Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to McAllen
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Chicago to McAllen: Journey Information
There are 9 intercity buses per day from Chicago to McAllen. Traveling by bus from Chicago to McAllen usually takes around 39 hours and 11 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 | $117.95 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Chicago to Mcallen Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Mcallen:
- Greyhound: 5 daily buses from $118
- FlixBus US: 5 daily buses from $139
- Tornado Bus: 2 daily buses from $275
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to McAllen?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to McAllen cost $177.49 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 McAllen. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to McAllen by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to McAllen in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $141 to $178. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 26, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to McAllen this week, bus tickets are available starting at $141.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to McAllen by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to McAllen is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $173. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to McAllen during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $277. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 8 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $106.43 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Mcallen?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Mcallen, including Greyhound, FlixBus US, Tornado Bus. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 5 | 39h 23m | $208.62 |
| FlixBus US | 5 | 38h 41m | $264.57 |
| Tornado Bus | 2 | 27h 6m | $275.00 |
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 5 bus trips from Chicago to McAllen every day, with the average journey taking around 39 hours and 23 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to McAllen usually start from $117.95.
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 5 trips per day from Chicago to McAllen, and the average ticket for this route costs only $264.57.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Mcallen
There are 9 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to McAllen every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
TRIPS PER DAY
9
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 39 hours and 11 minutes to cover the 1239 miles 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
1239
DISTANCE (KM)
1994
The first bus leaves at 5:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:55pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to McAllen, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
5:15am
LATEST BUS
11:55pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to McAllen 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses to McAllen leave from 4 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
- 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.
All bus stations in Mcallen:
- Tornado Bus Station
- 1501 W Highway 83
Need a return trip from Mcallen to Chicago?
Search Bus Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.