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Journey Information
There are 8 intercity buses per day from Chicago to McAllen. Traveling by bus from Chicago to McAllen usually takes around 36 hours and 6 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 26 hours and 51 minutes.
| Distance | 1239 mi (1994 km) |
| Shortest duration | 26h 51m |
| Cheapest price | €77.42 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to McAllen?
€103.38 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to McAllen. Bus tickets on this route can be more expensive due to the length of the trip. However, taking the bus can still be a good alternative to flying. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Average prices by travel date
Bus tickets from Chicago to McAllen are expected to cost between €96 and €143 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to McAllen within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from €106. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in August. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just €125 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to McAllen in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to €211 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 26 days in advance to save €240.31 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to McAllen?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to McAllen that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 8 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 8 | 1d 12h 7m | €131.68 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1d 2h 52m | €239.54 |
Greyhound is the largest nationwide coach carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 8 bus trips from Chicago to McAllen every day, with the average journey taking around 36 hours and 7 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to McAllen usually start from €77.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 36 hours and 6 minutes to cover the 1994 kilometers from Chicago to McAllen. However, the fastest bus only takes 26 hours and 51 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.
"Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in McAllen. 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, traveling mid-week is your best bet."
The first bus leaves at 06:00 and the last bus leaves at 22:00. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to McAllen, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
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 neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, 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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Buses to McAllen leave from 4 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
3501 S California Ave
Where does the bus arrive in McAllen?
Main arrival station: Tornado Bus Station
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in McAllen.
Bus stations in McAllen:
Tornado Bus Station
1501 W Highway 83
Get around town with Moovit
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