Bus Ticket FAQs
Do I need an account to purchase a ticket online?
No, you do not need to create an account before purchasing a ticket. Once you have completed your first ticket transaction, you will be assigned a customer account number. We do advise setting up a password for your account as it will allow you to see your upcoming trips and allow you to use our self change service (10% fee) to change a future trip. Please note that all online tickets are non refundable with or without an account.
What forms of payment do you accept for tickets?
When buying tickets online, you can use Visa or Mastercard.
Passengers paying cash will board only if there's space left after online bookings, there is no guarantee seats will be available for cash fares. You can pay the bus fare in cash with the exact amount for one-way travel. Note that cash payments are higher. For instance, the cash prices for Madison to Milwaukee routes are $30 for the Intermodal and $35 for the Airport.
How do I contact Badger Bus for fare and schedule information questions?
You can contact Badger Bus via info@badgerbus.com - please do not call for schedule questions.
Can I buy a ticket for someone at another location?
Yes. Simply purchase a ticket through our online ticketing service. When you purchase tickets online, you must choose the EXACT date and schedule for departure and the passenger MUST travel at the chosen time. There is no additional fee to purchase an online ticket for someone else but once purchased, the ticket is non refundable and non exchangeable. The passenger will need to be able to receive an email confirmation and will have to show that to the driver when boarding.
Does Badger Bus guarantee its departure and arrival times?
No. While the Badger Bus runs very close to the scheduled times, it is not possible to guarantee is arrival times. Badger makes every effort to provide on-time service, but may be delayed by any number of factors, including traffic, weather, or mechanical problems.
The bus was late and I missed a connection for another bus or airline flight. Am I entitled to a refund?
No. Badger is not liable for the expense of connecting bus or transportation service missed as a result of a delay. However, you may wish to contact the connecting bus line or airline for their specific refund procedures.
Does Badger offer Children's fares?
Yes. Children traveling with an adult passenger paying the full adult fare may be eligible to receive discounts at the following rates: One child per adult ticket, who has not reached his or her second birthday, will be carried free when not occupying a seat to the exclusion of another passenger. Children, ages 2 through 11, are eligible for tickets priced at 50 percent less than the adult fare and must be purchased at the same time as the adult fare to receive this discount. Children tickets purchased separately from the adult will be charged the full fare.
May children travel alone on the Badger Bus?
Children who are 8 years of age or older may travel unaccompanied at the FULL adult fare. It is advised that there be a parent or guardian at both the origin and destination to assist and greet children who are between the ages of 8 and 11.
What are the restrictions on baggage?
With each adult ticket, customers are allowed 1 piece of luggage to be placed in the baggage compartment and one small item as carry-on. With each child ticket, 1 piece of luggage is allowed below and 1 carry-on. Passengers who have a second piece of luggage to be placed in the baggage compartment will be charged a $5.00 fee, payable online with your ticket purchase or to the driver in EXACT change CASH at the bus. Items placed below the bus cannot exceed 50 pounds and should be completely enclosed. Baggage for underneath the bus should not exceed 62 inches when adding the total exterior dimensions of the piece (length + width + height). The exception to the size limit would be bikes and they are subject to a $10.00 fee, payable in CASH to the driver when boarding. Please note that Bikes under the bus are subject to space and not guaranteed to be allowed on high travel days like Fridays, Sundays and holiday travel days. Carry-on items must fit in the overhead rack or below your seat. Please remember to keep all valuables and medication with you at all times. Items placed under the bus or inside are the sole responsibility of the passenger traveling. You are responsible for placing your bags in the baggage bin under the bus and retrieving your bags at the destination. If you need assistance with your baggage, please ask your driver and they will try to assist you.
Can I bring a pet with me on my trip?
Yes and No. Yes - Small animals (pets) can be brought along with you on your journey BUT they must be in a carrier and they are placed in the luggage compartment below the bus. No – Animals (pets) are not allowed inside the Coach regardless if they are in a carrier or not.
Can I bring a service animal on my trip?
Yes. Service animals are allowed inside the bus and must be a trained service animal for passengers who need assistance in performing some of the functions and task that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. Under titles II and III of the ADA, only dogs are recognized as service animals. Service animals are working animals, not pets. Please note that dogs, whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, do NOT qualify as service animals under the ADA. Under ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls. Service animals ride within the customer’s space and not block the aisle or use a seat. Badger Bus is within their rights to remove or prohibit a service dog that is out of control (such as barking or growling or relieving themselves on board the coach), and the handler does not take effective action to control it. If that becomes necessary, Badger will offer the person with the disability the opportunity to ride the bus without the animal’s presence.
