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Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Carbondale

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Chicago to Carbondale Bus Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Carbondale?

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Chicago to Carbondale.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
CZK 1,264.66
Avg. Price
CZK 1,374.74
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
3
Daily Trips
7
Duration
Duration
9h 15m
Duration
9h 49m

Bus from Chicago to Carbondale: Journey Information

There are 3 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Carbondale. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Carbondale usually takes around 9 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 8 hours and 35 minutes.

Distance299 mi (481 km)
Shortest duration8h 35m
Cheapest priceCZK 885.07
Trips per day3
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

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What bus companies travel from Chicago to Carbondale?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Carbondale. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US39h 16mCZK 1,527.20
  • 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 Chicago to Carbondale, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Carbondale

The bus takes an average of 9 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 299 miles from Chicago to Carbondale. However, the fastest bus only takes 8 hours and 35 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.

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Carbondale for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Carbondale, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Carbondale every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Chicago to Carbondale without transferring.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Carbondale; ticket prices start at CZK 569.38.

City Information

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.

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 Chicago?

Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Chicago has two bus stations with service to Carbondale.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Where does the bus arrive in Carbondale?

Main arrival station: 401 S Illinois Ave

All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Carbondale.

All bus stations in Carbondale:

  • 401 S Illinois Ave

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