- Must visit
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Major presidential museum with immersive exhibits on Lincoln's life, politics, family, and the Civil War era.
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 $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 1 buses from Carbondale, IL to Springfield, IL, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 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 Tue, Nov 03 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.

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Buses from Carbondale, IL to Springfield, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 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 3h 40m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Carbondale, IL to Springfield, IL.
| 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 $30 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:19PM | Duration 4h49 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
The table below shows live departures for Carbondale, IL to Springfield, IL buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:40 PM Carbondale, IL | 4h05 | 4:45 PM Springfield, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
![]() | 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
Buses from Carbondale, IL to Springfield, IL with FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Springfield, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Springfield, IL trip today.
Major presidential museum with immersive exhibits on Lincoln's life, politics, family, and the Civil War era.
Compact museum displaying rare books, manuscripts, and changing exhibits tied to Illinois history and Lincoln studies.
Museum on the Illinois State Fairgrounds with vintage vehicles, route memorabilia, and local transportation history.
Historic district around Lincoln's home with restored streetscapes, visitor center, and an easy self-guided walk.
Lively downtown corridor of murals, shops, event spaces, and preserved architecture near key Lincoln sites.
Large lakefront park with trails, botanical areas, picnic spots, and broad views over Lake Springfield.
Springfield-style cashew chicken is deep-fried chicken with brown gravy and cashews, created in Springfield and now a defining local comfort food.
A local Chinese American specialty of fried rice topped with rich brown gravy, commonly served with cashew chicken in Springfield restaurants.
Springfield chili is a Greek-style meat chili, often served over spaghetti or hot dogs, reflecting the city’s classic chili parlor tradition.
Refined contemporary restaurant known for seasonal American cooking, craft cocktails, and a polished but relaxed downtown atmosphere.
Historic casual spot famous for Springfield-style cashew chicken and other local Chinese American favorites in a simple setting.
Long-running local institution serving thin burgers, chili, and diner classics with a busy, nostalgic counter-service atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. travel. Hotels and dining are usually lower than major coastal cities, while car costs can add up because transit is limited.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts; small tips are optional.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Springfield, IL.
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.
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.
Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center). ATMs are available at Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center).
Ticket office support is available at Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center).
Available at Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center): The bus station is wheelchair accessible.
Check bus stations information for Carbondale, IL and Springfield, IL, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.