Cheap coach tickets from Chicago to Waco

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Coach from Chicago to Waco: Journey Information

There are 5 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to Waco. Travelling by coach from Chicago to Waco usually takes around 1 day, 5 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus coach can make the trip in 19 hours and 48 minutes.

Distance
886 mi (1426 km)
Shortest duration
19h 48m
Cheapest price
£81.93
Trips per day
5
Most frequent service
Tornado Bus
Coach lines
2

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Chicago to Waco Coach Timetable

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How much is a coach ticket from Chicago to Waco?

Coach tickets for a trip from Chicago to Waco cost about £98 when you book at the cheapest time, 9 days ahead. Coach 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 coach is often more affordable than flying to Waco. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find coach tickets at or below this price.

Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to Waco by travel date

£135£90£45NovNov

If you're planning to travel by coach from Chicago to Waco in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from £96 to £127. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 11 November 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Waco this week, coach tickets are available starting at £96.

Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to Waco by month

£225£180£135£90£45JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the coach from Chicago to Waco is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only £137. If you're planning to take the coach from Chicago to Waco during December, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £204. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

£200£160£120£80£400

Most coach companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your coach tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest coach tickets, book your trip at least 9 days in advance. This way, you can save up to £85.10 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What coach companies travel from Chicago to Waco?

There are two coach lines that have daily service from Chicago to Waco that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 5 scheduled trips per day.

CoachDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US529h 29m£121.60
Tornado Bus1222h 1m£190.90
  • FlixBus US is the American branch of German coach company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern coach travel. The company offers cheap coach tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US coaches include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power sockets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 5 trips per day from Chicago to Waco, and the average ticket for this route costs only £121.60.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5
  • Tornado Bus is a Texan coach company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their coach service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their coaches offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, toilets, and power sockets.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Chicago to Waco

There are 5 scheduled coaches that travel from Chicago to Waco every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which coach you take, you will have to transfer coaches at least once during your journey.

Trips per day

5

Direct trips

0

The coach takes an average of 1 day, 5 hours and 24 minutes to cover the 886 miles from Chicago to Waco. However, the fastest coach only takes 19 hours and 48 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

Distance (mi)

886

Distance (km)

1426

The first coach leaves at 0:40 and the last coach leaves at 23:55. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago to Waco, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest coach

12:40am

Latest coach

11:55pm

Friday is the busiest travel day for coaches as people head from Chicago to Waco for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, 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 coach travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the coach, travelling mid-week is your best bet.

Most crowded

Friday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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 holiday 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 transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Waco

Waco, TX - WAO-0Waco, TX - WAO-1Waco, TX - WAO-2

Waco lies deep in Texas' heartland, and it is one of the most culturally unique cities in the state, offering a real treat to all travellers. You might be familiar with Waco thanks to the influence of Chip & Joanna Gaines (of Fixer Upper fame). To see the Gaines' full impact on Waco, visit the Magnolia Market At The Silos, a premier shopping area for locals and tourists alike. Here you can buy plenty of unique home decor items, and you can even go picnicking with your friends on the green fields within the area!

Waco is also comparatively famous for its many antique stores, so don't hesitate to check out local favourites such as La Salle Shoppes and Junque in the Trunk. You should also consider visiting the famous Dr. Pepper Museum and exploring the secrets behind the nation's most popular soft drink.

Waco offers a wide range of culinary options for tourists. If you are into a delectable breakfast with your friends and family, check out Magnolia Table (yes, that's in Magnolia Market!). For the best BBQ dishes around, don't miss out on Jasper's BBQ.

Although train service does not go directly into Waco, you can connect to Amtrak via several intercity coach lines or simply take a coach to destinations throughout Texas and beyond. Air travel is provided by Waco Regional Airport, about 6 miles away from the city.

Station Information

Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Coaches to Waco leave from 3 stations in Chicago.

All coach stations in Chicago:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station
  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
  • 3501 S California Ave

Where does the coach arrive in Waco?

Main arrival station: 301 South 8th St

The station at 301 South 8th Street is a hub for local transit within Waco, as well as for Amtrak Thruway and Jefferson Lines coaches. Intercity routes from Waco reach some of the best destinations in Texas, like Houston, Austin, and Dallas, plus further destinations all over the country. The brick station is open every day, and inside you’ll find an ATM, vending machines, toilets, and an information desk. Ideally located in downtown Waco, the station is only one block from the famous Magnolia Market and its insta-ready silos, home goods, bakery, and more.

Coach stations in Waco:

  • 301 South 8th St
  • 1020 S 5th St
  • 1900 Speight Ave

Need a return trip from Waco to Chicago?

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