Cheap train tickets from Carbondale to Rockford

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Carbondale to Rockford. Traveling by train from Carbondale to Rockford usually takes 12 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 55 minutes.

Distance: 314 mi (505 km)
Fastest train: 8h 55m
Lowest price: CZK 1,849.88
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Carbondale to Rockford 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 Rockford?

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

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCZK 2,722.15	Avg. PriceCZK 2,242.06Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips4	Daily Trips1
Duration	Duration12h 37mFaster	Duration33h 15m

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

Amtrak tickets: CZK 1,850 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Carbondale to Rockford was CZK 2,383.08. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 4 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 772.60 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Carbondale to Rockford by month

Ticket prices for the train from Carbondale to Rockford often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only CZK 2,307. If you're thinking of traveling from Carbondale to Rockford during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 2,982 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Carbondale to Rockford on Wanderu at least 4 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 772.60 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Carbondale to Rockford?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Carbondale to Rockford. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	4	12h 37m	CZK 2,722.09

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 4 Amtrak trains from Carbondale to Rockford every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 1,849.88.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Carbondale to Rockford

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Rockford to Carbondale. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Carbondale to Rockford for CZK 1,980.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Carbondale and Rockford is approximately 314 miles, or 505 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 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.

Distance (mi)

314

Distance (km)

505

The earliest train departs Carbondale at 1:18am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:30am. 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

7:30am

Trains from Carbondale to Rockford are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

Least crowded

Thursday

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.

Rockford

Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.

Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.

Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.

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 Rockford?

Main arrival station: Van Galder Bus Office

The Van Galder Bus Office is located just off Interstate 51 in Rockford, Illinois. Although the bus stop doesn't have much in terms of amenities, it's in a resting area for road trips and buses. Grab coffee at the Starbucks, food at Burger King, or stay overnight in the Garden Inn just across the street. The terminal, which is operated by Van Galder Buses, services buses that run between Rockford and Madison, as well as Chicago O'Hare Airport and Union Station in downtown Chicago. Within the station building, there's a waiting room for you to enjoy your latte or burger, and a ticket kiosk if you have any questions about your trip.

All train stations in Rockford:

Van Galder Bus Office

Need a return trip from Rockford to Carbondale?

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