Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Austin
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Chicago to Austin: Journey Information
There are 18 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Austin. Travelling by bus from Chicago to Austin usually takes around 1 day, 9 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 21 hours and 23 minutes.
- Distance
- 980 mi (1576 km)
- Shortest duration
- 21h 23m
- Cheapest price
- CHF 93.50
- Trips per day
- 18
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 2
Millions of travellers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 400+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travellers are saying about Wanderu:
Chicago to Austin Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Austin?
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to Austin.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCHF 165.47Cheaper | Avg. PriceCHF 257.60 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips18 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration33h 21m | Duration32h 39mFaster |

There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Austin:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Austin?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Austin cost about CHF 113 when you book at the cheapest time, 14 days ahead. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Austin. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Austin by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Austin in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from CHF 132 to CHF 202. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 17, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Austin this week, bus tickets are available starting at CHF 132.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Austin by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Austin is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only CHF 155. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Austin during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 193. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 14 days in advance. This way, you can save up to CHF 99.14 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Austin?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Austin that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 11 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 11 | 35h 6m | CHF 155.95 |
| Tornado Bus | 8 | 23h 42m | CHF 218.38 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 11 trips per day from Chicago to Austin, and the average ticket for this route costs only CHF 155.95.






Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Chicago to Austin
There are 18 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Austin every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 7 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Austin; ticket prices start at CHF 121.
Trips per day
18
Direct trips
7
The bus takes an average of 1 day, 9 hours and 21 minutes to cover the 1,576 kilometres from Chicago to Austin. However, the fastest bus only takes 21 hours and 23 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
980
Distance (km)
1576
The first bus leaves at 12:40 a.m. and the last bus leaves at 11:55 p.m. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Austin, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
12:40am
Latest bus
11:55pm
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travellers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Austin. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, travelling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Saturday
Least crowded
Wednesday
City Information
Chicago



Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Austin



Austin is the capital of the Lone Star State and one of the best vacation destinations in Texas. Known as Texas’s “weird” city, Austin is famous for being the southern mecca for the arts. In addition to being a hot spot for both emerging and established artists from Texas and the surrounding states, Austin is well known for its eclectic live music scene. In addition, the University of Texas’ main campus is located in Austin, which makes the city a popular destination for young people from all over the world, keeping it vibrant at all times. It’s no surprise that it ranks among the top party cities in the U.S.
While you’re in town, make sure to stop by the hip South Congress neighbourhood to shop at the trendy boutiques and grab some grub at the authentically Austin restaurants. Since Austin is one of the best craft beer cities in the country, you won’t regret checking out some of the local breweries too. After that, head over to Lady Bird Lake and rent a kayak for a relaxing paddling session on the water, or simply go for a walk on the picturesque Hike & Bike Trail. Finally, spend the night bar hopping along the pedestrian-only Sixth Street.
While the Austin airport is located on the outskirts of the city, the main train station is right in the heart of downtown. Similarly, the two bus stations that serve Austin are located close to the city centre, making ground transportation the more convenient way to travel in and out of town.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses to Austin leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- 3501 S California Ave
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the bus arrive in Austin?
Main arrival station: 711 E Ben White Blvd
Buses arrive in Austin at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are travelling with.
All bus stations in Austin:
- 711 E Ben White Blvd
- Eastside Bus Plz
- Austin South Congress
- Downtown Austin
Need a return trip from Austin to Chicago?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
More buses from Chicago
- Chicago to Miami BusCHF 117+
- Chicago to Cedar Rapids BusCHF 38+
- Chicago to Kankakee BusCHF 13+
- Chicago to Urbana Bus
- Chicago to Valparaiso BusCHF 13+
- Chicago to Detroit BusCHF 43+
- Chicago to Memphis BusCHF 79+
- Chicago to Appleton BusCHF 28+
- Chicago to Madison BusCHF 35+
- Chicago to Orlando BusCHF 109+
- Chicago to Joliet BusCHF 46+
- Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL BusCHF 33+
- Chicago to Indianapolis BusCHF 41+
- Chicago to Ann Arbor BusCHF 40+
- Chicago to Minneapolis BusCHF 96+
- Chicago to Seattle BusCHF 154+
- Chicago to Kenosha BusCHF 12+
- Chicago to Milwaukee BusCHF 17+
Continue by bus from Austin
- Austin to San Miguel De Allende BusCHF 159+
- Austin to Denver BusCHF 117+
- Austin to Orlando BusCHF 124+
- Austin to Minneapolis BusCHF 129+
- Austin to Las Vegas BusCHF 129+
- Austin to Nashville BusCHF 140+
- Austin to Dallas BusCHF 34+
- Austin to Fort Worth BusCHF 59+
- Austin to Midland BusCHF 128+
- Austin to Phoenix BusCHF 112+
- Austin to Miami BusCHF 124+
- Austin to Chicago BusCHF 120+
- Austin to Albuquerque BusCHF 117+
- Austin to Memphis BusCHF 92+
- Austin to Brownsville BusCHF 50+
- Austin to Eagle Pass BusCHF 48+
- Austin to Houston BusCHF 28+
- Austin to San Antonio BusCHF 19+
Check out these popular routes
- Calgary to Edmonton BusCHF 23+
- Toronto to Ottawa BusCHF 28+
- Boston to Portland BusCHF 24+
- Portland, ME to Boston, MA BusCHF 24+
- Ithaca to New York BusCHF 46+
- New York to Atlanta BusCHF 106+
- New York to Ithaca BusCHF 45+
- Philadelphia to Brooklyn Bus
- Seattle to Vancouver BusCHF 35+

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.




