The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
Cheapest price
$308
Average price
$321
Fastest journey
1 d 4 h 57 m
Average duration
1 d 8 h 42 m
Trains per day
3
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX will cost around $321 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $308.
Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Austin, TX on Sat, Apr 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Apr 04 the direct trains cover the 1573 km distance in an average of 1 d 8 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 4 h 57 m .
On Sat, Apr 04 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 Eagle7:15 AM35h52Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:07 PMAustin Station, Austin, TX$3081One-way1 transfer
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 21 Texas Eagle9:50 AM33h17Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:07 PMAustin Station, Austin, TX$3211One-way1 transfer
21 Texas Eagle2:10 PM28h57Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:07 PMAustin Station, Austin, TX$3331One-way0 transfers
21 Texas Eagle2:10 PM28h57Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:07 PMAustin Station, Austin, TX$3331One-way0 transfers
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 21 Texas Eagle9:50 AM33h17Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:07 PMAustin Station, Austin, TX$3211One-way1 transfer
301 Lincoln Service · 21 Texas Eagle7:15 AM35h52Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:07 PMAustin Station, Austin, TX$3081One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 bus with prices starting from $118. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 3m. 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 bus costs an average of $118, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 977 miles (1573 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$255 Average price | $234 Average price Cheapest | $292 Average price |
28h 58m Average total duration 28h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23h 34m Average total duration 23h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 3m Average total duration Fastest 4h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | 4.7 - 9.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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 tomorrow, Friday, April 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
301 Lincoln Service · 21 Texas Eagle | 12:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 35h52 | 12:07 AM Austin Station, Austin, TX | 1 transfer | |
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 21 Texas Eagle | 2:50 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 33h17 | 12:07 AM Austin Station, Austin, TX | 1 transfer | |
21 Texas Eagle | 7:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 28h57 | 12:07 AM Austin Station, Austin, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
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, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Apr 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Apr 09
Apr 10
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
Trains from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX run on average 4 times per day, taking around 28h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $128 (€104) but you can travel from only $87 (€71) 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 977 miles (1573 km) distance in 28h 43m.
Distance 977 miles (1573 km) |
Average train duration 28h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $128 (€104) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 28h 43m |
First train 7:15 AM |
Last train 2:10 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Austin, TX from $87 (€71). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Free for passengers
- The Driskill
- Hotel Ella
- Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station is a single-level facility with an enclosed waiting area.
- Bus: Capital Metro routes available
- Train: Served by Amtrak's Texas Eagle
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
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