Cheap train tickets from Carbondale to Mattoon

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Carbondale to Mattoon. Traveling by train from Carbondale to Mattoon usually takes 2 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Illini Service train can make the trip in 2 hours and 3 minutes.

Distance: 130 mi (209 km)
Fastest train: 2h 3m
Lowest price: CZK 217.63
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak Illini Service
Train lines: 3

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Carbondale to Mattoon Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Carbondale to Mattoon?

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Carbondale to Mattoon.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCZK 265.73	Avg. PriceCZK 174.11Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips1
Duration	Duration2h 8m	Duration2h 3mFaster

There are several train options that can take you from Carbondale to Mattoon:

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Carbondale to Mattoon was CZK 217.63. 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 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 119.70 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Carbondale to Mattoon by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Carbondale to Mattoon will cost between CZK 239 and CZK 348. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Carbondale to Mattoon by month

Taking the train from Carbondale to Mattoon usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around CZK 305 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

The price of train trips from Carbondale to Mattoon 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 Mattoon?

There are 3 train lines with service from Carbondale to Mattoon. There is only one daily train on each service.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak City of New Orleans	1	2h 18m	CZK 291.08
Amtrak Illini Service	1	2h 3m	CZK 253.91
Amtrak Saluki	1	2h 3m	CZK 251.83

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 CZK 291.08 for a trip from Carbondale to Mattoon. 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 Mattoon

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Carbondale to Mattoon. You can also take a train for your return trip from Mattoon to Carbondale. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Carbondale to Mattoon for CZK 174.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Carbondale and Mattoon is approximately 130 miles, or 209 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 3 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)

130

Distance (km)

209

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 Mattoon are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Saturday

Least crowded

Sunday

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 Mattoon?

Main arrival station: 1718 Broadway Ave

Mattoon has one train station.

All train stations in Mattoon:

1718 Broadway Ave

Need a return trip from Mattoon to Carbondale?

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