saturday schedule for designated routes; Route D2 and selected Epic commuter services have special notes. |
| Christmas Eve | Dec. 24, 2026 | Regular weekday pattern with early service ending; UW campus and paratransit exceptions apply. |
| Christmas Day | Dec. 25, 2026 | Sunday schedule on designated routes; campus and paratransit changes apply. |
| New Year’s Eve | Dec. 31, 2026 | Weekday schedule with UW campus service exceptions. |
| New Year’s Day | Jan. 1, 2027 | Sunday schedule on designated routes. |
What Happens to Free Campus Buses on Holidays?
Metro lists Route 80 with modified recess schedules on several holidays and shows Routes 81–84 not operating on certain holidays. This is a common trip-planning problem for campus visitors: a route may normally be free but unavailable on the date you need it.
Does Route 75 to Epic Operate on a Holiday?
Not all holidays follow the same rule. For example, Metro’s published Ho-Chunk Day guidance identifies normal weekday service on Routes 55 and 75 and special Route D2 operation. Always use the holiday table for the specific date rather than assuming all peak-only routes are canceled.
Madison Metro Accessible Buses and Paratransit
Madison Metro states that its fixed-route buses are accessible and provide wheelchair securement areas and automatic stop announcements. BRT stations add raised platforms, wayfinding features and multiple-door boarding.
Madison Metro Paratransit Fare and Reservations
Metro accepts paratransit reservations up to seven days in advance. Next-day requests must be made by 4:30 PM the preceding day. The agency states that same-day paratransit requests cannot be accommodated.
How to Apply for Paratransit
- Open Metro’s paratransit eligibility page.
- Read the requirements based on functional travel limitations.
- Complete the official application.
- Attend the required assessment when instructed.
- Wait for the eligibility determination.
- Once approved, contact Metro to arrange reservations.
- Confirm the pickup window, fare and cancellation instructions.
Read Madison Metro paratransit eligibility and application requirements.
Paratransit is a separate reservation-based service. It is not a substitute for simply asking a regular fixed-route bus to provide a door-to-door ride.
Madison Metro Service Alerts: Check Your Route Before Boarding
Metro publishes a live list of detours, stop closures and service updates. A normal schedule can remain published even while a bus is temporarily using another street or bypassing a stop.
Examples Listed on Metro’s Detour Page
The detour directory also lists selected stop closures, including westbound Stop 4616 on McKee/Fitchrona, eastbound Stop 4253 on Lacy/East Cheryl and Stop 0269 on Brooks Street.
How to Check a Madison Metro Detour
- Open Metro’s official detour and stop closure page.
- Select or search your route.
- Read whether the restriction affects your direction.
- Find the stop number or intersection involved.
- Check whether an alternative boarding stop is provided.
- Confirm the walking path to that alternative stop.
- Recheck live arrival information immediately before leaving.
Winter Weather in Madison
Ice, heavy snow and reduced visibility can make a short walk to the stop harder than usual, particularly near busy intersections and BRT stations. Allow extra travel time, use cleared crossings and check whether snow has blocked an accessible boarding area.
Madison Metro vs Badger Bus and Van Galder
Madison Metro is the local public bus operator. Intercity carriers serve different destinations and require separate ticket searches. A Metro fare does not automatically pay for an intercity motorcoach.
Madison to Milwaukee: Badger Bus
Badger Bus operates scheduled coach service between UW–Madison and Milwaukee via Johnson Creek and the Goerke’s Corners area. Some trips continue to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, while travel days and departure patterns vary.
For the published departure tables, campus boarding point and Milwaukee airport information, read our Badger Bus Madison–Milwaukee schedule and boarding guide. Check the coach’s specific UW pickup location rather than assuming it stops at every Metro campus bus shelter.
Madison to Chicago O’Hare: Van Galder
Van Galder operates intercity coaches from Madison toward Janesville, Rockford, Chicago O’Hare Airport and Downtown Chicago. It uses designated pickup points such as the UW campus and Dutch Mill Park & Ride.
Passengers traveling from a Madison Metro stop to one of these coach pickup points can use our Van Galder bus times, airport stops and ticket-planning guide to check the correct intercity departure, baggage rules and airport boarding instructions.
After Arriving in Milwaukee
Travelers continuing from Milwaukee Intermodal Station or Mitchell Airport into the city can use Milwaukee County Transit System buses, which have different routes, fares and payment rules from Madison Metro. Our Milwaukee bus schedule and MCTS connection guide covers local options, airport service, WisGo payments and real-time arrivals.
Madison Metro Travel Tips That Prevent Common Mistakes
A route can have different endpoints or variants. Check both the route letter and the destination displayed on the front of the bus.
UW Routes 80–84 are fare-free. Route A and other standard routes normally require an eligible fare even when they pass through the university area.
Route D variants differ. A bus serving western neighborhoods may not follow the same terminal pattern as another trip.
Keep using the same physical payment card or same virtual wallet for transfers and fare caps to track correctly.
