- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Oct 08
$180
Average ticket price on Oct 08
$238
Fastest journey on Oct 08
1 d 1 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Oct 08
1 d 4 h 36 m
Buses on Oct 08
21
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 $238 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $180.
It's difficult to get from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.
FlixBus · FlixBus+
+
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus+
+
FlixBus
· +
FlixBus+
· ·
· ·
· ·
· ·
FlixBus · FlixBus+
· +
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusBuses from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL run on average 15 times per day, taking around 30h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $101 (€84) but you can travel from only $54 (€46) 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 21h 0m.
Distance 977 miles (1573 km) |
Average bus duration 30h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $101 (€84) |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 21h 0m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 25h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $140 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 31h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $173 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 32h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 30h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 30h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 33h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $173 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 32h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $174 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 43h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $193 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 30h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 42h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 30h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $171 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 41h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $192 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 38h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 30h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $171 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 29h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 43h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 42h25 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $185 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 40h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $151 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 40h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 46h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $140 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 39h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 45h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $170 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 38h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 29h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 28h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $167 |
The table below shows live departures for Austin, TX to Chicago, IL buses for today, Wednesday, October 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ · · | 2:00 PM Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd, TX | 42h00 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 2:15 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 38h05 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 2:15 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 41h45 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
· · | 2:25 PM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 29h45 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 3:40 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 43h50 | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:25 PM Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd, TX | 40h20 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:40 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 46h55 | 8:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:40 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 40h05 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
· +![]() | 10:55 PM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 33h05 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
· +![]() | 10:55 PM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 29h25 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · | 3:00 AM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 25h20 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · | 3:00 AM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 29h00 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:25 AM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 29h05 | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+![]() | 6:25 AM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 31h20 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 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 | 9:20 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 · 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 · FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:10 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 32h25 | 8:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
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.

Most Austin, TX to Chicago, IL buses use the Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Austin, TX and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza) is 4 km from Austin city centre. Public transport options include:
Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza). ATMs are available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza).
Ticket office support is available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza).
Available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza): Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Austin, South Congress Transit Center is 5 km from Austin city centre. Public transport options include:
Austin, South Congress Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center. ATMs are available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center.
Ticket office support is available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center.
Available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center: The station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd. ATMs are available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd.
Ticket office support is available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd.
Available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd: Bus stop accessible from the road.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need