Do the buses have restrooms available?
Yes. All Badger Buses are equipped with air conditioning, an on board restroom, reclining seats with headrests, and tinted windows for your comfort.
Does Badger Bus offer wheelchair accessible bus service?
Badger Bus has accessible lift buses available for passengers who need assistance in boarding. For passengers who are traveling with a wheelchair, we advise purchasing your ticket online in order to guarantee your wheelchair space on the bus. Please make sure to select the Additional Services button on the Passenger Details page. Passengers traveling with a wheelchair who do not purchase their ticket online and/or do not check the Additional Services button, are subject to a first come first serve basis. All passengers are reminded to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to departure. If you have any additional questions please contact Badger Coaches at 414-276-7490, press 1 when prompted or email us at info@badgerbus.com. Please note that when using a wheelchair lift-equipped bus, the combined weight of the customer and mobility aid cannot exceed 600 pounds. The mobility aid can be no more than 30 inches wide and 48 inches in height. We also allow wheelchairs or mobility devices to be stored below the bus in the luggage compartments. The maximum dimension of the baggage compartment is 30 inches x 33 inches x 48 inches. The maximum weight limit for mobility aids is 200 pounds. Mobility aids that exceed these dimensions and/or weight limits will not be accepted. Please allow sufficient time for the stowing any mobility aid; this will assist in preventing delays in the departure of the bus.
Does Badger Coaches offer Charter bus service?
Yes. Please check out the details from our home page at www.badgerbus.com.
How early do I need to be at my pick-up location?
Please be out and ready to board 10-15 minutes before the departure time listed in your confirmation email or our online schedule. Many of our stops are strictly "Load & Go" locations where the driver does not have time in the schedule to wait for people coming out of vehicles so please make sure to be ready to board as indicated in the instructions in the confirmation e-mail you received for your particular pick-up point.
How do I buy an online ticket?
Online tickets need to be purchased at least 30 minutes prior to the first stop on the schedule. Follow the steps to choose your trip date and time, where you want to travel to and from and your passenger name. Once you have completed those selections, the next screen shows your shopping cart to confirm your trip and then you can continue to the check out page. Please note that for security reasons, Badger Bus does not store your credit card information so you will need to enter your card information each time you purchase a ticket. Also, your payment information (address) must match the information on file with your bank - including the zip code. Before choosing to submit your payment, you will be required to accept the Terms and Conditions. Tickets are non refundable and are for a specific schedule to please make sure you have selected your correct trip needs. After purchase, you will be sent a confirmation email and your ticket is an attachment within that email. You will need to either have a printed copy or be able to display the confirmation on your mobile device for boarding. Remember to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to departure to guarantee your seat.
How do I schedule a Badger Bundle ticket
After making your Badger Bundle purchase, you will receive an email with Redeemable Item Codes (Starts with RI). The easiest way to redeem these is to sign in your online account and click the “person” in the upper right corner then click on Redeemable Items. Please note that you must schedule your trip at least 30 minutes prior to the first stop on the route. Select an available item and then follow the steps. You can change the name of the passenger if it is different than the account holder. Complete the necessary steps and once done with your Check Out process, an email confirmation will be sent to you. As an alternative, you can use your RI code to book your trip. Click on any of the Bundle products and then click Redeem and enter your RI code (including the “RI”). Follow the prompts and complete your transaction. You will need to either have a printed copy or be able to display the confirmation on your mobile device for boarding. Remember to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to departure to guarantee your seat.
Can I change my ticket or receive a refund?
Badger Bus transactions are non refundable and non exchangeable. However, passengers can change their own ticket for a fee (10% of ticket cost). Tickets cannot be changed once the original trip time has passed.
To do this, you need to complete the set up for your account, using the Customer Number provided with your transaction. Once that has been completed, you click on Transactions and determine which one you want to change (based on your confirmation number from your email). You can only change the date or time of travel. Once you click on the transaction to change, simply click on the Change option. Changes must be done at least 1 hour prior to departure and are subject to availability. If you need help with this process, please email info@badgerbus.com
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance for the Badger Bus?
