Cheap flights from Chicago (CHI) to Austin (AUS)

It takes 25 minutes from downtown Chicago to O’Hare International (ORD) via (I-90W). O’Hare airport is 17 miles northwest of the city. The Chicago Transit Authority offers rides through the "L" Train to O’Hare, and neighboring Midway Airport, saving you cash in parking fees and taxi fares.

ORD provides regular flights to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS). Typical flight times are two-and-a-half hours. It is located 17 minutes away from downtown, via W 7th Street, and serves the Greater Austin area. Taxis and public buses are available outside baggage claim. The MetroAirbus direct routes from downtown Austin to AUS airport.

Attractions

Take a guided or self-guided tour of the Texas State Capitol building that was built in 1888. Visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens on Barton Springs road, and enjoy their luxurious gardens stretched over 31 acres of land. Austin offers visitors the chance to tour their city aboard a Segway, on the hour-long Austin Sight-Seeing Segway Tour. Grab a book at the famed City Lights and Strand Bookstores, or give your kids a special treat at Dinosaur Park, near Austin Airport where dinosaur replicas are lined up on the trail.

Hints and tips

Although cabs are widely available around airports, eateries and major hotels; you should call ahead and reserve one if you want to move around by taxi. Hotels in Austin tend to be around downtown, and vary in prices and amenities.