- Must visit
LBJ Presidential Library
Large presidential library and museum covering Lyndon B. Johnson’s life, civil rights era, and major moments in U.S. history.
Cheapest price
CHF118
Average price
CHF213
Fastest journey
23 h 35 m
Average duration
1 d 8 h 26 m
Buses per day
5
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 CHF213 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF118.
Of the 5 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Austin, TX on Wed, Aug 05, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 1573 km distance in an average of 1 d 8 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 23 h 35 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 1 d 18 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio 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 CHF90. 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 CHF90, and a flight costs an average of CHF83.
Distance: 977 miles (1573 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
CHF195 Average price Cheapest | CHF219 Average price | CHF250 Average price | CHF192 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 CHF25 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX costing on average CHF219.
A bus is CHF55 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX costing on average CHF250.
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 CHF218 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 34h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF147 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 35h50 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price CHF174 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 44h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price CHF99 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price CHF117 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 42h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price CHF242 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 28h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price CHF261 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 28h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price CHF240 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 30h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price CHF116 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 25h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price CHF126 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 34h55 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price CHF119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 37h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price CHF218 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 30h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price CHF230 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 25h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price CHF96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 37h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price CHF238 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price CHF211 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Austin, TX buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:00 PM Chicago, IL | 34h55 | 1:55 AM Austin, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:45 PM Chicago, IL | 25h15 | 5:00 PM Austin, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
![]() | 3:30 AM Chicago, IL | 23h35 | 3:05 AM Austin, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:10 AM Chicago, IL | 42h25 | 10:35 PM Austin, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:30 AM Chicago, IL | 23h35 | 4:05 AM Austin, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:10 AM Chicago, IL | 42h25 | 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 CHF90 but you can travel from only CHF83 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 CHF90 |
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, TX — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Austin, TX trip today.
Large presidential library and museum covering Lyndon B. Johnson’s life, civil rights era, and major moments in U.S. history.
Respected university museum with changing exhibitions spanning ancient art to modern works in a thoughtfully designed setting.
Texas history museum with artifacts, films, and broad exhibits on the state’s people, culture, and defining events.
Scenic reservoir and trail corridor in central Austin, popular for walking, skyline views, kayaking, and outdoor relaxation.
Austin’s famous live music street mixes historic venues, neon signs, nightlife energy, and classic downtown atmosphere.
Beloved swimming hole and green park, perfect for cooling off, picnics, and enjoying one of Austin’s signature outdoor spaces.
Central Texas-style brisket is oak-smoked for hours until tender, with a peppery bark. Austin is one of the country's best cities for this barbecue tradition.
Beef sausage links with coarse-ground meat and smoky seasoning are a Texas barbecue staple, commonly served by the pound with pickles and onions.
Breakfast tacos are flour or corn tortillas filled with eggs, potatoes, beans, bacon, or chorizo. They are an everyday Austin morning ritual.
Legendary casual barbecue spot famed for smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage. Expect lines, picnic tables, and a classic Austin experience.
Refined Japanese-Texas tasting menu restaurant with polished service and a nationally known fine-dining reputation.
Iconic Tex-Mex restaurant known for queso, enchiladas, and strong margaritas in a lively, long-running Austin setting.
Moderate for U.S. city trips: hotels can be pricey in peak times, dining is varied, and transit is limited so rideshares or car hire can add cost.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee if there is table or bar service.
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