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Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Carbondale to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Carbondale to Chicago usually takes around 16 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 12 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 299 mi (481 km) |
| Shortest duration | 12h 25m |
| Cheapest price | $104.37 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Carbondale to Chicago?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Carbondale to Chicago. Greyhound connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 3 | 16h 37m | $121.94 |
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 3 bus trips from Carbondale to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 16 hours and 37 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $104.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 16 hours and 37 minutes to cover the 481 kilometers from Carbondale to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 12 hours and 25 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
The first bus leaves at 4:00am and the last bus leaves at 4:00am. To see the times for all buses from Carbondale to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Carbondale to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Carbondale to Chicago; ticket prices start at $35.89.
City Information
Carbondale
Carbondale, one the best vacation destinations in Illinois, is best known for its proximity to Shawnee National Forest and the Garden of the Gods: one of the most Instagrammed sites in the state. This quiet paradise is filled with lush trees bordering miles of hiking trails and scenic drives. The enormous sandstone bluffs in Giant City State Park attract rock climbers and rappellers looking for their next adventure. Boo Rochman Memorial Park offers a unique, family-friendly experience– a park filled with wooden sculptures of dragons, unicorns, wizards, and more. The park’s centerpiece, a massive wood and stone castle, features an elaborate jungle gym with stairs, tunnels, and an ogre or two.
Threaded by Main Street, downtown Carbondale is known for its Historic Town Square and charming, old-school architecture. The whole area is easily walkable, so you can peruse local shops for bike gear, art, vintage clothes, musical instruments, and everything in between. The SIU University Museum is a must-see, with no entry fee and a variety of exhibitions about the history and culture of the region. While in the area, explore Campus Lake and Pulliam Hall clocktower, or catch a football game at Saluki Stadium.
Bus services connect Seattle, Chicago, and Phoenix to Carbondale. Amtrak has multiple lines from the city to Memphis, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The nearest airport is Marion Williamson County Regional.
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Carbondale?
Main departure station: 401 S Illinois Ave
Most buses depart from the main station in Carbondale.
All bus stations in Carbondale:
401 S Illinois Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
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Need a return trip from Chicago to Carbondale?
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