The cheapest and fastest buses from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$77
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
9 h 30 m
Average duration
9 h 40 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
478 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
Of the 2 buses that leave Carbondale, IL for Chicago, IL on Fri, Nov 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct buses cover the 478 km distance in an average of 9 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 30 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest buses will take 9 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €31, and a bus costs an average of €43.
Distance: 297 miles (478 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€71 Average price | €48 Average price Cheapest |
10h 10m Average total duration 9h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration Fastest 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $80 |
Live departures
Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL buses for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 1:00 PM Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station | 9h30 | 10:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL by train or bus
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.
Nov 07
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL
Distance 297 miles (478 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€43) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 30m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 22:00 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL start from as low as $53 (€43) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $87 (€71) depending on the train type and class.
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $38 (€31). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. Rex skeleton, Sue.
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U. S. Offering free admission.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections from Carbondale, IL
More options for your journey from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL
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