Las Vegas to Carbondale bus

People say that Las Vegas is a Disneyland for adults and they have a point – with more than 50 casinos and dozens of nightclubs in the Strip area alone, Vegas is the place where you can let loose and have some good old fun.

Why travel the globe when you can see some of the most iconic landmarks in the world right there next to each other on the Las Vegas Strip? Just by walking down the street, you can visit the Eiffel Tower (at the Paris Hotel), check out the Statue of Liberty (at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino), or go for a gondola ride down the canals of Venice (at the Venetian Resort).

Yes, the many gambling opportunities attract millions of visitors to Sin City every year, but it’s the unique shows and concert residencies that have made Las Vegas one of the key entertainment destinations in the world. While you can certainly relax by the pool during the day, Vegas is definitely not a vacation destination if you’re looking for peace and quiet. When you’re in Las Vegas, you better be ready to hit the town, and if you’re lucky – the jackpot!

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.