- Must visit
Tampa Museum of Art
Major art museum on the Riverwalk with Greek and Roman antiquities, modern art, and a strong photography collection.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carbondale, IL to Tampa, FL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $243 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 21h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $243, while a train costs an average of $436.
Distance: 781 miles (1257 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$243 Average price Cheapest | $436 Average price | $185 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 20m Average total duration Fastest 20h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 47h 1m Average total duration 46h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Carbondale, IL to Tampa, FL:
A flight is $101 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Carbondale, IL to Tampa, FL costing on average $243.
A flight is $294 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carbondale, IL to Tampa, FL costing on average $436.
Other travel options to Tampa, FL take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 50m.
Train takes on average 46h 31m.
Tickets start at around $243 compared to roughly $185 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-58.17. The journey takes 20h 50m versus 13h 11m 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 Flixbus USA | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $183 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 34h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $280 |
Compare train and 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 Tampa, FL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 20h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $202 but you can travel from only $142 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 10:25, the last at 10:25. The fastest bus covers the 781 miles (1257 km) distance in 18h 55m.
Distance 781 miles (1257 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $202 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 18h 55m |
First bus 10:25 AM |
Last bus 10:25 AM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Tampa, FL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tampa, FL trip today.
Major art museum on the Riverwalk with Greek and Roman antiquities, modern art, and a strong photography collection.
Engaging family-friendly museum exploring Tampa Bay history through exhibits on pirates, cigars, industry, and local communities.
Fascinating history museum inside the former Tampa Bay Hotel, showcasing Gilded Age rooms, décor, and Florida tourism heritage.
Scenic waterfront promenade linking parks, museums, and downtown landmarks; ideal for walking, biking, and skyline views.
Tampa's most historic district, known for brick streets, cigar heritage, nightlife, and a distinctive Cuban and immigrant legacy.
Popular bayside path and green space on Davis Islands with sweeping water views, downtown panoramas, and sunset appeal.
A Cuban sandwich layered with roast pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread. Tampa's version is a defining local classic.
Deviled crab is a Tampa staple: seasoned blue crab mixed with Cuban bread crumbs, shaped into a shell-like croquette, then breaded and fried.
A chilled espresso drink sweetened and shaken until frothy. Popular in Tampa's Cuban communities, it is a local coffee ritual and social pick-me-up.
Beloved Tampa institution known for deviled crab, Cuban sandwiches, and casual old-Tampa counter service.
Upscale modern Spanish restaurant in historic Ybor, known for refined tapas, cocktails, and a polished dining room.
Historic Ybor City restaurant famed for the original Tampa Cuban sandwich and old-school Spanish-Cuban atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. beach cities: hotels can be high in peak season, but dining and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 18-22% for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. For cafes, small change or $1 per drink is common but optional.
Official public transport app
Tampa International Airport -> Downtown Tampa, Tampa, FL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carbondale, IL to Tampa, FL 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 Tampa, FL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carbondale, IL to Tampa, FL buses use the Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station to Tampa, Marion Transit Center station pair, with some services arriving at Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant). Use this guide to compare Carbondale, IL and Tampa, FL 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.
Tampa, Marion Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Tampa, Marion Transit Center. ATMs are available at Tampa, Marion Transit Center.
Ticket office support is available at Tampa, Marion Transit Center.
Available at Tampa, Marion Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tampa, Marion Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant) is 13 km from Tampa city centre. Public transport options include:
Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant). ATMs are available at Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant).
Ticket office support is available at Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant).
Available at Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tampa, USF Holly Drive (Central Plant): Wheelchair accessible facilities.
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