- 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 29
$32
Average ticket price on Oct 29
$43
Fastest journey on Oct 29
3 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Oct 29
3 h 50 m
Buses on Oct 29
2
Distance
277 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN to Carbondale, IL will cost around $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
On Thu, Oct 29, we found 2 buses from Nashville, TN to Carbondale, IL, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 29 the direct buses cover the 277 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Thu, Oct 29 the slowest buses will take 3 h 50 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.




Buses from Nashville, TN to Carbondale, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $40 (€34) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:05, the last at 21:30. The fastest bus covers the 172 miles (277 km) distance in 4h 5m.
Distance 172 miles (277 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€34) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 1:05 AM |
Last bus 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Nashville, TN to Carbondale, IL.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
The table below shows live departures for Nashville, TN to Carbondale, IL buses for today, Wednesday, October 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:05 AM Nashville, TN | 3h50 | 11:55 AM Carbondale, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN to Carbondale, IL buses use the Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South to Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Nashville, TN and Carbondale, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South is 1 km from Nashville city centre. Public transport options include:
Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several food options available inside the terminal
WiFi available for free inside the terminal. ATMs are aTM machines available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South.
Available at Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South: Fully accessible for individuals 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.
Check bus stations information for Nashville, TN and Carbondale, IL, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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