Cheap bus tickets from Carbondale to Columbia
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Bus from Carbondale to Columbia: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Carbondale to Columbia. Traveling by bus from Carbondale to Columbia usually takes around 7 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 189 mi (304 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $32.47 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
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Carbondale to Columbia Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Carbondale to Columbia:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Carbondale to Columbia?
Bus tickets for a trip from Carbondale to Columbia cost $35.38 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. 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 Columbia by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Carbondale to Columbia in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $34 to $41. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 30, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Columbia this week, bus tickets are available starting at $34.
Average bus ticket prices from Carbondale to Columbia by month
Taking the bus from Carbondale to Columbia is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $30. If you're planning to take the bus from Carbondale to Columbia during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $72. 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 9 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $16.48 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Carbondale to Columbia?
There are multiple buses that travel from Carbondale to Columbia, including FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 7h 20m | $44.56 |
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 Columbia, and the average ticket for this route costs only $44.56.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Carbondale to Columbia
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Carbondale to Columbia. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 7 hours and 20 minutes to cover the 189 miles from Carbondale to Columbia. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 5 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)
189
DISTANCE (KM)
304
The first bus leaves at 7:25am and the last bus leaves at 7:25am. To see the times for all buses from Carbondale to Columbia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
7:25am
LATEST BUS
7:25am
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Columbia 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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.
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 Columbia?
Main arrival station: Wabash Station - E Ash St and N 10th St
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Columbia.
All bus stations in Columbia:
- Wabash Station - E Ash St and N 10th St
- Midway Truck Plaza
Need a return trip from Columbia to Carbondale?
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