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Cheap bus tickets from Carbondale to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Carbondale to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Carbondale to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Carbondale to Chicago usually takes around 11 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 8 hours and 40 minutes.
- Distance
- 299 mi (481 km)
- Shortest duration
- 8h 40m
- Cheapest price
- CZK 1,290.34
- Trips per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 1
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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 5 daily train trips available from Carbondale to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCZK 1,935.83 | Avg. PriceCZK 1,145.18Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration11h 34m | Duration9h 20mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Carbondale to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Carbondale to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Carbondale to Chicago cost CZK 1,421 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Carbondale to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Carbondale to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from CZK 1,302 to CZK 2,191. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 31, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at CZK 1,432.
Average bus ticket prices from Carbondale to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Carbondale to Chicago is usually cheapest in January, when the average ticket price is only CZK 1,671. If you're planning to take the bus from Carbondale to Chicago during April, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 2,365. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 29 days in advance. This way, you can save up to CZK 793.25 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
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. FlixBus US 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 3 | 11h 34m | CZK 1,935.89 |
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 3 trips per day from Carbondale to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only CZK 1,935.89.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Carbondale to Chicago
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 CZK 542.
Trips per day
3
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 34 minutes to cover the 299 miles from Carbondale to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 8 hours and 40 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.
Distance (mi)
299
Distance (km)
481
The first bus leaves at 1:40 AM and the last bus leaves at 7:25 AM. To see the times for all buses from Carbondale to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
1:40am
Latest bus
7:25am
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Chicago at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Thursday
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?
Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
Need a return trip from Chicago to Carbondale?
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