- Recommended
University Museum, Southern Illinois University
University museum with rotating art, history, and science exhibitions. A practical stop for learning about the region and campus culture.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL will cost around €45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €30.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 2 buses from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 279 km distance in an average of 13 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 21 h 55 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 Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €33 but you can travel from only €12 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 19:50. The fastest bus covers the 173 miles (279 km) distance in 5h 10m.
Distance 173 miles (279 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price €33 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 7:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 70 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50AM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 21h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €30 |
The table below shows live departures for Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:05 AM Champaign, IL | 21h55 | 1:00 AM Carbondale, IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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Discover the best of Carbondale, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carbondale, IL trip today.
University museum with rotating art, history, and science exhibitions. A practical stop for learning about the region and campus culture.
Campus art museum showing contemporary and historical works in curated exhibitions. Worth visiting for accessible regional and academic art programming.
Student-focused gallery presenting changing exhibitions by local and visiting artists. A smaller venue that offers a fresh look at current creative work.
Large community park with a lake, walking paths, playgrounds, and open lawns. It is one of Carbondale’s best all-purpose outdoor spaces.
Downtown main street corridor with shops, events, murals, and easy walking access to local culture. A practical area for exploring the city center.
Wooded university nature area with short trails and wildlife viewing. It offers a calm walking break close to campus and central Carbondale.
A Southern Illinois specialty: hickory-smoked pork shoulder, chopped or sliced, prized for slow cooking and tangy regional barbecue sauces.
Traditional Midwestern catfish, usually cornmeal-coated and fried. It reflects the region's river foodways and is common at local fish houses and suppers.
A classic county-fair treat of battered and fried sweet corn kernels. Popular across Southern Illinois as a seasonal snack and side.
Popular local cafe serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch with a cozy, artsy feel and a strong following in central Carbondale.
Long-running brewpub known for house beers, pizza, burgers, and a lively downtown atmosphere popular with locals and students.
Casual Southern-style spot known for smoked meats, barbecue plates, and hearty comfort food in an easygoing setting.
Moderate for the US Midwest; hotels can rise on event weekends, but dining and local transport are usually lower than in major US tourist cities.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and tipping is optional but appreciated at cafes.
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 Carbondale, IL.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, 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 Carbondale, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL buses use the Champaign, I. T. at Market St. to Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Champaign, IL and Carbondale, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Champaign, I. T. at Market St. has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free WiFi available. ATMs are available at Champaign, I. T. at Market St..
Ticket office support is available at Champaign, I. T. at Market St..
Available at Champaign, I. T. at Market St.: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Champaign, I. T. at Market St.: Wheelchair accessible.
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.
Check bus stations information for Champaign, IL and Carbondale, IL, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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