Cheap train tickets from Mattoon to Effingham
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Mattoon to Effingham. Traveling by train from Mattoon to Effingham usually takes 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Saluki train can make the trip in 23 minutes.
| Distance | 27 mi (43 km) |
| Fastest train | 23m |
| Lowest price | $3.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak City of New Orleans |
| Train lines | 3 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Mattoon to Effingham Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Mattoon to Effingham:
- Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets: $6 one-way
- Amtrak Illini Service tickets: $3 one-way
- Amtrak Saluki tickets: $3 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Mattoon to Effingham?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Mattoon to Effingham was $3.00. 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 2 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $1.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Mattoon to Effingham by month
Taking the train from Mattoon to Effingham usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $5 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Mattoon to Effingham 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 Mattoon to Effingham?
There are 3 train lines with service from Mattoon to Effingham. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 24m | $6.00 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 24m | $3.00 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 23m | $3.00 |
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 $6 for a trip from Mattoon to Effingham. 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 Mattoon to Effingham
The distance between Mattoon and Effingham is approximately 27 miles, or 43 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 23 minutes. It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to Effingham.
Distance (mi)
27
Distance (km)
43
The earliest train departs Mattoon at 11:33am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:36pm. 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
11:33am
Last train
9:36pm
Trains from Mattoon to Effingham are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Tuesday
Station Information
Where is the train station in Mattoon?
Main departure station: 1718 Broadway Ave
There is one train station in Mattoon.
All train stations in Mattoon:
- 1718 Broadway Ave
Where is the train station in Effingham?
Main arrival station: 401 W National Ave
Effingham has one train station.
All train stations in Effingham:
- 401 W National Ave
Need a return trip from Effingham to Mattoon?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.