Free campus routes may run less often or stop during selected holidays. Save the relevant campus timetable instead of using an ordinary class-day screenshot.
A practical buffer is about five minutes for a familiar stop, and longer for airport trips, BRT stations, winter weather or unfamiliar transfers.
Madison Metro Customer Service and Contact Details
Madison, WI 53703
Confirm office access and hours before visiting.
Ask Metro about accessible travel, paratransit or alternative communication needs.
Published Customer Service Hours
Email: mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com
When asking about a delayed or missing bus, provide the route, direction, boarding stop, travel date, scheduled trip time and any stop ID visible in the tracker.
Madison Metro Bus Boarding Checklist
- Confirm the route letter or number.
- Check the bus’s destination sign.
- Choose weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday schedule.
- Check whether the timetable is current or future-dated.
- Find your exact stop or BRT station.
- Check whether cash is accepted at your boarding location.
- Use the same payment method for transfers.
- Check UW campus recess dates if relevant.
- Verify airport or Epic commuter route variants.
- Check Metro’s current detours and stop closures.
- Review predicted arrivals before walking to the stop.
- Plan the last useful return trip.
Madison Metro Bus Schedule: Official Links and Research Sources
Each source below supports a different part of your trip. Use the current operator pages when the schedule, fare or boarding location may have changed.
Complete route directory, timetable tables, maps, school supplemental routes and downloadable schedules.
Open official routes and schedulesRoute searching, stop times, real-time arrival information and trip planning.
Open Metro Bus TrackerBRT timetable, stop information, route variants and effective-date labels.
Open Route A scheduleSchedule adjustments for routes A, B, F, G and S and supplemental timepoints.
Check August service changesAdult fares, reduced fares, Fast Fare, contactless payment, transfers and cap prices.
Read official fare rulesStation boarding, fare validators, wheelchair ramp access and ticket-machine guidance.
Open BRT riding instructionsAirport trip patterns, directions, timetable options and route variations.
Open airport Route DFree campus routes, standard service and recess schedules.
Check Route 80 campus serviceThanksgiving, Ho-Chunk Day, Christmas and other service-day exceptions.
Open holiday schedule tableRoute-specific construction changes, closed stops, temporary boarding locations and alerts.
Check Metro service alertsEligibility, reservations, accessible transportation and fares.
Open paratransit informationOfficial Bus Tracker, Transit, Google Maps, email updates and notifications.
Open rider toolsIndependent-site disclosure: BusSchedule.us is not Madison Metro Transit, the City of Madison, UW–Madison, Badger Bus or Coach USA. It does not operate buses, issue fare cards, sell official tickets, approve paratransit eligibility or control live-arrival data.
Madison Metro Bus Schedule FAQs
1. Where can I find the Madison Metro bus schedule?
Use the official City of Madison Metro Routes & Schedules page. Select the route letter or number, direction, service day and boarding stop. Use the official Metro Bus Tracker for available real-time arrival information.
2. How much is the Madison Metro bus fare?
The regular adult fare is $2. Verified reduced-fare riders pay $1, and children under five ride free with a chaperone. Eligible transfers and fare caps depend on the payment method.
3. How often does Madison Metro Route A run?
Metro publishes 15-minute Rapid Route A service during designated weekday and Saturday periods and 30-minute service on Sundays and holidays. Exact departures depend on your station, direction and travel date.
4. Can I pay with a credit card on Madison Metro buses?
Yes. Metro accepts eligible contactless Mastercard, Visa and Discover cards as well as supported phone wallets. Use the same physical or virtual card for automatic transfers and fare capping.
5. Are Madison Metro UW campus buses free?
Yes. Routes 80, 81, 82 and 84 are fare-free campus services for university students, employees, affiliates and visitors. Their schedules may change during recess periods and holidays.
6. Which Madison Metro bus goes to Dane County Regional Airport?
Route D serves Dane County Regional Airport. Choose the airport-bound direction and confirm the correct D1 or D2 trip pattern, terminal stop and actual timetable before traveling.
7. Does Madison Metro run on Sundays and holidays?
Many main routes provide Sunday service, but some peak-only and school supplemental services do not. Metro publishes specific holiday schedules that may use Saturday or Sunday service patterns, with special campus and commuter exceptions.
8. How do I track a Madison Metro bus live?
Open the official Metro Bus Tracker at metromap.cityofmadison.com, choose your route, direction and stop, then review available arrival predictions. Check Metro’s detour page as well because third-party tools may not show every disruption.
9. Are Madison Metro buses wheelchair accessible?
Metro states that all fixed-route buses are accessible, with wheelchair securement areas and automatic stop announcements. At BRT stations, wheelchair passengers are encouraged to use the middle doors for the easiest access to securement areas.
10. What is Madison Metro’s paratransit fare?
The published regular paratransit cash fare is $3.25 per one-way trip. Eligible riders must arrange reservations in advance; next-day bookings are due by 4:30 PM on the preceding day, and same-day requests are not available.