Chicago, IL, USA to Austin, TX, USA from $50: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Chicago to Austin: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$50 by trainBest price
1586 kmDistance
4h 52m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Austin with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Chicago - Austin operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Austin, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Austin (AUS)
Average Duration
4h 52mEstimated price
$98-427Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Austin (AUS)
Average Duration
2h 47mEstimated price
$987-988Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Austin (AUS) via Dallas
Average Duration
5h 6mEstimated price
$987-988Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Austin (AUS) via Kansas City
Average Duration
5h 32mEstimated price
$987-988Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Austin (AUS) via St. Louis
Average Duration
5h 45mEstimated price
$987-988Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Austin (AUS) via Houston Hobby Apt
Average Duration
5h 37mEstimated price
$987-988Website
united.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Austin (AUS)
Average Duration
2h 55mEstimated price
$989-4270Website
aa.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Austin (AUS)
Average Duration
2h 58mEstimated price
$4271-986Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Chicago Union Station to Austin
Average Duration
28h 37mEstimated price
$50-350Contact phone
+1 888 358 6762Website
tornadobus.com
Bus from Chicago to Tornado Bus Co - Austin
Average Duration
21h 52mEstimated price
$985-986Chicago to Austin: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chicago and Austin offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on an exciting road trip from Chicago to Austin, covering a distance of 1126 miles. Enjoy the scenic drive through various states and charming towns along the way.
💸 Prices for the journey by car range from $200 to $300, offering flexibility in budget options for travelers making this trip. Plan accordingly and consider factors like gas, food, and accommodation expenses.
⏱️ The approximately 18 hours and 36 minutes drive will lead you to the vibrant city of Austin, known for its live music scene, delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, and eclectic cultural offerings.
Average price
$200 - $300
🚆 Traveling from Chicago to Austin by train offers a scenic journey with a direct service departing from Chicago Union Station and arriving at Austin, operated by Amtrak. The trip takes around 28 hours and 37 minutes.
🌆 The train route covers a distance of approximately 1,223 miles, providing passengers with an opportunity to relax and enjoy the picturesque views along the way. The ticket prices for this train ride may range from $50 to $350, offering options for various budgets.
🛤️ Overall, the train ride from Chicago to Austin presents a convenient and comfortable travel option with a duration of 1 day and 5 hours. Whether you choose the route via Los Angeles or San Antonio Amtrak Station, Amtrak ensures a pleasant journey for passengers looking to explore the route between these vibrant cities.
Departure Point
Chicago Union Station
Arrival Point
Austin station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On this route, Amtrak operates the Texas Eagle service, which provides a café car offering a selection of food and beverages, including breakfast items, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Be sure to check the menu when you board for seasonal specials and dietary options.
• The Texas Eagle offers a range of seating options, including Coach Class, Business Class, and First Class. Coach Class seats are comfortable with ample legroom, while Business Class features upgraded seating and complimentary snacks. First Class provides wider, plush seats with additional amenities such as access to exclusive lounges at certain stations.
• For your journey, the main operator is Amtrak (amtrak.com). However, check for bus services that might complement your trip. Use Go Austin's website (goAustin.org) for local transport schedules and options. Plan to arrive at the Austin Amtrak Station (amtrak.com) for specific station amenities and maps. Note that while there are no luggage storage facilities, you will find restrooms available upon arrival.
🛫 Flying from Chicago Midway Airport to Austin Airport with Southwest Airlines offers a quick and convenient travel option, with a direct flight taking just 2 hours and 40 minutes.
✈️ The total duration of the journey from Chicago to Austin by plane is approximately 4 hours and 52 minutes, providing ample time to relax and enjoy the in-flight services.
🛬 Prices for flights between Austin and Chicago can range from $98 to $427, offering flexibility for travelers with different budget preferences.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
Austin Airport
🚌 Traveling from Chicago to Austin by bus takes approximately 22 hours and 51 minutes. Prices for this journey can range from $227 to $574.
🚌 Route 1 consists of a 1,212-mile trip with 2 transfers. The first leg involves a bus to Memphis, then another to Dallas, and finally one to Monterrey on Greyhound buses.
🚌 Route 2 covers a 1,202-mile distance with transfers in Memphis and Dallas, followed by a FlixBus to San Antonio, eventually arriving in Austin Downtown.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to pack snacks and entertainment, as the journey can take up to 23 hours with multiple transfers between Greyhound and FlixBus, and limited availability of food options at bus stations.
• When transferring in Dallas, be aware that the station can be busy; familiarize yourself with the layout ahead of time using the Dallas Greyhound station map available at greyhound.com to minimize confusion.
• Upon arrival at the Austin bus station, expect a vibrant atmosphere; use the local public transport options, such as the Capital Metro buses, to explore the city easily; you can find route information and schedules at capmetro.org
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chicago to Austin.
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The distance between Chicago and Austin is approximately 1585.2 km by air and 1812.6 km by road. The typical travel time by plane is around 4 hours and 46 minutes, while the train takes approximately 28 hours and 37 minutes. If traveling by car, it usually takes around 18 hours and 36 minutes, while the bus journey can take around 24 hours and 20 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chicago to Austin would be by train, with tickets ranging from $50 to $350. Although it is a longer journey, taking approximately 28 hours and 37 minutes, it is a more affordable choice. If time is a priority and budget permits, flying would be the fastest option, taking only 4 hours and 46 minutes but costing between $90 and $380.
The prices of train tickets from Chicago to Austin can range from $50 to $350, depending on the class and availability. On the other hand, bus tickets from Austin to Chicago can range from $212 to $556, depending on the operator and the type of service.
To travel from Chicago to Austin without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 1812.1 km. This typically takes around 18 hours and 36 minutes of driving time. The cost of a road trip from Chicago to Austin by car usually ranges from $200 to $300, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Chicago to Austin without a car is by bus. It takes approximately 24 hours and 20 minutes and the cost ranges from $210 to $600. Another option is to fly, which is much quicker, taking about 4 hours and 46 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $90 to $380. If you prefer train travel, it is also an option, taking approximately 28 hours and 37 minutes, at a cost of $50 to $350.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Chicago and Austin. The train journey takes approximately 28 hours and 37 minutes, with services departing once daily. Additionally, there are no direct buses from Chicago to Austin, but there are transfer options available that take approximately 24 hours and 20 minutes.
The flight between Chicago and Austin typically takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes. However, the flight duration may vary depending on factors such as the airline, route, and weather conditions. In terms of cost, prices for flights between Austin and Chicago range from $92 to $377, with the price varying according to factors such as the time of booking, availability, and class of service.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Austin. With over 1,079 hotels to choose from, you can find a wide range of prices starting as low as $40.