How to travel from Chicago to Austin

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2 ways to go from Chicago to Austin

Bus
Average priceUS$118 - US$480Average duration1d 11h
39kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
Cheapest
Most eco-friendly
Train
Average priceUS$158 - US$637Average duration1d 8h
143kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
Fastest
%{brand}s logoBusbud recommends taking the train from Chicago to Austin

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Austin. The journey takes about 8 hours 45 minutes and with fares starting at just US$158, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day
1d 8hAverage duration
US$158Cheapest ticket
143kgCO₂ emissions
Today26 Dec
Tomorrow27 Dec
from US$240
Sat28 Dec
from US$266
Sun29 Dec
Mon30 Dec
Tue31 Dec
Wed1 Jan
Thu2 Jan

Trains leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest
    Departure time: 27 December at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: 28 December at
    Destination city: Austin
    Destination location: Austin, TX
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Fastest
    Departure time: 27 December at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: 28 December at
    Destination city: Austin
    Destination location: Austin, TX
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:
  • Departure time: 27 December at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: 28 December at
    Destination city: Austin
    Destination location: Austin, TX
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:

From Chicago to Austin: Trip Overview

Travel the 977 miles (1575 km) from Chicago to Austin by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from Chicago to Austin is US$218. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket priceUS$218
Average trip duration1d 10h
Number of daily departures2
Number of daily train departures1
Earliest departure06:10
Distance977 miles (1575 km)
Latest departure22:30
Cheapest mode of travelBus - US$118
Fastest mode of travelBus - 23h 30m
Popular travel companiesFlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak

Helpful information to go from Chicago to Austin

Whether you're a budget traveller or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from Chicago to Austin is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by coach from Chicago to Austin for an average of US$231 and a travel time of 12 hours 2 minutes. Greyhound, FlixBus offer tickets starting at US$118.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Chicago to Austin. The trip typically takes 8 hours 21 minutes, with ticket prices starting at US$158. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Chicago (Union Station), IL, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from Chicago to Austin is sometimes an option travellers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from Chicago to Austin and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from Chicago to Austin?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs US$118, and the average price is US$231. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between Chicago and Austin?

    If you're pressed for time, the train reigns supreme, taking you from Chicago to Austin in roughly 1d 8h.

  3. How do I travel from Chicago to Austin without a car?

    You can take a bus or train for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend bus.

  4. How long is the bus ride from Chicago to Austin?

    The average travel time between Chicago and Austin is around 1d 11h, although the fastest bus will take about 23h 30m. This is the time it takes to travel the 977 miles that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from Chicago to Austin?

    When taking the bus from Chicago to Austin, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound, FlixBus.

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between Chicago and Austin?

    The number of buses from Chicago to Austin can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Chicago to Austin by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Chicago to Austin?

    Buses travelling between Chicago and Austin leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Chicago O'Hare International Airport and arrive at Greyhound Station, Airport Blvd, Brazos St.

  8. How long is the train trip from Chicago to Austin?

    A train trip between Chicago and Austin is around 1d 8h, although the fastest train will take about 1d 4h. This is the time it takes to travel the 977 miles that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily train are there between Chicago and Austin?

    The number of trains from Chicago to Austin can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Austin by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Chicago to Austin?

    Trains travelling between Chicago and Austin leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Chicago O'Hare International Airport and arrive at Greyhound Station, Airport Blvd, Brazos St.

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worlwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from Chicago to Austin

Buses from Austin to Chicago

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Trains from Chicago to Austin

Trains from Austin to Chicago

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