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Cheap bus tickets from San Antonio to Chicago

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San Antonio to Chicago Bus Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Antonio to Chicago?

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Antonio to Chicago.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$176.99

Avg. Price

$220.18

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

10

Daily Trips

2

Duration

Duration

1d 10h 21m

Duration

1d 9h 22m

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Bus from San Antonio to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 12 intercity buses per day from San Antonio to Chicago. Traveling by bus from San Antonio to Chicago usually takes around 35 hours and 25 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 21 hours and 50.5 minutes.

Distance1053 mi (1694 km)
Shortest duration21h 51m
Cheapest price$95.47
Trips per day8
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines2

How much is a bus ticket from San Antonio to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from San Antonio to Chicago cost $117.74 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 San Antonio to Chicago by month

$300$240$180$120$60DJFMAMJJASON
Bus tickets from San Antonio to Chicago are at their cheapest average price in October. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around $197. On the other hand, traveling on this route during December might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for December trips cost $281, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

Prices as travel date approaches

$350$280$210$140$703020100

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 15 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $215.44 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from San Antonio to Chicago?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from San Antonio to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 10 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US101d 12h 27m$215.93
Tornado Bus823h 49m$241.79
  • 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 10 trips per day from San Antonio to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • 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 San Antonio to Chicago

The bus takes an average of 35 hours and 25 minutes to cover the 1053 miles from San Antonio to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 21 hours and 50.5 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.

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from San Antonio to Chicago for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.

The first bus leaves at 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from San Antonio to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 12 scheduled buses that travel from San Antonio to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 8 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 San Antonio to Chicago; ticket prices start at $130.00.

City Information

San Antonio

San Antonio, TX - SAT-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Antonio, TX - SAT-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Antonio, TX - SAT-2

Image credit: Unsplash

San Antonio is a fast-growing city located in the southwest corner of the Texas Triangle. In addition to the alluring year-round warm weather, San Antonio offers a blend of rich history with contemporary attractions and cuisine.

If there's one thing to remember from your trip to San Antonio, it’s the Alamo! This 18th century fortress is one of five Spanish missions in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, all of which are connected by a scenic hiking and biking trail. If history isn't your thing, the River Walk along the San Antonio River is a much livelier spot. This shaded path is lined with shops and restaurants, and you could spend an entire day strolling, shopping, and eating along the river. Don't sleep on the riverside bars, either – San Antonio is one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S. so you can bar-hop to your heart’s (and your wallet’s) delight.

Traveling with little ones? San Antonio is home to the San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, any one of which will provide a thrilling adventure with no screen time required. Visitors of all ages will find treasures at Historic Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the U.S., where handcrafted art from local artisans is available alongside authentic Mexican food.

San Antonio is one of the biggest cities in the Lone Star State, so it is very easy to travel to other Texas destinations like Austin, Houston, and Dallas by bus or by train, or to destinations farther afield through the San Antonio International Airport.

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 San Antonio?

Bus Terminal - 500 N St Marys St - SATGLI-0

Image credit: Paul Sableman

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Bus Terminal - 500 N St Marys St

The San Antonio Bus Terminal on St. Mary’s Street is open 24 hours a day, and welcomes travelers on Jefferson Lines and Greyhound bus trips throughout Texas and beyond. Just a stone’s throw from the San Antonio River in downtown, the bus station offers connections to local transit via nearby public bus stops and ample parking for those who’d like to leave their car in a lot or garage. Fresh food can be purchased in the station, or stop by any one of the nearby cafes and restaurants for a bite before your trip.

All bus stations in San Antonio:

  • Bus Terminal - 500 N St Marys St

  • Tornado Bus Station

  • Pearl District - 612 Avenue A

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses arrive in Chicago at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • 3501 S California Ave

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

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