The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
Cheapest price
$278
Average price
$492
Fastest journey
1 d 4 h 57 m
Average duration
1 d 8 h 4 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
1573 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $492 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $278.
Of the 6 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Austin, TX on Fri, Mar 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Mar 20 the direct trains cover the 1573 km distance in an average of 1 d 8 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 4 h 57 m .
On Fri, Mar 20 the slowest trains will take 1 d 11 h 52 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.
301 Lincoln Service · 421 Texas Eagle
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 421 Texas Eagle
301 Lincoln Service · 21 Texas Eagle
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 21 Texas Eagle
421 Texas Eagle
421 Texas Eagle
21 Texas Eagle
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 421 Texas Eagle
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 21 Texas Eagle
301 Lincoln Service · 421 Texas EagleTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
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 $118. 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 $118, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 977 miles (1573 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$254 Average price | $233 Average price Cheapest | $290 Average price |
28h 58m Average total duration 28h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23h 34m Average total duration 23h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 3m Average total duration Fastest 4h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | 4.7 - 9.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Austin, TX train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Austin, TX trains for today, Thursday, March 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
301 Lincoln Service · 21 Texas Eagle | 12:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 35h52 | 12:07 AM Austin Station, Austin, TX | 1 transfer | |
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 21 Texas Eagle | 2:50 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 33h17 | 12:07 AM Austin Station, Austin, TX | 1 transfer | |
21 Texas Eagle | 7:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 28h57 | 12:07 AM Austin Station, Austin, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Austin, TX by train, bus, or flight
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.
Mar 19
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
Trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX run on average 4 times per day, taking around 28h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $127 (€104) but you can travel from only $87 (€71) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 14:10. The fastest train covers the 977 miles (1573 km) distance in 28h 43m.
Distance 977 miles (1573 km) |
Average train duration 28h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $127 (€104) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 28h 43m |
First train 07:15 |
Last train 14:10 |
Cheapest month Apr |
Cheapest day Tue |
High season Jul - Sep |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Busiest day Fri |
Least busy day Fri |
Best day to book ahead 77 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Austin, TX from $87 (€71). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Austin, TX, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Free for passengers
- The Driskill
- Hotel Ella
- Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station is a single-level facility with an enclosed waiting area.
- Bus: Capital Metro routes available
- Train: Served by Amtrak's Texas Eagle
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
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