Cheap train tickets from Carbondale to Champaign
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Carbondale to Champaign. Traveling by train from Carbondale to Champaign usually takes 2 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Illini Service train can make the trip in 2 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 173 mi (279 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 50m |
| Lowest price | $13.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Illini Service |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Carbondale to Champaign Train Schedule
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There are several train options that can take you from Carbondale to Champaign:
- Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets: $19 one-way
- Amtrak Illini Service tickets: $13 one-way
- Amtrak Saluki tickets: $13 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Carbondale to Champaign?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Carbondale to Champaign was $15.47. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $6.02 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Carbondale to Champaign by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Carbondale to Champaign will cost between $15 and $21. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Carbondale to Champaign by month
Taking the train from Carbondale to Champaign usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $18 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Carbondale to Champaign doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from Carbondale to Champaign?
There are 3 train lines with service from Carbondale to Champaign. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 3h 7m | $24.94 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 2h 50m | $14.65 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 2h 54m | $13.82 |
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 $24.94 for a trip from Carbondale to Champaign. 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 Champaign
There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Carbondale to Champaign. You can also take a train for your return trip from Champaign to Carbondale. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Carbondale to Champaign for $48.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
3
The distance between Carbondale and Champaign is approximately 173 miles, or 279 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 50 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
Distance (mi)
173
Distance (km)
279
The earliest train departs Carbondale at 1:18am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:15pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
1:18am
Last train
4:15pm
Trains from Carbondale to Champaign are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Tuesday
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.
Champaign
A significant hub for the Silicone Prairie, Champaign is a stunning city with many exciting landmarks to visit. The downtown area of Champaign is perhaps its busiest area, with over 40 different bars, art galleries, and boutique shops for you to enjoy. To enjoy arthouse films or independent productions, head over to the Art Theater, which also hosts special screenings. The campustown area near the University of Illinois hosts not only cheap eateries but also fine dining spots. The area tends to get crowded at night since students will be out on the street to enjoy the hopping nightlife.
As a busy college town, Champaign naturally has a very vibrant food scene with many excellent dining options. Radio Maria is a unique Spanish establishment with very colorful Spanish decorations and amazing tapas dishes. Those who want something more exotic and exciting could check out DESTIHL, which offers unique home-cooked dishes and great artisan beers.
The Illinois Terminal is Champaign's primary bus and train station, served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Jefferson Lines, and Greyhound. From Champaign, you can continue your journey and visit some of the other top destinations in Illinois.
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 Champaign?
Main arrival station: Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
The Illinois Terminal is located at 45 East University Avenue in Champaign. The transport center opened in 1999, and now provides bus and train service in the Champaign-Urbana area. The terminal is served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and local mass transit. Make sure to wait in the correct station building; Champaign’s old train station, dating to 1898, is just across the street. The Illinois Terminal offers short-term parking, fast food, and even meeting spaces and banquet halls. Thanks to the station’s convenient location, some of the best restaurants and bars in downtown Champaign are just a short walk away.
All train stations in Champaign:
- Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
Need a return trip from Champaign to Carbondale?
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