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Journey Information
There are 27 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Houston. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Houston usually takes around 32 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 23 hours,
| Distance | 942 mi (1516 km) |
| Shortest duration | 23h 0m |
| Cheapest price | $84.97 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Houston
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Houston?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Houston cost $112.97 on average. 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 Houston. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average prices by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Houston in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $107 to $173. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on May 14, 2024.
If you’re looking to travel to Houston this week, bus tickets are available starting at $122.
Monthly average prices
Taking the bus from Chicago to Houston is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only $140. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Houston during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $236. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better 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 28 days in advance to save $241.01 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Houston?
There are 3 bus lines from Chicago to Houston available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 26 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 1d 4h 25m | $209.55 |
| Greyhound | 26 | 1d 8h 20m | $164.91 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 23h 14m | $245.75 |
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 1 trips per day from Chicago to Houston, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus 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 26 bus trips from Chicago to Houston every day, with the average journey taking around 32 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Houston usually start from $79.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 32 hours and 17 minutes to cover the 942 miles from Chicago to Houston. However, the fastest bus only takes 23 hours. 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.
With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Houston, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Houston, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 27 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Houston every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 2 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 Houston; ticket prices start at $153.00.
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.
Houston
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial center in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best vacation destinations.
As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main bus and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Buses to Houston 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 Houston?
Image credit: WhispertoMe
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Houston (Bus Station)
The Bus Terminal at 2121 Main Street is centrally located within downtown Houston and serves as a hub for bus service from Greyhound, Jefferson Lines and Tornado Bus. From Houston’s bus terminal, you might connect to other cities in Texas such as Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, or further afield to Los Angeles and New York. The station is open 24 hours a day, with restrooms, seating, and several food options available onsite. Within a few minutes’ walk from the bus terminal, you’ll find parking, rental car agencies, gas stations, fast food, and a Light Rail station to easily access the rest of Houston.
All bus stations in Houston:
Houston (Bus Station)
Downtown - 605 Gray St
2525 Southwest Fwy (Timewise/Shell gas station lot)
6590 Southwest Hwy
Tornado Bus Station - Airport
Tornado Bus Station - Lockwood
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