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Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Rockford to Carbondale. Traveling by bus from Rockford to Carbondale usually takes around 18 hours and 45 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 314 mi (505 km) |
| Shortest duration | 18h 45m |
| Cheapest price | $51.00 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Rockford to Carbondale?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Rockford to Carbondale. Greyhound 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 1 | 18h 45m | $51.00 |
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 1 bus trips from Rockford to Carbondale every day, with the average journey taking around 18 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Carbondale usually start from $51.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 18 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 314 miles from Rockford to Carbondale. 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.
There is usually only one bus per day from Rockford to Carbondale. It leaves the station in Rockford at 8:00am 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 Rockford 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 Rockford to Carbondale; ticket prices start at $62.00.
City Information
Rockford
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.
Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.
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 Rockford?
Main departure station: E Side Tranfer Ctr
The East Side Transfer Center (commonly shortened to just "E Side") is a bus station in Rockford. While some refer to it as just a Greyhound station, the center also services Van Galder Bus and Burlington Trailways. Together, the three carriers provide service across the Midwest, including Chicago. Within the transfer center, you can find a waiting room, vending machines, and restrooms. There are also benches outside if you'd prefer to get some fresh air while waiting. If you have time to kill, there's also a Subway and Cracker Barrel for a more substantial meal. For overnight connections, there are a number of convenient hotels just across I90.
All bus stations in Rockford:
E Side Tranfer Ctr
Where does the bus arrive in Carbondale?
Main arrival station: 401 S Illinois Ave
All buses from Rockford arrive at one main station in Carbondale.
All bus stations in Carbondale:
401 S Illinois Ave
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