- Must visit
The National WWII Museum
World-class museum covering the American experience in World War II with immersive exhibits, artifacts, and restored aircraft. One of the city's most important cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$335
Average price
$335
Fastest journey
1 d 9 h 15 m
Average duration
1 d 9 h 15 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
868 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carbondale, IL to New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA will cost around $335 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $335.
Of the 1 buses that leave Carbondale, IL for New Orleans, LA on Thu, Jul 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct buses cover the 868 km distance in an average of 1 d 9 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 9 h 15 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest buses will take 1 d 9 h 15 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 train as it is the most popular option from Carbondale, IL to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $159. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $159, and a flight costs an average of $343.
Distance: 539 miles (868 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$247 Average price Cheapest | $278 Average price | $428 Average price | $122 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
31h 3m Average total duration 30h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 23m Average total duration 13h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 52m Average total duration Fastest 5h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Carbondale, IL to New Orleans, LA:
A bus is $31 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carbondale, IL to New Orleans, LA costing on average $278 (€229).
A bus is $181 (€149) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Carbondale, IL to New Orleans, LA costing on average $428 (€353).
Other travel options to New Orleans, LA take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 53m.
Bus takes on average 30h 33m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 27h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 33h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $335 |
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 New Orleans, LA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 30h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $159 (€131) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 539 miles (868 km) distance in 27h 50m.
Distance 539 miles (868 km) |
Average bus duration 30h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $159 (€131) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 27h 50m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of New Orleans — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Orleans trip today.
World-class museum covering the American experience in World War II with immersive exhibits, artifacts, and restored aircraft. One of the city's most important cultural attractions.
The city's major fine arts museum in City Park, known for European, American, African, and contemporary works, plus access to the surrounding sculpture garden.
Leading museum dedicated to Southern art, featuring painting, photography, and contemporary works that explore the culture and history of the American South.
The city's best-known historic neighborhood, filled with balconies, live music, courtyards, and classic New Orleans street life. Essential for first-time visitors.
World-famous entertainment street known for nightlife, music, neon, and nonstop crowds. A major draw even for travelers who only visit briefly.
Popular music corridor in Faubourg Marigny known for live jazz clubs, night energy, and a strong local following. Frequently highlighted on social media.
A Rich Louisiana Stew Made With A Dark Roux, Aromatics, And Often Seafood Or Sausage. It Is One Of The City’s Signature Creole And Cajun Dishes.
A Spiced Rice Dish Cooked With Meat Or Seafood, Vegetables, And Stock. It Is A Staple Of New Orleans Cooking And Reflects Spanish And French Influences.
A Classic Louisiana Dish Of Crawfish Smothered In A Thick, Seasoned Sauce And Served Over Rice. It Is Especially Loved During Crawfish Season.
A Celebrated Garden District Restaurant Known For Refined Creole Cuisine, Elegant Service, And A Historic Dining Room.
A Long-Running Neighborhood Favorite Known For Traditional Po’ Boys, Especially Fried Seafood Versions, In A Relaxed Old-School Setting.
An Iconic Treme Restaurant Famous For Creole Soul Food, Gumbo, Fried Chicken, And Its Important Place In Local History.
Moderate by U.S. city standards. Food and drinks can add up in tourist areas, while casual meals stay fairly affordable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff.
Official public transport app
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans -> Canal Street, New Orleans
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carbondale, IL to New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carbondale, IL to New Orleans, LA buses use the Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station to New Orleans, LA station pair, with some services arriving at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr). Use this guide to compare Carbondale, IL and New Orleans, LA 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