4.0
Pros: Not having to drive. To be able to sit back and relax. Cons: The restrooms if possible.
Cheap train tickets from Kankakee to Carbondale
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Kankakee to Carbondale. Traveling by train from Kankakee to Carbondale usually takes 7 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can make the trip in 3 hours and 58 minutes.
| Distance | 245 mi (395 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 58m |
| Lowest price | $23.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 4 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Kankakee to Carbondale
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Kankakee to Carbondale?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Kankakee and Carbondale cost $30.48, on average. This is a great bargain given the length of the route. Booking your trip at least 26 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $13.89 more.
Average train ticket prices from Kankakee to Carbondale by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Kankakee to Carbondale is expected to fluctuate between $27 and $58 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Carbondale in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Kankakee is $28.
Average train ticket prices from Kankakee to Carbondale by month
Ticket prices for the train from Kankakee to Carbondale often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $32. If you're thinking of traveling from Kankakee to Carbondale during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $46 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Kankakee to Carbondale. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 26 days before departure, you can save around $13.89. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Kankakee to Carbondale?
There are 4 train lines with service from Kankakee to Carbondale. Amtrak is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 12h 0m | $33.93 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 3h 59m | $45.82 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 4h 20m | $37.29 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 4h 18m | $36.08 |
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 Kankakee to Carbondale every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $26.
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 Kankakee to Carbondale. 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 Kankakee to Carbondale
The distance between Kankakee and Carbondale is approximately 245 miles, or 395 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 58 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 Kankakee to Carbondale on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Kankakee at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 Carbondale. 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 Carbondale to Kankakee.
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 Kankakee?
Main departure station: 199 S East Ave
There is one train station in Kankakee.
All train stations in Kankakee:
199 S East Ave
Where is the train station in Carbondale?
Main arrival station: 401 S Illinois Ave
Carbondale has one train station.
All train stations in Carbondale:
401 S Illinois Ave
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