Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Carbondale
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Bus from Chicago to Carbondale: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Chicago to Carbondale. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Carbondale usually takes around 24 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 15 hours and 20 minutes.
Distance | 299 mi (481 km) |
Shortest duration | 15h 20m |
Cheapest price | €79.03 |
Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
Bus lines | 1 |

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 is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
FlixBus US | 1 | 1d 0h 32m | €108.01 |
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 1 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 24 hours and 32 minutes to cover the 299 miles from Chicago to Carbondale. However, the fastest bus only takes 15 hours and 20 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.
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Carbondale, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
There is usually only one bus per day from Chicago to Carbondale. It leaves the station in Chicago at 1:00pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
There is usually only one bus per day from Chicago to Carbondale. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Carbondale; ticket prices start at €27.79.
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
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Carbondale to Chicago?
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- Chicago to Carbondale