- Must visit
Columbia Museum of Art
State art museum with American, European, and contemporary works plus rotating exhibitions in a spacious downtown building.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$62
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$62
Fastest journey on Sep 19
7 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
7 h 30 m
Buses on Sep 19
1
Distance
304 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carbondale, IL to Columbia, MO 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 Columbia, MO will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 buses from Carbondale, IL to Columbia, MO, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 304 km distance in an average of 7 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 30 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 7 h 30 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.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Carbondale, IL to Columbia, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $38 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 5h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, while a bus costs an average of $38.
Distance: 188 miles (304 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$38 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $38 compared to roughly $45 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $7. The journey takes 5h 0m versus 3h 45m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
The table below shows live departures for Carbondale, IL to Columbia, MO buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:00 PM Carbondale, IL | 7h30 | 8:30 PM Columbia, MO | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Columbia, MO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $34 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:30, the last at 20:35. The fastest bus covers the 188 miles (304 km) distance in 4h 45m.
Distance 188 miles (304 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 45m |
First bus 3:30 AM |
Last bus 8:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Columbia, MO — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Columbia, MO trip today.
State art museum with American, European, and contemporary works plus rotating exhibitions in a spacious downtown building.
Interactive state museum covering art, history, science, and technology, with broad exhibits suitable for families and curious adults.
Historic house museum presenting 19th-century urban life, decorative arts, and preservation work in downtown Columbia.
Lively downtown entertainment district with restored warehouses, public art, shops, and an easy walkable atmosphere near major attractions.
Riverfront greenway with boardwalks, bridges, canal views, and shaded trails. Popular for walking, biking, and scenic city escapes.
Compact downtown district with galleries, restored homes, and tree-lined streets. Good for strolling and seeing Columbia’s historic character.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carbondale, IL to Columbia, MO 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 Columbia, MO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carbondale, IL to Columbia, MO buses use the Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station to Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) station pair, with some services arriving at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Carbondale, IL and Columbia, MO bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station. ATMs are available at Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station.
Ticket office support is available at Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station.
Available at Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station: Wheelchair accessible entry and services provided.
Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) is 8 km from Columbia city centre. Public transport options include:
Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food options available within the plaza.
Wi-Fi available inside the truck plaza building. ATMs are aTM machines are available inside the truck plaza.
Ticket office support is available at Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza).
Available at Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza): Wheelchair accessible facilities available.
Columbia, Wabash Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station. ATMs are available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station.
Available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station: Station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need