Cheap bus tickets from San Antonio to Chicago
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San Antonio to Chicago Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Antonio to Chicago?
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from San Antonio to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceTRY 8,677.42 | Avg. PriceTRY 10,605.92 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips15 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration1d 5h 31m | Duration1d 11h 25m |
Bus from San Antonio to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 18 intercity buses per day from San Antonio to Chicago. Traveling by bus from San Antonio to Chicago usually takes around 32 hours and 10 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 21 hours and 25.5 minutes.
| Distance | 1053 mi (1694 km) |
| Shortest duration | 21h 26m |
| Cheapest price | TRY 4,692.41 |
| Trips per day | 9 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |

How much is a bus ticket from San Antonio to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from San Antonio to Chicago cost TRY 5,451.18 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
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 18 days in advance. This way, you can save up to TRY 6,267.21 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.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 10 | 1d 11h 40m | TRY 8,615.10 |
| Tornado Bus | 8 | 23h 37m | TRY 10,737.29 |
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 .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from San Antonio to Chicago
The bus takes an average of 32 hours and 10 minutes to cover the 1053 miles from San Antonio to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 21 hours and 25.5 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Chicago 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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
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 18 scheduled buses that travel from San Antonio to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 9 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 TRY 5,642.34.
City Information
San Antonio

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash

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?
Main departure station: Tornado Bus Station
Buses to Chicago leave from 3 stations in San Antonio.
All bus stations in San Antonio:
Tornado Bus Station
Bus Terminal - 500 N St Marys St
Pearl District - 612 Avenue A
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: 3501 S California Ave
Buses arrive in Chicago at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Chicago:
3501 S California Ave
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Chicago to San Antonio?
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