Chicago, IL to Austin, TX train with Amtrak

Fri 05 Dec
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX

Showing times and prices for 06 Dec

Cheapest price

£198

Average price

£250

Fastest journey

1 d 4 h 43 m

Average duration

1 d 8 h 16 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

1573 km

Cheap tickets

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 £250 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £198.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Austin, TX every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 1573 km distance in an average of 1 d 8 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 4 h 43 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 d 11 h 20 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.

Amtrak
12:1535h20
Chicago, IL
23:35Austin, TX
£1981One-way
0 changes
Amtrak
14:5032h45
Chicago, IL
23:35Austin, TX
£2571One-way
0 changes
Amtrak
18:5228h43
Chicago, IL
23:35Austin, TX
£2931One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Chicago, IL to Austin, TX

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 prices starting from £89. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £89, and a flight costs an average of £74.

Distance: 1573 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£189

Average Price

£140

Average Price

Cheapest

£207

Average Price

28h 59m

Average total duration

28h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

25h 15m

Average total duration

24h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 58m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 58m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.5 - 1.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.6 - 3.9kg

CO2 emissions

4.7 - 9.4kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Austin, TX train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Austin, TX trains for today, Friday 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 06:35
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak12:15 Chicago, IL
35h20
23:35 Austin, TX0 changesdirect
amtrak14:50 Chicago, IL
32h45
23:35 Austin, TX0 changesdirect
amtrak18:52 Chicago, IL
28h43
23:35 Austin, TX0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Austin, TX by train, coach or flight

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.

Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX run on average 4 times per day, taking around 28h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £114 but you can travel from only £74 by flight.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 13:52. The fastest train covers the 1573 km distance in 28h 43m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £74
Distance
1573 km
Average train duration
28h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
£114
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
28h 43m
First train
07:15
Last train
13:52
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £74

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Austin, TX from £74. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
28h 43m
Cheapest Price
£117
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Chicago, IL to Austin, TX train

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.

FAQs
To fully experience Austin, TX, a stay of 3 to 4 days is recommended, allowing time to explore the city's vibrant music scene, historical landmarks, and local cuisine.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX is not feasible as the journey takes 28h 43m. However, there are 4 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 1573 km.
Explore Austin, TX, by delving into its vibrant music scene on Sixth Street, enjoying live performances in various venues. Take a stroll along the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail, offering picturesque city views. Visit the Blanton Museum of Art for an extensive collection of European, American, and Latin American art. Experience a show at the historic Paramount Theatre, known for hosting concerts and cultural events. Savour diverse cuisines at the Austin Food Truck Park. Don't miss iconic sights like the Texas State Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and The Bullock Texas State History Museum.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, passing through the picturesque Mississippi River region and the rolling hills of the Midwest, making parts of the trip scenic.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX is by flight, costing approximately £74.
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £114, while the average price tends to be around £189.
Booking trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train distance from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX is 1573 km.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX covers a distance of 1573 km and takes approximately 28h 43m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Austin, TX is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, and it arrives at Austin Station, Austin, TX.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX leaves at 7:15.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX departs at 13:52.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago, IL and Austin, TX. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX.
There is no night train service from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX.
To get from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX

Chicago
Austin
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Austin.
Union StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transport options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX

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Most popular train connections to Austin, TX

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