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Cheap train tickets from Carbondale to Chicago

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Carbondale to Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Carbondale to Chicago. Traveling by train from Carbondale to Chicago usually takes 9 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Illini Service train can make the trip in 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance299 mi (481 km)
Fastest train5h 30m
Lowest price€27.79
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines4

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Carbondale to Chicago

(Based on 18 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Lela

August 29, 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Saluki

It was so wonderful had so much room, I felt safe and that was huge to me. And they was great telling us where stuf was and when we was stopping. Just a wonderful trip so far we come home on Monday morning from our trip.

5.0

Melanie

July 26, 2024- Vacation

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: Would recommend business class. Pleasant experience. Did feel the seats and backs could have been cleaner. Tips: Choose business class. More room and less people.

4.0

Sharod

April 22, 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: The experience. Cons: Better wifi.

5.0

Ruben

August 3, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: Quick and on time. Cons: All good. Tips: Great service and great deal.

5.0

Agnieszka

July 3, 2023- Business

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Cons: I would love to see Cleaner Union Station in Chicago. Tips: Bring pillow.

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Carbondale to Chicago?

The average price for a train ticket from Carbondale to Chicago is €40.59, Considering the distance of the route, this is an excellent deal. By booking your trip at least 26 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 €14.22 more.

Average train ticket prices from Carbondale to Chicago by travel date

€72€48€24FebMar

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Carbondale to Chicago will cost between €34 and €61. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly avg. prices

€72€57€43€29€14MAMJJASONDJF
Ticket prices for the train from Carbondale to Chicago 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 €39. If you're thinking of traveling from Carbondale to Chicago during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €60 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

€72€57€43€29€143020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Carbondale to Chicago, book online with Wanderu at least 26 days in advance. That way, you’ll save €14.22 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Carbondale to Chicago?

There are 4 train lines with service from Carbondale to Chicago. Amtrak is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak215h 3m€41.65
Amtrak City of New Orleans16h 0m€43.92
Amtrak Illini Service15h 30m€45.12
Amtrak Saluki15h 30m€49.38

  • 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 Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €30.

  • 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 Chicago. 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 Chicago

The distance between Carbondale and Chicago is approximately 299 miles, or 481 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 30 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 Chicago tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. 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 1:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. 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 Chicago. 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 Chicago 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.

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

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 Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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