Bedroom
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£94
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£196
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
1 d 4 h 57 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
1 d 8 h 45 m
Trains on 17 Sept
4
Distance
1573 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX will cost around £196 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £94.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 4 trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 1573 km distance in an average of 1 d 8 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 4 h 57 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 d 11 h 52 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £125 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £125, while a train costs an average of £163.
Distance: 1573 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£163 Average Price | £125 Average Price Cheapest | £162 Average Price | £177 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
29h 5m Average total duration 28h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23h 43m Average total duration 23h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 2m Average total duration Fastest 4h 2m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 16h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | 4.7 - 9.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX:
A coach is £38 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX costing on average £162.
A coach is £38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX costing on average £163.
Other travel options to Austin, TX take longer:
Coach takes on average 23h 13m.
Train takes on average 28h 35m.
Tickets start at around £163 compared to roughly £177 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £14. The journey takes 28h 35m versus 16h 52m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Austin, TX trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:15 Chicago, IL | 35h52 | 0:07 Austin, TX | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 13:15 Chicago, IL | 35h52 | 1:07 Austin, TX | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 19:10 Chicago, IL | 30h17 | 1:27 Austin, TX | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 20:10 Chicago, IL | 28h57 | 1:07 Austin, TX | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX run on average 4 times per day, taking around 28h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £96 but you can travel from only £81 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 14:10. The fastest train covers the 1573 km distance in 28h 57m.
Distance 1573 km |
Average train duration 28h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £96 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 28h 57m |
First train 7:15 |
Last train 14:10 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Compare Amtrak classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Austin, TX — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Austin, TX trip today.
University museum noted for European paintings, prints, photography and thought-provoking temporary exhibitions in a striking building.
Leading art museum with American, Latin American and contemporary works, plus sculpture gardens and strong rotating exhibitions.
Compact museum celebrating Mexican American and Latinx visual culture through changing exhibitions and community-centred programmes.
Central green space with trails, skyline views and access to the lake. Ideal for picnics, festivals and a classic Austin stroll.
Long urban trail around Lady Bird Lake with water views, bridges and easy access to downtown’s best walking and running routes.
Beloved spring-fed pool in a park setting, famous for cool water and relaxed local atmosphere on hot Austin days.
Central Texas-style smoked brisket with a peppery bark, cooked low and slow over oak. It is Austin’s defining barbecue and a local ritual.
Beef fajitas served on a sizzling platter with tortillas and grilled onions. Strong Tex-Mex roots make it a classic Austin group meal.
Breakfast tacos filled with egg, potato, bacon, chorizo or beans in a soft tortilla. A daily Austin staple shaped by Tex-Mex culture.
Refined restaurant serving seasonal Texas ingredients in polished tasting and à la carte formats. Elegant but approachable dining room.
Casual local favourite for breakfast tacos and migas. Relaxed setting with reliable Tex-Mex breakfast and lunch plates.
Lively Tex-Mex institution known for fajitas, queso and margaritas. Bustling, colourful and consistently popular with locals and visitors.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey in peak periods, while casual food is reasonable; public transport is limited, so visitors often spend more on taxis or car hire.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafés if table service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Austin, TX, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Austin, TX trains use the Union Station to Austin Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Austin, TX train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Austin Station is 1 km from Austin city centre. Public transport options include:
Austin Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Austin Station.
Ticket office support is available at Austin Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Austin Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Austin Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Austin Station.
Nearby hotels include The Driskill, Hotel Ella, Hyatt House Austin/Downtown.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need