Search train tickets to Carbondale
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How to get to Carbondale by train
| Routes | 19 |
| Trips per day | 48 |
| train lines | 4 |
| Stations | 1 |
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About Carbondale
Carbondale, one the best vacation destinations in Illinois, is best known for its proximity to Shawnee National Forest and the Garden of the Gods: one of the most Instagrammed sites in the state. This quiet paradise is filled with lush trees bordering miles of hiking trails and scenic drives. The enormous sandstone bluffs in Giant City State Park attract rock climbers and rappellers looking for their next adventure. Boo Rochman Memorial Park offers a unique, family-friendly experience– a park filled with wooden sculptures of dragons, unicorns, wizards, and more. The park’s centerpiece, a massive wood and stone castle, features an elaborate jungle gym with stairs, tunnels, and an ogre or two.
Threaded by Main Street, downtown Carbondale is known for its Historic Town Square and charming, old-school architecture. The whole area is easily walkable, so you can peruse local shops for bike gear, art, vintage clothes, musical instruments, and everything in between. The SIU University Museum is a must-see, with no entry fee and a variety of exhibitions about the history and culture of the region. While in the area, explore Campus Lake and Pulliam Hall clocktower, or catch a football game at Saluki Stadium.
Bus services connect Seattle, Chicago, and Phoenix to Carbondale. Amtrak has multiple lines from the city to Memphis, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The nearest airport is Marion Williamson County Regional.
What train companies travel to Carbondale, Illinois?
Located in Illinois, Carbondale is accessible by train from 19 other cities. You can choose from 48 daily scheduled trips when you search for trains to Carbondale on Wanderu. Amtrak usually has the most trains on any given day.
Looking for other ways to get there? Bus tickets to Carbondale are also available..
Train companies serving Carbondale
| Train | Routes | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 204 | 15h 10m | $170.89 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 16 | 4h 48m | $84.95 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 10 | 4h 55m | $63.91 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 10 | 4h 54m | $61.46 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey.
The City of New Orleans is an Amtrak route that runs daily trains from Chicago to New Orleans and vice versa. The City of New Orleans includes a sightseer lounge with panoramic windows for the best views of the five states along the route. However, the City of New Orleans also offers private roomettes and bedrooms for added comfort and luxury (and a higher price). Passengers who book sleeper accommodations will enjoy included meals, and all passengers can stop into the cafe car to purchase meals and snacks.
Since 1973, Amtrak's Illini Service has provided reliable train transportation to 11 Illinois cities. The Illini operates as an evening commuter train from Chicago to Carbondale, while its sister train, the Amtrak Saluki, runs the morning route. Commuters rely on this service as a safe and convenient transportation option every day. Each train offers WiFi and power outlets, plus a cafe car and business class seating. Illini trains meet the highest federal standard for reducing emissions, with up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions.
Since its inception in 2006, the Amtrak Saluki line has offered daily train trips between Chicago and Carbondale. The Amtrak Saluki operates along 500 kilometers of railroad, stopping at numerous midwestern towns like Kankakee, Rantoul, and Effingham. The trains on this line are equipped with onboard WiFi, power outlets, air conditioning, and a cafe car, with the option to upgrade to business class seating. This line is known for using trains that produce 90% fewer carbon emissions than other trains, meaning that your trip is green as well as convenient.
Which train carrier has the best service to Carbondale?
Based on customers travel reviews, travelers who booked on Wanderu rave about traveling to Carbondale by train with Amtrak Saluki giving them a 4.6 rating out of 5.
Travelers also mentioned that Amtrak had the most comfortable train service to Carbondale taking into account the seats and amenities that Amtrak offers. They rate Amtrak a 5 out of 5 when it comes to just how relaxing and enjoyable their experience was onboard.
If you are looking to arrive to Carbondale punctually, travelers suggest that Amtrak has the best on time performance on their train schedules to Carbondale, rating them a 5 based on their on time arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main train station in Carbondale is 401 S Illinois Ave. As the busiest station, it has the most train arrivals, although some trains may make other stops in and around Carbondale.
| Departure | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 11h 11m | $108.56 |
| Chicago | 9h 46m | $94.82 |
| Homewood | 7h 46m | $71.17 |
| Springfield | 12h 13m | $169.38 |
| Joliet | 12h 28m | $114.66 |
Top train routes to and from Carbondale
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