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Trip Summary
You can pick from 4 daily train trips between Carbondale and Kalamazoo. The average train journey from Carbondale to Kalamazoo takes 12 hours and 46 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 10 hours and 38 minutes.
Distance | 369 mi (594 km) |
Fastest train | 10h 38m |
Lowest price | $139.00 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Carbondale to Kalamazoo?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Carbondale to Kalamazoo. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 4 | 12h 46m | $146.00 |
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 Kalamazoo every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $139.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Carbondale and Kalamazoo is approximately 369 miles, or 594 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 38 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Carbondale to Kalamazoo on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Carbondale at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. 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 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 Kalamazoo 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.
Kalamazoo
Image credit: Michigan Municipal League
Link to image attributionImage credit: Daniel X. O'Neil
Link to image attributionImage credit: Michigan Municipal League
Link to image attributionAs an eclectic college town in Michigan, Kalamazoo is a vibrant city full of attractions and fun things to do. When visiting the town, don't miss the famous Kalamazoo Valley Museum, where you'll find history, technology, and science exhibitions. The star of the museum is a 2300-year-old mummy, along with other artifacts from ancient Egypt. Another great destination is the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, which features exhibitions of local up-and-rising artists. With its rolling hills and lush landscape, Kalamazoo Nature Center is an excellent choice for a nature walk or even a ride if you bring your bike on the bus or train.
Once you've worked up an appetite, prepare to enjoy Kalamazoo's dining scene. True to its name, Rustica boasts a homely vibe with its fantastic selection of cured meats and homemade cheese and an impressive selection of European wines. In addition, Principle Food and Drink's comfort food and creative cocktails are delicious options right in downtown.
Kalamazoo is a stop on Amtrak's Blue Water and Wolverine lines and is also connected via bus service to cities including Indianapolis, Chicago, Ann Arbor, and Milwaukee. Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport offers daily flights in and out of the area.
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 Kalamazoo?
Image credit: Charles Fulton
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 459 North Burdick Street
The Kalamazoo Transportation Center on North Burdick Street includes several modern facilities surrounding the historic 1887 Romanesque train station. The central train station's Art Deco lobby maintains rich wood furnishings and cathedral ceilings for a vintage atmosphere, while it is still an active station for Amtrak's Blue Water and Wolverine lines. Facilities include restrooms, vending machines, and a snack shop. Outside, arched covered walkways serve as boarding areas for local transit, Greyhound, FlixBus, Miller Transportation, Trailways, and Indian Trails. The transportation center is only a few blocks north of Kalamazoo's Central Business District, and a handful of restaurants and bars are within a short walk.
All train stations in Kalamazoo:
459 North Burdick Street
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Need a return trip from Kalamazoo to Carbondale?
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