4.0
Pros: Train staff is always very nice. Cons: Man playing music several seats away was loud enough for me to hear from my seat, train staff who walked past never asked him to turn it down.
Lowest Prices
We partner with the top coach & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
Best Travel Options
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Carbondale - Kankakee Train Timetable
- Sun,
- Mon
3:16 AM
7:11 AM
- Sun,
- Mon
7:30 AM
11:31 AM
- Sun,
- Mon
4:15 PM
8:14 PM
Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Carbondale to Kankakee. Traveling by train from Carbondale to Kankakee usually takes around 3 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can make the trip in 3 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 245 mi (395 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 55m |
| Lowest price | €30.16 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Illini Service |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Carbondale to Kankakee
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.5
Train service from Carbondale to Kankakee
- Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets: €30 one-way
- Amtrak Illini Service tickets: €30 one-way
- Amtrak Saluki tickets: €30 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Carbondale to Kankakee?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Carbondale to Kankakee was €30.16. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Kankakee if you book your train tickets at least 9 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra €23.47.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Carbondale to Kankakee often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only €29,
If you're thinking of traveling from Carbondale to Kankakee during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €41 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 Carbondale to Kankakee. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 9 days before departure, you can save around €23.47. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Carbondale to Kankakee?
There are 3 train lines with service from Carbondale to Kankakee. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 3h 56m | €40.65 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 3h 59m | €49.11 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 4h 1m | €58.37 |
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 Kankakee. 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
The distance between Carbondale and Kankakee is approximately 245 miles, or 395 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 55 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 departing from Carbondale to Kankakee tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. 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 Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Carbondale at 01:00 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.
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 Kankakee 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 Kankakee to Carbondale.
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 Carbondale?
Main departure station: 401 S Illinois Ave
There is one train station in Carbondale.
All train stations in Carbondale:
401 S Illinois Ave
Where is the train station in Kankakee?
Main arrival station: 199 S East Ave
Kankakee has one train station.
Train stations in Kankakee:
199 S East Ave
Get around town with Moovit
Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in Kankakee. Download here
Need a return trip from Kankakee to Carbondale?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book coaches and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more