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.
Cheap train tickets from Carbondale to Kankakee
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Carbondale to Kankakee. Traveling by train from Carbondale to Kankakee usually takes 7 hours and 32 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 | €22.34 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 4 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Carbondale to Kankakee
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.5
Price trends for trains from Carbondale to Kankakee
Average train ticket prices from Carbondale to Kankakee by month
Which train should you take from Carbondale to Kankakee?
There are 4 train lines with service from Carbondale to Kankakee. Amtrak is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 13h 3m | €38.51 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 3h 55m | €70.23 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 4h 0m | €47.51 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 4h 1m | €48.27 |
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 Carbondale to Kankakee every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €25.
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 about traveling by train from Carbondale to Kankakee
The distance between Carbondale and Kankakee is approximately 245 miles, or 395 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 32 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 Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. 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 Saturday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Carbondale at 03:00 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 5 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Kankakee. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
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
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