- 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 Oct 01
$376
Average ticket price on Oct 01
$390
Fastest journey on Oct 01
1 d 23 h
Average journey duration on Oct 01
2 d 4 h 38 m
Buses on Oct 01
2
Distance
2636 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA to Carbondale, IL will cost around $390 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $376.
On Thu, Oct 01, we found 2 buses from Los Angeles, CA to Carbondale, IL, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 01 the direct buses cover the 2636 km distance in an average of 2 d 4 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 23 h .
On Thu, Oct 01 the slowest buses will take 2 d 10 h 15 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.




| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 47h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $404 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 58h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $376 |
Operator LA DOT | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 52h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $535 |
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Carbondale, IL buses for today, Wednesday, September 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:50 PM Los Angeles, CA | 52h10 | 1:00 AM Carbondale, IL | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Take a bus from Los Angeles, CA to Carbondale, IL and enjoy the approximately 1637 miles (2636 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:50.
Distance 1637 miles (2636 km) |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 3 days |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA to Carbondale, IL buses use the Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) to Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Los Angeles, CA and Carbondale, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various dining options available.
Wi-Fi available in main waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs available near main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station).
Available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Station fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: The station is accessible to people with disabilities.
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.
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