When traveling on the Badger Bus, it is not necessary to purchase tickets in advance, but we strongly suggest that you do buy in advance online at www.badgerbus.com Passengers who purchase their ticket online at least 30 minutes prior to the FIRST stop on the route and arrive at the pickup location at least 10 minutes prior to the selected scheduled will be guaranteed a seat. (Please note that if you are leaving from the Milwaukee area, the first stop is Mitchell Airport so your ticket must be purchased prior to that departure time. When leaving from the Madison area, the first stop on the route is the UW Campus).
Am I guaranteed a seat on the Badger Bus?
Passengers who purchase their ticket online at www.badgerbus.com will be guaranteed a seat for the schedule selected if they arrive to the bus at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Customers who have not purchased a ticket online at badgerbus.com will be boarded after online passengers and if space is available. Badger Bus advises passengers to purchase online to reserve your seat.
Where can I buy my tickets for Badger Bus?
Badger Bus offers two different ways to purchase your ticket. Tickets can be purchased online at www.badgerbus.com through our secure website. If you do not purchase your ticket online, you can pay the driver in EXACT change CASH only for the Cash at Bus Price. Please note that purchasing your ticket with Cash will be at a HIGHER Price. For Example - Madison to Milwaukee Intermodal Cash at Bus Price is $30 and Madison to Milwaukee Airport Cash at Bus Price is $35. Passengers who do not buy online will be boarded after online passengers and if space is available.
Prohibited items in baggage
Firearms of all types, acids, ammunition, animals, combustible liquids, compressed gases, corpses, cremated remains, explosives, fireworks, flammable liquids, furniture, hazardous materials (poisons, radioactive materials, etc.), materials with a disagreeable odor, matches, merchandise for resale, protruding articles, or any unsecured articles including those in plastic or paper bags are prohibited. Electronic equipment (television, stereos, etc.), film (flammable), and perishable items (food) are also not allowed. Items such as money and prescription medication are to be carried in the customer's possession. Laptop computers are considered electronic items and are prohibited to go below the bus, however they may be brought aboard as a carry-on item. If you have any questions about what specific items are allowed on board (as carry-on or below in the luggage compartment), please email info@badgerbus.com.
Are food and drinks allowed on board the bus?
Yes. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed on board. Beverages should have a lid to prevent spills and we ask that you dispose of your waste when done with your trip.
Can I bring a with me on my trip?
Yes, for a $10.00 fee each way, payable in EXACT change CASH only. Bicycles are allowed on the bus either in a box or fully assembled. However, the customer is responsible for placing them under the bus and removing the bike themselves and we are not liable for any damage that may occur in transport. The $10.00 EXACT CASH payment must be made before boarding the bus. Please note that Bikes under the bus are subject to space and not guaranteed to be allowed on high travel days like Fridays, Sundays and holiday travel days.
Is smoking allowed on the Badger Bus?
No. Federal Law does not allow smoking on buses, including Badger Bus.
I need assistance purchasing a bus ticket. Can you help?
Yes, please email us at info@badgerbus.com and we would be happy to help you book your bus ticket. Purchasing online is the only way to guarantee seating availability. Otherwise, you can also purchase your ticket with the driver but you will need to pay the driver EXACT change CASH for the one way Cash at Bus fare only. Drivers do not make change or sell round trip tickets. Please note that purchasing your ticket with Cash will be at a HIGHER Price. For Example - Madison to Milwaukee Intermodal Cash at Bus Price is $25.00 and Madison to Milwaukee Airport Cash at Bus Price is $30.00. Passengers who do not buy online will be boarded after online passengers and if space is available. When purchasing tickets online, you may pay with either a Visa or Mastercard.
Does Badger Bus have a policy with regard to unruly customer or disruptive behavior?
Badger reserves the right to refuse to transport a person under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or who refuses to comply with any lawful rule or regulations. If you witness any unruly behavior or suspect any trouble with a fellow passenger during your trip, please notify the driver.
What do I do if I booked my ticket online but did not receive an email confirmation?
Passengers can sign into their online account using their Customer Account number and click on the “Person” in the upper right corner to see the Transaction history. You can then either download a copy or select to email another copy. Please remember to make sure to enter your correct email when making your original purchase. You can also email us with your trip information and date of purchase at info@badgerbus.com and we will help confirm and resend your confirmation if necessary.