Austin, Texas to Chicago: Road Trip Guide & Distance

979.5 miles 1576.4 km · straight line
1161.2 miles actual route 1868.7 km · driving distance
20h 30min estimated drive time
$112 - $138 estimated fuel cost
~2h 28min flight time
32° NNE bearing direction

How far is Austin, Texas from Chicago?

The distance from Austin, Texas to Chicago is 979.5 miles (1576.4 km) as the crow flies. Chicago is located NNE of Austin, Texas. By car, the driving distance is approximately 1161.2 miles, taking about 20h 30min. A direct flight would take roughly 2h 28min. Both are located in United States — Austin, Texas in Texas and Chicago in Illinois.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility. For a trip of this distance, flying is significantly faster. However, driving offers the flexibility to explore stops along the way.

Coordinates come from public place data for Austin, Texas and Chicago. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Austin, Texas to Chicago

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 20h 30min $112 - $138 Flexible stops
Fly ~2h 28min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~24h 36min $93–$174* Budget
Train ~26h 39min $139–$406* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Austin, Texas & Chicago

Quick Facts

Austin, Texas
30.27°N, 97.74°W
America/Chicago
149m elevation
Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Explore more routes from Chicago

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 327 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 82 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 25.4 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM