- Must visit
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
State museum and library dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, with immersive exhibits, artifacts, and major Civil War-era interpretation. One of Springfield's signature cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
4 h 20 m
Average duration
4 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
234 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carbondale, IL to Springfield, 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 Springfield, IL will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 1 buses that leave Carbondale, IL for Springfield, IL on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 234 km distance in an average of 4 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 4 h 20 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 Springfield, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a train costs an average of $117.
Distance: 145 miles (234 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price Cheapest | $253 Average price | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 23m Average total duration Fastest 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 54m Average total duration 13h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Carbondale, IL to Springfield, IL:
A bus is $180 (€147) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carbondale, IL to Springfield, IL costing on average $253 (€207).
Other travel options to Springfield, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 24m.
You'll arrive about -2h -55m sooner (4h 53m by bus vs 2h 58m by car) and save roughly $-40.38 (€-33.06) compared to fuel and tolls ($74 (€60) vs $33 (€27)). 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 FlixBus, Greyhound.
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 Flixbus USA | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:19PM | Duration 4h49 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
The table below shows live departures for Carbondale, IL to Springfield, IL buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:00 AM Carbondale, IL | 4h20 | 11:20 AM Springfield, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Springfield, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:30, the last at 21:50. The fastest bus covers the 145 miles (234 km) distance in 4h 5m.
Distance 145 miles (234 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 3:30 AM |
Last bus 9:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Springfield — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Springfield trip today.
State museum and library dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, with immersive exhibits, artifacts, and major Civil War-era interpretation. One of Springfield's signature cultural attractions.
Masterpiece residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, preserved with original furnishings and Arts and Crafts detail. A major architectural highlight in Springfield.
Restored capitol building functioning as a historic museum where Lincoln served as a legislator and gave his House Divided speech.
Walkable historic neighborhood of preserved 19th-century houses surrounding Lincoln's home, ideal for exploring Springfield's heritage on foot.
Civic and historic center packed with museums, government buildings, Lincoln sites, and event spaces. Best area for first-time visitors.
Large city park known for landscaped grounds, botanical garden features, and seasonal displays. A popular local place for walks and photos.
The city’s signature Chinese-American dish: battered fried chicken topped with a savory brown gravy and roasted cashews, created in Springfield and widely imitated locally.
A regional spelling and style of chili often served over spaghetti or with crackers at old-school diners and chili parlors in the Ozarks.
Slow-smoked pork, ribs, or brisket with sweet-smoky sauce, reflecting the broader southwest Missouri barbecue tradition popular around Springfield.
A long-running local favorite for wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and beer, offering a friendly neighborhood pub feel.
An established downtown steak and seafood restaurant known for polished service, classic American dishes, and a refined atmosphere.
A popular modern burger spot known for creative burgers, boozy shakes, and a lively casual setting in central Springfield.
Typical U.S. city pricing. Chain dining is affordable, while hotels and upscale restaurants can raise daily costs.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for excellent service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carbondale, IL to Springfield, 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 Springfield, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carbondale, IL to Springfield, IL buses use the Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station to Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center) station pair. Use this guide to compare Carbondale, IL and Springfield, IL 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