Cheap train tickets from Carbondale to New Orleans
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Carbondale to New Orleans. Traveling by train from Carbondale to New Orleans usually takes 17 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can make the trip in 13 hours and 53 minutes.
| Distance | 540 mi (868 km) |
| Fastest train | 13h 53m |
| Lowest price | $128.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak City of New Orleans |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Carbondale to New Orleans Train Schedule

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Carbondale to New Orleans (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
March 2, 2020 - Visiting friends
Amtrak City of New OrleansThere are several train options that can take you from Carbondale to New Orleans:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Carbondale to New Orleans?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Carbondale to New Orleans was $128.00. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $307.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Carbondale to New Orleans by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Carbondale to New Orleans will cost between $85 and $297. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Carbondale to New Orleans by month
Ticket prices for the train from Carbondale to New Orleans often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $167. If you're thinking of traveling from Carbondale to New Orleans during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $252 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
By booking your train trip from Carbondale to New Orleans on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $307.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Carbondale to New Orleans?
There are multiple trains that travel from Carbondale to New Orleans, including Amtrak City of New Orleans, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 13h 53m | $152.40 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 67h 42m | $435.00 |
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 $152.40 for a trip from Carbondale to New Orleans. 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.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Carbondale to New Orleans
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to New Orleans with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from New Orleans to Carbondale. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Carbondale to New Orleans for $93.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Carbondale and New Orleans is approximately 540 miles, or 868 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 17 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 53 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)
540
DISTANCE (KM)
868
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Carbondale at 1:30am and arrives in New Orleans around 13 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
1:30am
LATEST TRAIN
11:54pm
Trains from Carbondale to New Orleans are the most crowded on Friday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
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.
New Orleans



New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.
There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.
New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in New Orleans?
Main arrival station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.
All train stations in New Orleans:
- Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Need a return trip from New Orleans to Carbondale?
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