5.0
Pros: It's was fast quiet and on time. Cons: Nothing great trip everytime. Tips: Take amtrak.
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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Effingham to Carbondale. Traveling by train from Effingham to Carbondale usually takes around one hour and 47 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can make the trip in one hour and 44 minutes.
| Distance | 103 mi (166 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 44m |
| Lowest price | $16.44 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak City of New Orleans |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Effingham to Carbondale
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Train service from Effingham to Carbondale
- Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets: C$16 one-way
- Amtrak Illini Service tickets: C$14 one-way
- Amtrak Saluki tickets: C$14 one-way
Price trends for trains from Effingham to Carbondale
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Effingham to Carbondale?
There are 3 train lines with service from Effingham to Carbondale. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 1h 45m | $20.82 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 1h 48m | $15.89 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 1h 48m | $16.71 |
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 Effingham to Carbondale. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Effingham and Carbondale is approximately 103 miles, or 166 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 47 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 44 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
Trains from Effingham to Carbondale are the most crowded on Sunday. 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.
The earliest train departs Effingham at 11:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Effingham to Carbondale.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Carbondale to Effingham.
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 Effingham?
Main departure station: 401 W National Ave
There is one train station in Effingham.
All train stations in Effingham:
401 W National Ave
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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