Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Austin
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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. Price$188.04 | Avg. Price$218.67 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips16 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration1d 3h 57m | Duration1d 8h 8m |
Bus from Chicago to Austin: Journey Information
There are 21 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Austin. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Austin usually takes around 28 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 20 hours and 52.033 minutes.
| Distance | 980 mi (1576 km) |
| Shortest duration | 20h 52m |
| Cheapest price | $65.96 |
| Trips per day | 13 |
| Most frequent service | Tornado Bus |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Austin?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Austin cost $88.28 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this 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 17 days in advance to save $131.22 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the 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, Tornado Bus usually offers more choice, with 13 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 10 | 1d 9h 26m | $169.04 |
| Tornado Bus | 13 | 21h 37m | $246.95 |
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 10 trips per day from Chicago to Austin, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Austin
The bus takes an average of 28 hours and 5 minutes to cover the 980 miles from Chicago to Austin. However, the fastest bus only takes 20 hours and 52.033 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Austin at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 9:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Austin, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 21 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Austin every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 13 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 $115.00.
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.
Austin
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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 neighborhood 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 center, 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: 3501 S California Ave
Buses to Austin leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
3501 S California Ave
Dan Ryan Bus Station
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 traveling with.
All bus stations in Austin:
711 E Ben White Blvd
Eastside Bus Plz
Downtown Austin
Austin South Congress
Get around town with Moovit
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