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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Jackson to Carbondale. The train trip from Jackson to Carbondale is usually about 9 hours and 27 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 379 mi (610 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 27m |
| Lowest price | $88.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak City of New Orleans |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Jackson to Carbondale?
Amtrak City of New Orleans is the one and only train line which connects Jackson to Carbondale. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 9h 27m | $94.33 |
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 Jackson 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Jackson and Carbondale is approximately 379 miles, or 610 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 27 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 Jackson to Carbondale on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday 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.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Jackson at 5:00pm and arrives in Carbondale around 9 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Carbondale 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 Carbondale to Jackson.
City Information
Jackson
Image credit: Ken Lund
Link to image attributionThe City of Jackson (or just Jackson to friends) is the capital of Mississippi and the most populous city in the state. The town has fantastic museums and historical sites covering different topics, including civil rights, arts, natural sciences, and African-American culture. The Mississippi Freedom Trail runs through Jackson and displays several important historic sites in the civil rights movement. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science includes nature trails for hiking and an aquarium in a family-friendly location. Meanwhile, LeFleur's Bluff State Park & Mayes Lake is a popular spot for families and friends going fishing, camping, and golfing.
Despite the deep history, Jackson also offers a vibrant nightlife, attractions, and entertainment. In Downtown Jackson, often called the Heart of Mississippi's Metropolitan, you can explore restaurants for fine dining, sports bars, lounges, and clubs. Plus, there are art galleries and a growing number of local breweries and distilleries, like Fertile Ground and Bicentennial. Jackson is bustling with festivals, too, including antique shows, arts events, spring festivals, and the City of Jackson Holiday Parade.
Jackson offers excellent transport links within the city, with buses provided by JTRAN. In addition, you can easily visit Jackson via train service, primarily by Amtrak, or bus service by Jefferson Lines.
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 Jackson?
Main departure station: 300 W Capitol St
There is one train station in Jackson.
All train stations in Jackson:
300 W Capitol St
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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