- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$200
Average price
$285
Fastest journey
1 d 2 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 17 m
Buses per day
17
Distance
1512 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Houston, 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 Houston, TX to Chicago, IL will cost around $285 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $200.
It's difficult to get from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.
· · +
FlixBus
·
FlixBus+
·
FlixBus+
· +
FlixBus
· ·
· ·
FlixBus+
+
FlixBus
· ·
FlixBus+
+
FlixBus
· · Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $113. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $113, and a train costs an average of $195.
Distance: 939 miles (1512 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$187 Average price Cheapest | $252 Average price | $412 Average price | $224 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 40m Average total duration 25h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 0m Average total duration Fastest 7h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 24h 34m Average total duration 24h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $65 (€52) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL costing on average $252 (€203).
A bus is $225 (€181) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL costing on average $412 (€331).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 24h 4m.
Bus takes on average 25h 10m.
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 01:50AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 26h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 32h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 37h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 31h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 30h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 29h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 30h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 30h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 30h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $150 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 38h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $196 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 35h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 34h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 36h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 34h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 38h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $166 |
The table below shows live departures for Houston, TX to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 1:50 AM Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX | 30h10 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
· · | 1:50 AM Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX | 26h30 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · | 5:00 AM Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX | 32h45 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
· · +![]() | 6:35 AM Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron), TX | 49h25 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
· · +![]() | 6:35 AM Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron), TX | 37h35 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
· · | 8:15 AM Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX | 31h00 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 10:00 AM Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station), TX | 30h05 | 4:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 10:25 AM North Houston (Tidwell Transit Center), TX | 29h40 | 4:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 1:15 PM Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station), TX | 30h55 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 1:40 PM North Houston (Tidwell Transit Center), TX | 42h20 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 1:40 PM North Houston (Tidwell Transit Center), TX | 30h30 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · | 2:10 PM Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX | 30h00 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · + FlixBus | 6:00 PM Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station), TX | 35h35 | 5:35 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 6:55 PM Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX | 34h40 | 5:35 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 7:35 PM Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station), TX | 36h25 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
· | 10:00 PM Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX | 34h00 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Houston, TX to Chicago, IL run on average 17 times per day, taking around 25h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $119 (€96) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 939 miles (1512 km) distance in 29h 10m.
Distance 939 miles (1512 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $119 (€96) |
Buses per day 17 |
Fastest bus 29h 10m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 Houston, 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 Houston, TX to Chicago, IL buses use the Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Houston, TX and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station) is 6 km from Houston city centre. Public transport options include:
Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station). ATMs are aTM available in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station) is 1 km from Houston city centre. Public transport options include:
Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants are available nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station).
Available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station): The station is accessible for disabled passengers.
Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron) is 14 km from Houston city centre. Public transport options include:
Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron). ATMs are available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron).
Ticket office support is available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron).
Available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron): Wheelchair accessible.
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