Cheap bus tickets from Carbondale to Chicago
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Carbondale to Chicago Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Carbondale to Chicago?
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Carbondale to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$70.81 | Avg. Price$78.32 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips6 |
Duration | Duration10h 12m | Duration9h 1m |
Bus from Carbondale to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Carbondale to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Carbondale to Chicago usually takes around 9 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Thruway bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 299 mi (481 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $49.98 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Carbondale to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Carbondale to Chicago cost $57.48 on average. Tickets cheaper than $57.48 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 25 days in advance to save $54.13 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Carbondale to Chicago?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Carbondale to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 5h 30m | $106.00 |
| FlixBus US | 2 | 10h 23m | $87.53 |
Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Carbondale to Chicago start at $106. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 2 trips per day from Carbondale to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Carbondale to Chicago
The bus takes an average of 9 hours and 37 minutes to cover the 299 miles from Carbondale to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours and 30 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.
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Chicago. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00am. To see the times for all buses from Carbondale to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Carbondale to Chicago. Both of these are direct buses, meaning that you do not have to worry about transferring buses at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Carbondale to Chicago; ticket prices start at $27.00.
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.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Union Station
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Need a return trip from Chicago to Carbondale?
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