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Alton - Carbondale Train Schedule
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Trip Summary
6 trains operate daily from Alton to Carbondale. The train trip from Alton to Carbondale is usually about 11 hours and 49 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 49 minutes.
| Distance | 96 mi (154 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 49m |
| Lowest price | $61.62 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Alton to Carbondale?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Alton to Carbondale was $86.56. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Carbondale if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $25.20.
Average prices by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Alton to Carbondale will range from $77 to $126. If you're planning to travel by train to Carbondale in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Alton you can find in the next 7 days is $77. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Carbondale from Alton will be about C$25.20 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Alton to Carbondale?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Alton to Carbondale. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 11h 50m | $97.11 |
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. On average, there are 6 Amtrak trains from Alton to Carbondale every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $62.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Alton and Carbondale is approximately 96 miles, or 154 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 49 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 49 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Alton to Carbondale. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Alton at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Carbondale to Alton.
City Information
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Alton?
Main departure station: Multi-Modal Transportation Center
There is one train station in Alton.
All train stations in Alton:
Multi-Modal Transportation Center
Where is the train station in Carbondale?
Main arrival station: 401 S Illinois Ave
Carbondale has one train station.
Train stations in Carbondale:
401 S Illinois Ave
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