Travel 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 $120. 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 $120, and a flight costs an average of $89.
Distance: 977 miles (1573 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$260 Average price | $238 Average price Cheapest | $297 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.
Travel optionsfrom Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
How to get from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
4:00 PM35h15Chicago, IL3:15 AMAustin, TX$1901One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
4:00 PM35h15Chicago, IL3:15 AMAustin, TX$1901One-way0 transfers
Fastest
3:45 PM25h15Chicago, IL5:00 PMAustin, TX$3271One-way0 transfers
Other options
4:30 AM34h00Chicago, IL2:30 PMAustin, TX$2061One-way0 transfers
5:10 AM45h45Chicago, IL2:55 AMAustin, TX$2671One-way0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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.
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FAQs: Travel from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
Travel to Austin, TX easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX.

This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX:
A flight is $31 (€25) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX costing on average $120 (€96).
A flight is $41 (€33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX costing on average $130 (€104).
Other travel options to Austin, TX take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 30m.
Train takes on average 28h 43m.
- Around 38 flights per day.
- Around 11 buses per day.
- Around 4 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Chicago, IL and Austin, TX as scheduled services by train, bus, and flight can vary by season or day of the week.
- Flights mostly depart from O'Hare International Airport and arrive in Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
- Trains mostly depart from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL and arrive in Austin Station, Austin, TX.
- Buses mostly depart from Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station and arrive in Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX.
- Travel with Greyhound, FlixBus, Chicago Transit (CTA) to go to Austin, TX by bus.
- Travel with Amtrak to go to Austin, TX by train.
- Travel with United, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines to go to Austin, TX by flight.
- 1 direct trains per day with Amtrak.
- 6 direct flights per day with United, American Airlines.
Travelling from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX: related information
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