- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$61
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$64
Fastest journey on Sep 19
7 h
Average journey duration on Sep 19
7 h 10 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
395 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Kankakee, 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 Kankakee, IL to Carbondale, IL will cost around $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 buses from Kankakee, IL to Carbondale, IL, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 395 km distance in an average of 7 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 7 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 train as it is the most popular option from Kankakee, IL to Carbondale, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $76 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $76, while a train costs an average of $76.
Distance: 245 miles (395 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$76 Average price Cheapest | $56 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 4h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Kankakee, IL to Carbondale, IL:
A bus is $0.54 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kankakee, IL to Carbondale, IL costing on average $76.
Other travel options to Carbondale, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 8m.
Tickets start at around $76 compared to roughly $56 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-19.49. The journey takes 7h 8m versus 3h 57m 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 | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
The table below shows live departures for Kankakee, IL to Carbondale, IL buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:15 AM Kankakee, IL | 7h20 | 7:35 AM Carbondale, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Kankakee, IL to Carbondale, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $56 but you can travel from only $50 by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:30, the last at 18:35. The fastest bus covers the 245 miles (395 km) distance in 6h 45m.
Distance 245 miles (395 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $56 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 45m |
First bus 6:30 AM |
Last bus 6:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kankakee, 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 Kankakee, IL to Carbondale, IL buses use the Kankakee, Frontage Rd N (Ricky Rocket Fuel Center) to Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Kankakee, IL and Carbondale, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Kankakee, Frontage Rd N (Ricky Rocket Fuel Center) is 2 km from Kankakee city centre. Public transport options include:
Kankakee, Frontage Rd N (Ricky Rocket Fuel Center) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food options available at nearby outlets.
Wi-Fi is available at Kankakee, Frontage Rd N (Ricky Rocket Fuel Center). ATMs are aTM available at the fuel center.
Ticket office support is available at Kankakee, Frontage Rd N (Ricky Rocket Fuel Center).
Available at Kankakee, Frontage Rd N (Ricky Rocket Fuel Center): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kankakee, Frontage Rd N (Ricky Rocket Fuel Center): Wheelchair accessible options available.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need