Rome2Rio

How to get fromMadison to Churchill Downsby plane, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), bus, train, car, or bus (Greyhound, Amtrak)

Find Transport to Churchill Downs

See all options

There are 9 ways to get from Madison to Churchill Downs by plane, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), bus, train, car, or bus (Greyhound, Amtrak)

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field to Louisville International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field (MSN) to Louisville International Airport (SDF)plane plane MSN - SDF
    6h 54m
    $133–905

  2. Bus via Chicago

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from 250 N. Lake St - Madison UW Campus to W Jackson Blvd, after S Clinton Stbus bus Van Galder
    2. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Louisville Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0100
    12h 26m
    $68–137

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Madison, WI-Lake St. to Milwaukee, WI - Amtrakbus bus
    2. Take the train from Milwaukee to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Indianapolistrain train
    4. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Louisville Bus Stationbus bus
    14h 31m
    $108–258

  4. Drive  443.7 mi

    1. Drive from Madison to Churchill Downscar car 443.7 mi
    7h 40m
    $81–117

  5. Bus to General Mitchell International Airport, fly to Louisville International Airport

    1. Take the bus from Madison, WI-Lake St. to Mitchell Airportbus bus
    2. Fly from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Louisville International Airport (SDF)plane plane MKE - SDF
    7h 28m
    $142–835

  6. Bus to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, fly to Louisville International Airport

    1. Take the bus from 250 N. Lake St - Madison UW Campus to O'Hare International Airport - Terminal 1 Departuresbus bus
    2. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Louisville International Airport (SDF)plane plane ORD - SDF
    6h 48m
    $95–533

  7. Bus to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, fly to Blue Grass Airport, drive

    1. Take the bus from 250 N. Lake St - Madison UW Campus to O'Hare International Airport - Terminal 1 Departuresbus bus
    2. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Blue Grass Airport (LEX)plane plane ORD - LEX
    3. Drive from Lexington-Airport-LEX to Churchill Downscar car
    6h 47m
    $77–360

  8. Bus to Chicago Midway International Airport, fly to Louisville International Airport

    1. Take the bus from 250 N. Lake St - Madison UW Campus to O'Hare International Airport - Terminal 1 Departuresbus bus
    2. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Louisville International Airport (SDF)plane plane MDW - SDF
    8h 1m
    $124–763

  9. Bus

    1. Take the bus from 250 N. Lake St - Madison UW Campus to W Jackson Blvd, after S Clinton Stbus bus Van Galder
    2. Take the bus from Chicago Train Station to Louisville Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0100
    12h 48m
    $78–122

Madison to Churchill Downs by bus and foot

Calendar40Weekly Services
Duration12h 26mAverage Duration
Ticket$68Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Madison to Churchill Downs.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 402.8 mi
  • Duration: 6h 54m

What companies run services between Madison, WI, USA and Churchill Downs, KY, USA?

United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines fly from Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field (MSN) to Louisville International Airport (SDF) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a bus from 250 N. Lake St - Madison UW Campus to Churchill Downs via W Jackson Blvd, after S Clinton St, Chicago Bus Station, Louisville Bus Station, Chestnut @ 13th, Chestnut @ 8th, S 6th @ W Jefferson, and Central @ 4th in around 12h 26m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

Booking & Getting There