Kankakee to Carbondale train
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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Kankakee to Carbondale. Traveling by train from Kankakee to Carbondale usually takes around 4 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can make the trip in 3 hours and 58 minutes.
| Distance | 245 mi (395 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 58m |
| Lowest price | $35.37 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Saluki |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from Kankakee to Carbondale
- Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets: C$35 one-way
- Amtrak Illini Service tickets: C$44 one-way
- Amtrak Saluki tickets: C$44 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Kankakee to Carbondale?
In the last month, $40.81 was the average price of a train ticket from Kankakee to Carbondale. This is a great price, especially considering the length of the route. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 15 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $16.05 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Kankakee to Carbondale often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only $41,
If you're thinking of traveling from Kankakee to Carbondale during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $65 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.
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 15 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Carbondale from Kankakee will be about C$16.05 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Kankakee to Carbondale?
There are 3 train lines with service from Kankakee to Carbondale. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 3h 58m | $44.22 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 4h 20m | $46.50 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 4h 18m | $44.91 |
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 Kankakee 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
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.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
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.
The distance between Kankakee and Carbondale is approximately 245 miles, or 395 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 58 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 from Kankakee to Carbondale are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Kankakee at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 Kankakee to Carbondale.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Carbondale to Kankakee.
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 Kankakee?
Main departure station: 199 S East Ave
There is one train station in Kankakee.
All train stations in Kankakee:
199 S East 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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