- Must visit
The National WWII Museum
A world-class museum with immersive exhibits, restored aircraft, and personal histories covering the American experience in World War II.
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 $162. 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 $162, and a flight costs an average of $349.
Distance: 539 miles (868 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$251 Average price Cheapest | $283 Average price | $436 Average price | $124 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 $32 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carbondale, IL to New Orleans, LA costing on average $283 (€229).
A bus is $184 (€149) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Carbondale, IL to New Orleans, LA costing on average $436 (€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 $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 33h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $341 |
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 $162 (€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 $162 (€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.
A world-class museum with immersive exhibits, restored aircraft, and personal histories covering the American experience in World War II.
The city’s major fine arts museum in City Park, known for its broad collection and adjacent sculpture garden.
Leading museum dedicated to Southern art, featuring painting, photography, and contemporary regional works.
The city’s signature historic district, famous for Creole architecture, lively streets, and a dense concentration of major sights.
The best-known street in New Orleans, famous for nightlife, balconies, and nonstop energy in the heart of the French Quarter.
A highly popular corridor for live music and local atmosphere, especially appealing to visitors seeking a less touristy evening scene.
A rich Louisiana stew made with a dark roux, vegetables, and usually seafood or sausage over rice. It is one of the city’s signature Creole and Cajun dishes.
A one-pot rice dish cooked with spices, vegetables, and often sausage, chicken, or seafood. It is a classic New Orleans comfort food with deep regional roots.
A traditional sandwich on local French bread, commonly filled with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef. It is an iconic everyday New Orleans meal.
A landmark Garden District restaurant known for refined Creole cuisine, elegant dining rooms, and polished service. Famous for turtle soup and jazz brunch.
A historic Treme institution celebrated for classic Creole cooking and cultural significance. Known for gumbo, fried chicken, and red beans.
A popular Warehouse District restaurant specializing in Cajun-inspired Southern food in a lively rustic space. Known for boudin, gumbo, and pork dishes.
Moderate for U.S. travel. Food and drinks range widely, while hotels get pricey during festivals and weekends.
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
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 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.

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