Chicago to Madison, Wisconsin: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Chicago from Madison, Wisconsin?

The distance from Chicago to Madison, Wisconsin is 122.3 miles (196.9 km) as the crow flies. Madison, Wisconsin is located NW of Chicago. By car, the driving distance is approximately 148.1 miles, taking about 2h 59min. A direct flight would take roughly 45min. Both are located in United States — Chicago in Illinois and Madison, Wisconsin in Wisconsin.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Chicago and Madison, Wisconsin. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.