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Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to McAllen

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Chicago to McAllen Bus Schedule

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Bus from Chicago to McAllen: Journey Information

There are 8 intercity buses per day from Chicago to McAllen. Traveling by bus from Chicago to McAllen usually takes around 37 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 26 hours and 20.033 minutes.

Distance1239 mi (1994 km)
Shortest duration26h 20m
Cheapest price€83.94
Trips per day2
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines3

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What bus companies travel from Chicago to McAllen?

There are 3 bus lines from Chicago to McAllen available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 5 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:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US31d 13h 34m€234.74
Greyhound51d 13h 34m€160.09
Tornado Bus21d 2h 37m€232.93
  • 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 3 trips per day from Chicago to McAllen, 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 5 bus trips from Chicago to McAllen every day, with the average journey taking around 37 hours and 34 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to McAllen usually start from €80.

  • Tornado Bus is a Texan bus company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their bus service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their buses offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, restrooms, and power outlets.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to McAllen

The bus takes an average of 37 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 1239 miles from Chicago to McAllen. However, the fastest bus only takes 26 hours and 20.033 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.

Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, 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 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to McAllen, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to McAllen 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.

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?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses to McAllen leave from 4 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

  • 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.

All bus stations in McAllen:

  • Tornado Bus Station

  • 1501 W Highway 83

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