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Cheap train tickets from Austin to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Austin to Chicago. Travelling by train from Austin to Chicago usually takes 1 day, 8 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Texas Eagle train can make the trip in 1 day, 4 hours and 23 minutes.
- Distance
- 980 mi (1576 km)
- Fastest train
- 28h 23m
- Lowest price
- US$145.00
- Trains per day
- 6
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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Austin to Chicago Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Austin to Chicago?
There are usually 36 daily coach trips from Austin to Chicago.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$277.67 | Avg. PriceUS$206.55Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips36 |
Duration | Duration32h 53mFaster | Duration34h 3m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Austin to Chicago (Based on 1 rating and review)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Austin to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Austin to Chicago?
In the last month, train tickets from Austin to Chicago cost about US$240 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Austin and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 15 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$123.82 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Austin to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Austin to Chicago will cost between US$180 and US$516. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Austin to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Austin to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only US$198. If you're thinking of travelling from Austin to Chicago during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$266 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Austin to Chicago on Wanderu at least 15 days ahead of time, you can save about US$123.82 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Austin to Chicago?
2 train services operate from Austin to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 34h 19m | US$255.57 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 28h 24m | US$346.79 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 5 Amtrak trains from Austin to Chicago every day, as well as 5 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$163.
Amtrak Texas Eagle is a train service operated by Amtrak that connects to Texas. It links Chicago with the heart of the Lone Star State in San Antonio, going to cities such as St. Louis and Dallas. Onboard amenities include toilets, power sockets, complimentary WiFi, and a designated restaurant car with full meals.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Austin to Chicago
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Austin to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Austin to Chicago. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Austin. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Austin to Chicago for US$106.
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
The distance between Austin and Chicago is approximately 980 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 8 hours and 53 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 4 hours and 23 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
980
Distance (km)
1576
The earliest train departs Austin at 9:26 while the last train of the day leaves at 9:26. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.
First train
9:26am
Last train
9:26am
Trains from Austin to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Thursday
City Information
Austin
Austin is the capital of the Lone Star State and one of the best holiday 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 coach stations that serve Austin are located close to the city centre, making ground transport the more convenient way to travel in and out of town.
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 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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Austin?
Main departure station: 250 N Lamar Blvd
Built in 1947, the Amtrak Station in Austin is one of the stops along Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route which runs from Chicago to San Antonio and connects to Los Angeles. The station, located at 250 N Lamar Boulevard, sits near the banks of the Colorado River in downtown Austin. With just a quick walk from the station, you can reach the beautiful Ladybird Lake-Lamar Beach Park, stylish shopping and dining in the 2nd Street District, and even the state capital complex. Same-day and overnight parking is available at the station, as well as toilets and vending machines inside.
All train stations in Austin:
- 250 N Lamar Blvd
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Union Station
The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves coach carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
Train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Chicago to Austin?
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