Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to San Marcos
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Chicago to San Marcos Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to San Marcos?
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to San Marcos.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$220.79 | Avg. Price$223.08 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration1d 1h 47m | Duration1d 9h 2m |
Bus from Chicago to San Marcos: Journey Information
There are 14 intercity buses per day from Chicago to San Marcos. Traveling by bus from Chicago to San Marcos usually takes around 27 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 20 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 1008 mi (1623 km) |
| Shortest duration | 20h 20m |
| Cheapest price | $104.96 |
| Trips per day | 12 |
| Most frequent service | Tornado Bus |
| Bus lines | 2 |

What bus companies travel from Chicago to San Marcos?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to San Marcos that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Tornado Bus usually offers more choice, with 12 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 1d 8h 57m | $204.58 |
| Tornado Bus | 12 | 22h 24m | $235.00 |
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 4 trips per day from Chicago to San Marcos, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to San Marcos
The bus takes an average of 27 hours and 8 minutes to cover the 1008 miles from Chicago to San Marcos. However, the fastest bus only takes 20 hours and 20 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.
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, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday 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 San Marcos, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 14 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to San Marcos every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 12 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 San Marcos; ticket prices start at $133.00.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: 3501 S California Ave
Buses to San Marcos 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 San Marcos?
Main arrival station: Restaurant Mazatlan
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in San Marcos.
All bus stations in San Marcos:
Restaurant Mazatlan
338 S Guadalupe St - San Marcos Intermodal Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from San Marcos to Chicago?
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