- Must visit
Blanton Museum of Art
Major university art museum with strong European, Latin American, and contemporary collections, plus Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin installation.
Cheapest price
$242
Average price
$285
Fastest journey
23 h 35 m
Average duration
1 d 4 h 8 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
1573 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX will cost around $285 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $242.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX without transferring at least 2 times.
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $111. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 3m. 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 $111, and a flight costs an average of $101.
Distance: 977 miles (1573 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$239 Average price Cheapest | $270 Average price | $307 Average price | $236 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 38m Average total duration 23h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 29h 4m Average total duration 28h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 3m Average total duration Fastest 4h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 52m 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 Chicago, IL to Austin, TX:
A bus is $30 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX costing on average $270 (€221).
A bus is $68 (€55) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX costing on average $307 (€251).
Other travel options to Austin, TX take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 8m.
Train takes on average 28h 34m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 24h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $268 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $197 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 35h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $363 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 42h25 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $211 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 34h00 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 42h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $310 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 31h30 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $213 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 37h30 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $202 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 37h10 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $202 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 28h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $320 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 28h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $295 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 30h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 25h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $385 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 34h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 37h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $268 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 30h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $296 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 31h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 37h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $293 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $260 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $216 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 41h45 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $183 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Austin, TX buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:45 PM Chicago, IL | 25h15 | 4:00 PM Austin, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:45 PM Chicago, IL | 31h50 | 11:35 PM Austin, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX run on average 10 times per day, taking around 23h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $111 (€91) but you can travel from only $101 (€83) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 977 miles (1573 km) distance in 23h 35m.
Distance 977 miles (1573 km) |
Average bus duration 23h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $111 (€91) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 23h 35m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Austin — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Austin trip today.
Major university art museum with strong European, Latin American, and contemporary collections, plus Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin installation.
Flagship state history museum covering Texas culture, politics, and identity through large-scale exhibits and films.
Downtown contemporary art museum known for rotating exhibitions, modern programming, and a rooftop installation space.
Austin’s most famous stroll, lined with shops, murals, music culture, and classic views toward the Capitol.
Large central park ideal for walking, relaxing, and festivals, with easy access to several of Austin’s top sights.
Popular urban trail with skyline views, bridges, and one of the city’s best everyday walking routes.
Slow-smoked beef brisket with a peppery bark, central to Austin barbecue culture and a must-try local specialty.
A massive smoked beef rib seasoned simply with salt and pepper, iconic at Austin's celebrated barbecue joints.
Soft flour or corn tortillas filled with eggs, potatoes, cheese, bacon, or beans; a defining everyday Austin breakfast.
Acclaimed upscale restaurant blending Japanese technique with local creativity, ideal for a refined dining experience.
Respected barbecue spot serving smoked meats and house-made sides in a relaxed trailer and patio setting.
Famous Austin barbecue institution known for exceptional brisket, long lines, and a classic casual smokehouse atmosphere.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Food and coffee are reasonable, but hotels and nightlife can raise daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX 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 Austin, TX, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Austin, TX buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza) station pair, with some services arriving at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Austin, TX bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need