- 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 Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to Carbondale, IL will cost around $178 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $178.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 1 buses from Milwaukee, WI to Carbondale, IL, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 601 km distance in an average of 1 d 1 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 1 h 5 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 1 d 1 h 5 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 Milwaukee, WI to Carbondale, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 13h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $77 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 21:30. The fastest bus covers the 373 miles (601 km) distance in 10h 0m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Milwaukee, WI to Carbondale, IL.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 25h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $178 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $171 |
Buses from Milwaukee, WI to Carbondale, IL with FlixBus and Greyhound. Overnight buses available on this route with FlixBus and Greyhound. 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 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 Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to Carbondale, IL buses use the Milwaukee, Intermodal Station to Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Milwaukee, WI and Carbondale, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station is 1 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafe and vending machines available.
Wi-Fi available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station.
Available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: ADA compliant with elevators and ramps.
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) is 10 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food options are available within the airport terminal.
Wi-Fi is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop). ATMs are aTMs are available in the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop).
Available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): The station is accessible with facilities for disabled passengers.
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 Milwaukee, WI and Carbondale, IL, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.