- Must visit
Newfields
Major campus combining the Indianapolis Museum of Art, gardens, and seasonal installations. Strong all-around choice for art, design, and outdoor strolling.
Cheapest price
$90
Average price
$90
Fastest journey
12 h 20 m
Average duration
12 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
349 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carbondale, IL to Indianapolis, IN is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carbondale, IL to Indianapolis, IN will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $90.
It's difficult to get from Carbondale, IL to Indianapolis, IN without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Carbondale, IL to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $73. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $73, and a train costs an average of $140.
Distance: 216 miles (349 km)
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
$99 Average price Cheapest | $140 Average price |
6h 57m Average total duration 6h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 24m Average total duration Fastest 4h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Carbondale, IL to Indianapolis, IN:
A bus is $40 (€33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carbondale, IL to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $140 (€114).
Other travel options to Indianapolis, IN take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 27m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 18h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 11h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $102 |
The table below shows live departures for Carbondale, IL to Indianapolis, IN buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:00 AM Carbondale, IL | 12h20 | 7:20 PM Indianapolis, IN | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Carbondale, IL to Indianapolis, IN run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $73 (€60) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 20:10. The fastest bus covers the 216 miles (349 km) distance in 11h 20m.
Distance 216 miles (349 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $73 (€60) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 11h 20m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 8:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Indianapolis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Indianapolis trip today.
Major campus combining the Indianapolis Museum of Art, gardens, and seasonal installations. Strong all-around choice for art, design, and outdoor strolling.
One of the world’s largest children’s museums, known for immersive science, history, and culture exhibits that also appeal to many adults.
Respected museum focused on Native American and Western art, with strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions.
Iconic downtown circle and gathering place centered on the city’s best-known monument. A top orientation point and classic Indianapolis photo stop.
Popular pedestrian route along the downtown canal, lined with museums, public art, paddle boats, and skyline views.
Large urban park complex connecting major attractions, trails, green spaces, and event venues near downtown.
Indiana’s signature sandwich: a breaded and fried pork cutlet served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread. It is a classic Central Indiana comfort food.
A St. Elmo Steak House staple in Indianapolis, known for jumbo shrimp served with an intensely spicy horseradish cocktail sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous signature dishes.
Often called Indiana’s state pie, this simple custard-style pie is made with cream, sugar, and nutmeg. It is a beloved Hoosier dessert with deep local roots.
Historic downtown steakhouse famous for shrimp cocktail, steaks, and classic old-school service. One of Indianapolis’s most iconic dining rooms.
Well-known modern restaurant in Fletcher Place serving seasonal American cooking with a chef-driven menu in a stylish, industrial space.
Established upscale-casual spot related to St. Elmo, known for steaks, shrimp cocktail, and polished service in a more relaxed setting.
Generally moderate for U.S. travel. Hotels vary by events; dining and transport are usually manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for cafes if desired.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carbondale, IL to Indianapolis, IN by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Indianapolis, IN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carbondale, IL to Indianapolis, IN buses use the Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station to Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building). Use this guide to compare Carbondale, IL and Indianapolis, IN bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need