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Normal - Carbondale Train Timetable
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Trip Summary
There are 8 daily trains from Normal to Carbondale. Traveling by train from Normal to Carbondale usually takes around 10 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours and 53 minutes.
| Distance | 193 mi (311 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 53m |
| Lowest price | £26.55 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Normal to Carbondale?
The average price for a train ticket from Normal to Carbondale is £43.88, 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 £13.26 more.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Normal to Carbondale will vary between £41 and £60. Planning a train trip to Carbondale within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Normal over the next 7 days is £42. 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
Ticket prices for the train from Normal to Carbondale often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only £41,
If you're thinking of traveling from Normal to Carbondale during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £72 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Normal to Carbondale. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 29 days before departure, you can save around £13.26. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Normal to Carbondale?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Normal to Carbondale. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 8 | 10h 57m | £48.30 |
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 8 Amtrak trains from Normal to Carbondale every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £27.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Normal and Carbondale is approximately 193 miles, or 311 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 53 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.
Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Normal to Carbondale. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Normal at 09:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. 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 8 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 Normal.
City Information
Normal
Normal is a town in North Bloomington, adjacent to Bloomington. The town got its unique name in 1865 from the Illinois State Normal University, a normal school that is a teacher-training institution. Normal features the Children's Discovery Museum, Illinois State University Planetarium and Carden Park for children, and the David Davis Mansion and McLean County Museum of History for history buffs. If you're interested in exploring the outdoors, you can take a walk on the Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary or Constitution Trail or play on the Ironwood Golf Course. Sports lovers can also check out the Redbird Arena, where basketball games are held.
Normal features a vibrant entertainment scene with different breweries and beer halls. You can participate in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival or watch shows at the Normal Theater. Normal also has a vineyard and wine bars, with most activities available in Uptown Normal, the micro-urban city center. The Uptown area has different entertainment venues, dining, and retail establishments.
You can visit Normal, Illinois, by train or bus. The city is accessible from many other cities by train, including Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle, and Amtrak Lincoln Service. As for the bus lines, you can access the city from over 80 other cities onboard buses from Jefferson Lines, Amtrak Thruway, and Burlington Trailways.
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 Normal?
Main departure station: Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
There is one train station in Normal.
All train stations in Normal:
Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
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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