- Must visit
Blanton Museum of Art
University museum noted for European paintings, prints, photography and thought-provoking temporary exhibitions in a striking building.
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 £365 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £226.
On Sun 01 Nov, we found 6 trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 1573 km distance in an average of 1 d 8 h 4 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.
301 Lincoln Service · 21 Texas Eagle
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319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 21 Texas Eagle
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301 Lincoln Service · 421 Texas Eagle
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319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 421 Texas Eagle
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421 Texas Eagle
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421 Texas Eagle
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21 Texas Eagle
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319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 21 Texas Eagle
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319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 421 Texas Eagle
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301 Lincoln Service · 421 Texas Eagle
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Trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX run on average 4 times per day, taking around 28h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £94 but you can travel from only £43 by flight.
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 27h 39m.
Distance 1573 km |
Average train duration 28h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £94 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 27h 39m |
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 |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Austin, TX trains for tomorrow, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
301 Lincoln Service · 421 Texas Eagle | 7:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 35h52 | 19:07 Austin Station, Austin, TX | 1 change | |
301 Lincoln Service · 21 Texas Eagle | 7:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 35h52 | 19:07 Austin Station, Austin, TX | 1 change | |
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 21 Texas Eagle | 9:50 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 33h17 | 19:07 Austin Station, Austin, TX | 1 change | |
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 421 Texas Eagle | 9:50 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 33h17 | 19:07 Austin Station, Austin, TX | 1 change | |
21 Texas Eagle | 14:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 28h57 | 19:07 Austin Station, Austin, TX | 0 changesdirect | |
421 Texas Eagle | 14:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 28h57 | 19:07 Austin Station, Austin, TX | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Austin, TX.
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.
Check train stations information for Chicago, IL and Austin, TX, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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