Bus from Chicago to Carbondale: Tickets & Timetables

Next bus departures

Next departures from Chicago to Carbondale on 15 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
FlixBusBus
Downtown Greyhound Station
Amtrak StationCheapest
FlixBusBus
Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
Amtrak StationFastest

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 4:47 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Chicago to Carbondale

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Carbondale. The journey takes about 5 hours 44 minutes and with fares starting at just R 505, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

5train per day
5h 44mAverage duration
482 kmDistance
44kgCO₂ emissions
Bus
Average priceR 541 - R 6 073Average duration9h 5m
12kg CO₂e
Train
Average priceR 505 - R 3 637Average duration5h 44m
44kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Carbondale by bus

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the bus ticket from Chicago to Carbondale?

    The cheapest bus tickets from Chicago to Carbondale start at R 541. The average price for this route is around R 1 196. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the bus journey from Chicago to Carbondale?

    The average bus journey time from Chicago to Carbondale is 9h 5m, covering a distance of 465 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 5h 30m and is operated by Amtrak.

  3. Which bus companies service the Chicago to Carbondale route?

    Several major bus companies operate on this route with 2 buses available per day, including services from FlixBus, Amtrak, Greyhound.

  4. What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Chicago to Carbondale?

    The earliest bus departs from Chicago to Carbondale at 08:15. And the latest bus departs at 17:10.

  5. What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Chicago to Carbondale?

    A bus trip from Chicago to Carbondale produces an estimated 12 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.

  6. What is the best bus company from Chicago to Carbondale?

    According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Amtrak, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 5627 reviews.

  7. Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Chicago to Carbondale?

    Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.

  8. Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Chicago to Carbondale?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is FlixBus, with a punctuality rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

  9. Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Chicago to Carbondale?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Amtrak, with a cleanliness rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
12/12
R 1 384
13/12
R 1 436
Today
R 1 436
15/12
R 1 436
16/12
R 969
17/12
No data
18/12
R 1 021
19/12
R 1 090
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Chicago to Carbondale was searched and found on 16 Dec 2025 with a price of R 969

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Chicago to Carbondale as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 969 to R 1 470 for a bus ticket from Chicago to Carbondale based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 969, which is on 2025-12-16.

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