Cheap bus tickets from McAllen to Chicago
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Bus from McAllen to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 8 intercity buses per day from McAllen to Chicago. Traveling by bus from McAllen to Chicago usually takes around 41 hours, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 25 hours and 43 minutes.
| Distance | 1239 mi (1994 km) |
| Shortest duration | 25h 43m |
| Cheapest price | $104.45 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Mcallen to Chicago Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Mcallen to Chicago:
- Greyhound: 8 daily buses from $104
- FlixBus US: 7 daily buses from $131
- Tornado Bus: 2 daily buses from $275
How much is a bus ticket from McAllen to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from McAllen to Chicago cost $156.68 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 Chicago. 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 McAllen to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from McAllen to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $126 to $170. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 30, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $127.
Average bus ticket prices from McAllen to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from McAllen to Chicago is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $163. If you're planning to take the bus from McAllen to Chicago during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $269. 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 12 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $130.44 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Mcallen to Chicago?
There are multiple buses that travel from Mcallen to Chicago, 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 | 8 | 41h 2m | $200.30 |
| FlixBus US | 7 | 41h 5m | $261.00 |
| Tornado Bus | 2 | 25h 52m | $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 8 bus trips from McAllen to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 41 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $104.45.
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 7 trips per day from McAllen to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only $261.00.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Mcallen to Chicago
There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from McAllen to Chicago 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
8
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 41 hours to cover the 1239 miles from McAllen to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 25 hours and 43 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 6:35am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from McAllen to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
6:35am
LATEST BUS
11:00pm
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Chicago. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
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 Mcallen?
Main departure station: Tornado Bus Station
McAllen has two bus stations with service to Chicago.
All bus stations in Mcallen:
- Tornado Bus Station
- 1501 W Highway 83
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses arrive in Chicago at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
- 3501 S California Ave
Need a return trip from Chicago to Mcallen?
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