- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Buses from McAllen, TX to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 33h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $122 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 1237 miles (1991 km) distance in 29h 30m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from McAllen, TX to Chicago, IL.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 40h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $295 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 38h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $187 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 10:38AM | Duration 49h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $385 |
Operator Valley Transit | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 37h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $175 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 41h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $172 |
Operator Valley Transit | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 36h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $313 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 37h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $178 |
The table below shows live departures for McAllen, TX to Chicago, IL buses for today, Wednesday, October 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:05 PM McAllen, TX | 36h05 | 9:10 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from McAllen, TX to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, Valley Transit, and FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with Greyhound and FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Chicago, IL.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from McAllen, 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 McAllen, TX to Chicago, IL buses use the McAllen, Central Station to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare McAllen, TX and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
McAllen, Central Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi throughout the station. ATMs are available at McAllen, Central Station.
Ticket office support is available at McAllen, Central Station.
Available at McAllen, Central Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at McAllen, Central Station: Wheelchair accessible platforms.
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.
Check bus stations information for McAllen, TX and Chicago, IL, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.