The cheapest and fastest buses from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$159
Average price
$180
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 15 m
Average duration
1 d 4 h 50 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
1573 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL will cost around $180 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $159.
It's difficult to get from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.
· · 2:20 PM29h50Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX8:10 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1591One-way2 transfers
FlixBus+
· 11:30 PM28h50Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX4:20 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1591One-way2 transfers
FlixBus+
· · 1:55 PM38h25Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX4:20 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1591One-way4 transfers
· · 3:05 AM25h15Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX4:20 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1691One-way2 transfers
FlixBus+
· · 9:55 PM41h20Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX3:15 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1691One-way4 transfers
· · 3:05 AM25h15Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX4:20 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1691One-way2 transfers
FlixBus+
· 11:30 PM28h50Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX4:20 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1591One-way2 transfers
· · 3:05 AM28h55Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX8:00 AMChicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL$2481One-way2 transfers
· · 2:20 PM29h50Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX8:10 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1591One-way2 transfers
· · 7:55 AM31h20Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX3:15 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1781One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $110. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $110, and a flight costs an average of $60.
Distance: 977 miles (1573 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$247 Average price Cheapest | $258 Average price | $301 Average price | $234 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 55m Average total duration 23h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28h 39m Average total duration 28h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 54m Average total duration Fastest 3h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.6 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.7 - 9.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL costing on average $258 (€208).
A bus is $54 (€43) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL costing on average $301 (€242).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 25m.
Train takes on average 28h 9m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Austin, TX to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 28h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 40h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $286 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 28h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $228 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 31h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $178 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 28h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 25h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $306 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 30h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $182 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 30h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $182 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 39h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 42h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $194 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 42h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 41h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $188 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 46h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 43h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $174 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 46h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 42h45 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 35h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $187 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 42h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $192 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 44h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $212 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 42h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $187 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 29h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $249 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 41h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 40h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $189 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 29h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 28h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $159 |
Live departures
Austin, TX to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Austin, TX to Chicago, IL buses for today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 3:05 AM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 28h55 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
· · | 3:05 AM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 25h15 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · | 7:55 AM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 31h20 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 9:20 AM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 30h45 | 4:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 9:50 AM Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd, TX | 30h15 | 4:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 1:55 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 38h25 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 1:55 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 42h05 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 2:05 PM Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd, TX | 41h55 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 2:05 PM Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd, TX | 39h40 | 5:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4 transfers | |
· · | 2:20 PM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 29h50 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 3:40 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 46h05 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 3:40 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 43h50 | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 7:00 PM Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd, TX | 42h45 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 10:50 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 40h25 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 11:30 PM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 32h30 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 11:30 PM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 28h50 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Austin, TX to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
Jun 07
Jun 08
Why should you book Austin, TX to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Omnibus Express to find the best option for your trip from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Omnibus Express to find the best option for your trip from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
Buses from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL run on average 15 times per day, taking around 23h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $110 (€89) but you can travel from only $60 (€48) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 977 miles (1573 km) distance in 25h 5m.
Distance 977 miles (1573 km) |
Average bus duration 23h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $110 (€89) |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 25h 5m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus, Omnibus Express from Austin, TX to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Austin, TX to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus, Omnibus Express for as low as $60 (€48). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
Omnibus Express
FAQs: Bus from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., offering free admission.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections from Austin, TX
More options for your journey from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


