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Trip Summary
You can pick from 4 daily train trips between Joliet and Carbondale. The average train journey from Joliet to Carbondale takes 11 hours and 50 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 8 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 269 mi (433 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 10m |
| Lowest price | $52.06 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Joliet to Carbondale?
The average price for a train ticket from Joliet to Carbondale is $85.40, By booking your trip at least 29 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $46.20 more.
Average prices by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Joliet to Carbondale is expected to fluctuate between $81 and $125 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Carbondale in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Joliet is $81.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Joliet to Carbondale. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 29 days before departure, you can save around $46.20. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Joliet to Carbondale?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Joliet to Carbondale. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 11h 51m | $99.42 |
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 Joliet to Carbondale every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $52.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Joliet and Carbondale is approximately 269 miles, or 433 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 10 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.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Joliet to Carbondale. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday 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 Joliet at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 4 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 Joliet.
City Information
Joliet
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionJoliet is the third-largest city in Illinois and a suburb about 35 miles outside of Chicago. Most striking in Joliet is its limestone architecture, which you can see in the 40-room Jacob Henry Mansion and Post Office, built in 1876 and 1903, respectively. The Rialto Square Theatre is another historic building where many musicals, concerts, and comedy shows perform each week. Aside from its history, Joliet has gorgeous natural spaces, including the Forest Preserve District, perfect for fishing and hiking, and the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, where 27 protected bison live.
Roll the dice at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel for an epic night out in Joliet. If you prefer to fill your stomach instead of emptying your wallet, choose from several on-site dining options in the hotel. Downtown Joliet is also known for its culinary opportunities, from fine dining at Juliet's Tavern to quick bites at Joliet Route 66 Diner.
Amtrak's Lincoln Service from St. Louis and the Texas Eagle from San Antonio stop in Joliet on their routes to Chicago. The quick trip to Chicago makes it easy to connect to many of Amtrak's other train lines, plus additional bus routes beyond the ones offered by Tornado Bus and El Expreso Bus directly to Joliet.
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 Joliet?
Main departure station: Gateway Center
There is one train station in Joliet.
All train stations in Joliet:
Gateway 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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