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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Mattoon to Kankakee. The train trip from Mattoon to Kankakee is usually about one hour and 54 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can get you there in as little as one hour and 48 minutes.
| Distance | 116 mi (187 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 48m |
| Lowest price | $16.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Illini Service |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from Mattoon to Kankakee
- Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets: $16 one-way
- Amtrak Illini Service tickets: $16 one-way
- Amtrak Saluki tickets: $19 one-way
Which train should you take from Mattoon to Kankakee?
There are 3 train lines with service from Mattoon to Kankakee. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 1h 49m | $22.14 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 1h 55m | $26.80 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 1h 58m | $31.29 |
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 Mattoon to Kankakee. 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
Trains from Mattoon to Kankakee 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Mattoon at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Mattoon twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Kankakee with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Kankakee to Mattoon.
City Information
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 Kankakee?
Main arrival station: 199 S East Ave
Kankakee has one train station.
All train stations in Kankakee:
199 S East Ave
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