- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$133
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$139
Fastest journey on Sep 19
15 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
18 h 53 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
505 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Rockford, 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 Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL will cost around $139 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $133.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 buses from Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 505 km distance in an average of 18 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 5 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 22 h 40 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.
2:15 PM22h40Rockford, IL12:55 PMCarbondale, IL$1331One-way0 transfers- 3:30 PM15h05Rockford, IL6:35 AMCarbondale, IL$1451One-way0 transfers
- 3:30 PM15h05Rockford, IL6:35 AMCarbondale, IL$1451One-way0 transfers
- 2:15 PM22h40Rockford, IL12:55 PMCarbondale, IL$1331One-way0 transfers
Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 22h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 22h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 15h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $145 |
Live departures
Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:15 PM Rockford, IL | 22h40 | 12:55 PM Carbondale, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:30 PM Rockford, IL | 15h05 | 6:35 AM Carbondale, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL by bus
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.
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sep 25
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL
USAUSA
Take a bus from Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL and enjoy the approximately 313 miles (505 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 15:50.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 313 miles (505 km) |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 3:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 5 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Complete guide to Carbondale, IL
Things to do in Carbondale, IL
Discover the best of Carbondale, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carbondale, IL trip today.
- Recommended
Sharp Museum
Campus art museum showing contemporary and historical works in curated exhibitions. Worth visiting for accessible regional and academic art programming.
Glove Factory Gallery
Student-focused gallery presenting changing exhibitions by local and visiting artists. A smaller venue that offers a fresh look at current creative work.
- Recommended
Turley Park
Large community park with a lake, walking paths, playgrounds, and open lawns. It is one of Carbondale’s best all-purpose outdoor spaces.
- Recommended
South Illinois Avenue
Downtown main street corridor with shops, events, murals, and easy walking access to local culture. A practical area for exploring the city center.
Touch of Nature Trail
Wooded university nature area with short trails and wildlife viewing. It offers a calm walking break close to campus and central Carbondale.
FAQs: Bus from Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rockford, 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL
Most Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL buses use the Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit) to Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Rockford, IL and Carbondale, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Rockford
Arrival bus stations in Carbondale
Which Rockford, IL station do buses to Carbondale, IL leave from?
Buses from Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL leave from Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit). The station is 6 miles (11 km) from Rockford, IL city centre at N Lyford Rd, Rockford, IL, USA.
Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit)N Lyford Rd, Rockford, IL, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit) from Rockford city centre
Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit) is 11 km from Rockford city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit) bus station facilities and services
Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit). ATMs are available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit): Access ramps available for buses.
Which Carbondale, IL station do buses from Rockford, IL arrive at?
Buses from Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL arrive at Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station. Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station is from Carbondale, IL city centre.
Carbondale, Amtrak Train StationCarbondale, Illinois, 401 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station from Carbondale city centre
TRUE
Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station bus station facilities and services
Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station. ATMs are available at Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carbondale, Amtrak Train Station: Wheelchair accessible entry and services provided.
Most popular bus connections from Rockford, IL
More options for your journey from Rockford, IL to Carbondale, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Carbondale, IL and Rockford, IL
Most popular bus connections to Carbondale, IL
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
