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Trains from Carbondale to Chicago

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Carbondale - Chicago Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

There are 2 daily trains from Carbondale to Chicago. Traveling by train from Carbondale to Chicago usually takes around 8 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Saluki train can make the trip in 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance299 mi (481 km)
Fastest train5h 30m
Lowest price£25.35
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Saluki
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Carbondale to Chicago

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.6

4.0

Ernie L

19 April 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: Hands free travel. Cons: More available trips. Tips: None.

Pros: Hands free travel. Cons: More available trips. Tips: None.

5.0

Dawn

15 November 2021- Couples trip

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: We came back late I was impressed that they let you sleep and come around to wake you when your stop arrives Very courteous. Cons: I have nothing to put here We were very pleased.

Pros: We came back late I was impressed that they let you sleep and come around to wake you when your stop arrives Very courteous. Cons: I have nothing to put here We were very pleased.

4.0

Shirley

15 June 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: Need more red cap to meet the train when it comes in for seniors. Cons: More red cap.

Pros: Need more red cap to meet the train when it comes in for seniors. Cons: More red cap.

5.0

Kenneth

22 February 2020- Visiting family

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: not having to drive. Cons: nothing.

Pros: not having to drive. Cons: nothing.

5.0

Garry

4 November 2019- Solo travel

Amtrak Illini Service

The driver was very friendly and sociable.

The driver was very friendly and sociable.

Train service from Carbondale to Chicago

See more details

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

In the last month, £41.26 was the average price of a train ticket from Carbondale to Chicago. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 23 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £7.66 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

£61£41£20MayMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Carbondale to Chicago will vary between £32 and £57. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Carbondale over the next 7 days is £32. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

£61£49£37£25£12JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Carbondale to Chicago 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 £35 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Carbondale to Chicago in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to £47 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

£61£49£37£25£123020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Carbondale will be about £7.66 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Carbondale to Chicago?

There are 3 train lines with service from Carbondale to Chicago. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak110h 15m£64.16
Amtrak City of New Orleans15h 59m£30.01
Amtrak Saluki15h 30m£35.09
  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Carbondale to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £59.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • 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 Chicago. 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.

  • Amtrak Saluki

    Amtrak Saluki

    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

Is it safe to travel by train from Carbondale to Chicago 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 Chicago?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Carbondale to Chicago. 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 Chicago?

The distance between Carbondale and Chicago is approximately 299 miles, or 481 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 30 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 departing from Carbondale to Chicago tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. 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.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Carbondale at 03:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:00. 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 Chicago?

Trains leave the station in Carbondale twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Carbondale.

City Information

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Carbondale?

Departure stations

There are two stations in Carbondale where you can board the train to Chicago.

All train stations in Carbondale:

  • 401 S Illinois Ave

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Arrival stations

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

Train stations in Chicago:

  • Union Station

Related reading

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