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Trains from Carbondale to New Orleans

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Carbondale - New Orleans Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 4 daily trains from Carbondale to New Orleans. Traveling by train from Carbondale to New Orleans usually takes around 24 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can make the trip in 14 hours and 21 minutes.

Distance540 mi (868 km)
Fastest train14h 21m
Lowest price$110.61
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Carbondale to New Orleans

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

Brianna

March 2, 2020- Visiting friends

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: The area we were seated in was spacious and I never felt cramped. Cons: The seats were a tad stained, and overall cleanliness could have been improved. The employees also could have been more friendly, they weren't rude by any means but I didn't feel welcome. Tip...

Pros: The area we were seated in was spacious and I never felt cramped. Cons: The seats were a tad stained, and overall cleanliness could have been improved. The employees also could have been more friendly, they weren't rude by any means but I didn't feel welcome. Tips: Bring plenty of pillows and blankets if your travel time exceeds five hours. Though there's plenty of space, if you want to rest you'll need something softer to lay your head on.

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What is the price of a train ticket from Carbondale to New Orleans?

In the last month, $204.69 was the average price of a train ticket from Carbondale to New Orleans. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $56.85 more than that for a same-day booking.

Monthly average prices

$257$206$154$103$51ASONDJFMAMJJ

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Carbondale to New Orleans by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$165 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Carbondale to New Orleans in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$235 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$257$206$154$103$513020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to New Orleans from Carbondale will be about C$56.85 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Carbondale to New Orleans?

2 train services operate from Carbondale to New Orleans. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak41d 1h 43m$231.79
Amtrak City of New Orleans114h 21m$127.57
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 4 Amtrak trains from Carbondale to New Orleans every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $139.

  • Amtrak City of New Orleans

    Amtrak City of New Orleans

    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. Affordable Coach seats cost about for a trip from Carbondale to New Orleans. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Carbondale to New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Can you take a train all the way from Carbondale to New Orleans?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Carbondale to New Orleans. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from Carbondale to New Orleans?

The distance between Carbondale and New Orleans is approximately 540 miles, or 868 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 hours and 32 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 14 hours and 21 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Carbondale to New Orleans are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Carbondale at 1:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Carbondale to New Orleans?

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Carbondale to New Orleans. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from New Orleans 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.

New Orleans

New Orleans, LA - NOL-1

Image credit: Unsplash

New Orleans, LA - NOL-3

Image credit: Unsplash

New Orleans, LA - NOL-0

Image credit: Unsplash

New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.

There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.

New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Carbondale?

Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd - KCYAMT-0Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd - KCYAMT-1

Main departure station: Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd

Union Station in Kansas City is a grand, historic station dating back to 1914 with an imposing columned facade and intricately carved coffered ceilings. The station is truly a destination in itself, where you can explore a series of museums, a planetarium, a 3D theater, and upscale dining options. Train service still runs through Union Station, though, and you can catch the Missouri River Runner to St. Louis or the Southwest Chief to Chicago or Los Angeles. Paid parking, restrooms, and a mothers’ nursing room can be found at the station. Just steps outside are some of the highlights of Kansas City, from Legoland Discovery Center to Penn Valley Park’s various memorials and museums.

All train stations in Carbondale:

  • Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

  • 401 S Illinois Ave

  • 100 N Third St

  • 20 N Chestnut St

  • Multi-Modal Transportation Center

  • 600 S Grand Ave

  • 101 Jefferson St

  • 128 Alton Rd

  • 217 SW Main St

  • 101 N Chicago St

  • 301 W Front St

  • 100 S Holden St

Where is the train station in New Orleans?

Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave - NOLAMT-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.

Train stations in New Orleans:

  • Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

Related reading

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