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Mattoon - Carbondale Train Timetable
- Mon
- Mon
Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Mattoon and Carbondale. The average train journey from Mattoon to Carbondale takes 2 hours and 11 minutes, but some Amtrak City of New Orleans train trips are as short as 2 hours and 8 minutes.
| Distance | 130 mi (209 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 8m |
| Lowest price | £7.20 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak City of New Orleans |
| Train lines | 4 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Mattoon to Carbondale?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Mattoon to Carbondale was £11.20. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Carbondale if you book your train tickets at least 3 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £5.20.
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Mattoon to Carbondale?
There are 4 train lines with service from Mattoon to Carbondale. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 2h 12m | £7.20 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 2h 9m | £13.95 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 2h 12m | £13.80 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 2h 12m | £20.60 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Mattoon to Carbondale every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £7.
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 Mattoon 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
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Mattoon to Carbondale. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Mattoon at 09:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. 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 Mattoon to Carbondale.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Carbondale to Mattoon.
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 Mattoon?
Main departure station: 1718 Broadway Ave
There is one train station in Mattoon.
All train stations in Mattoon:
1718 Broadway 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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