Cheap train tickets from Carbondale to Normal
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Carbondale to Normal Train Schedule
Trip Summary
5 trains operate daily from Carbondale to Normal. The train trip from Carbondale to Normal is usually about 10 hours and 31 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 5 hours and 43 minutes.
| Distance | 193 mi (311 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 43m |
| Lowest price | US$48.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Carbondale to Normal?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Carbondale and Normal cost US$88.86, on average. Booking your trip at least 11 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around US$54.28 more.
Average train ticket prices from Carbondale to Normal by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Carbondale to Normal is expected to fluctuate between US$66 and US$298 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Normal in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Carbondale is US$66.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Carbondale to Normal, book online with Wanderu at least 11 days in advance. That way, you’ll save US$54.28 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Carbondale to Normal?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Carbondale to Normal. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 10h 32m | US$113.85 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Carbondale to Normal every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$48.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Carbondale to Normal
The distance between Carbondale and Normal is approximately 193 miles, or 311 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 31 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 43 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.
Trains departing from Carbondale to Normal tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Carbondale at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00am. 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 5 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 Normal to Carbondale.
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.
Normal
Normal is a town in North Bloomington, adjacent to Bloomington. The town got its unique name in 1865 from the Illinois State Normal University, a normal school that is a teacher-training institution. Normal features the Children's Discovery Museum, Illinois State University Planetarium and Carden Park for children, and the David Davis Mansion and McLean County Museum of History for history buffs. If you're interested in exploring the outdoors, you can take a walk on the Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary or Constitution Trail or play on the Ironwood Golf Course. Sports lovers can also check out the Redbird Arena, where basketball games are held.
Normal features a vibrant entertainment scene with different breweries and beer halls. You can participate in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival or watch shows at the Normal Theater. Normal also has a vineyard and wine bars, with most activities available in Uptown Normal, the micro-urban city center. The Uptown area has different entertainment venues, dining, and retail establishments.
You can visit Normal, Illinois, by train or bus. The city is accessible from many other cities by train, including Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle, and Amtrak Lincoln Service. As for the bus lines, you can access the city from over 80 other cities onboard buses from Jefferson Lines, Amtrak Thruway, and Burlington Trailways.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Carbondale?
Main departure station: 401 S Illinois Ave
There is one train station in Carbondale.
All train stations in Carbondale:
401 S Illinois Ave
Where is the train station in Normal?
Main arrival station: Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
Normal has one train station.
Train stations in Normal:
Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Normal to Carbondale?
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