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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Oklahoma City to Carbondale. Traveling by train from Oklahoma City to Carbondale usually takes 39 hours and 41 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 37 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 486 mi (782 km) |
| Fastest train | 37h 10m |
| Lowest price | $231.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Oklahoma City to Carbondale?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Oklahoma City to Carbondale. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 1d 15h 41m | $293.33 |
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 Oklahoma City to Carbondale every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $231.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Oklahoma City and Carbondale is approximately 486 miles, or 782 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 39 hours and 41 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 37 hours and 10 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 Oklahoma City to Carbondale on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Oklahoma City at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00am. 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 Oklahoma City twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Carbondale to Oklahoma City.
City Information
Oklahoma City
Often overlooked by travelers, Oklahoma City features a treasure trove of fun and quirky little secrets that will keep you enchanted. Among the city’s most famous attractions is the Museum of Osteology, which is one of the only two osteology museums in North America. Featuring more than 300 complete skeletons, as well as 400 different skulls, the museum is a unique experience that will leave you pleasantly satisfied. For those interested in the city’s history and its Western heritage, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum offers deep insights into the period.
After a day of exploring the city’s many museums, unwind at Bricktown, which offers some of the best entertainment establishments and eateries in town. Oklahoma City boasts a large population of Vietnamese Americans, and one of the best spots to try out amazing pho noodles is at Pho Ca Dao, a local favorite. In case you want to enjoy the most authentically Oklahoman dishes, try Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the city.
Travelers can catch a bus from several different places in the city depending on the carrier you are traveling with. For train travelers, the Oklahoma City Amtrak station is located right in the heart of downtown making it easily accessible. The city is served by two airports: the Will Rogers World Airport, which is located 6 miles southwest of Downtown, and the Wiley Post Airport, seven miles northwest of the central business district.
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 Oklahoma City?
Image credit: Nicolas Henderson
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 100 S EK Gaylord Blvd
The Oklahoma City Amtrak Station, also known as the historic Santa Fe Depot, is a stunning Art Deco building designed and built in 1934. Oklahoma City is the origin point for Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer train to Fort Worth, where travelers can connect to other Amtrak trains in the nation’s largest passenger rail network. The station has a few vending machines, restrooms, and a seating area where you may spot a few heads craned back to admire the intricate geometric mosaics on the ceiling. Located in the Bricktown neighborhood of downtown OKC, the station is within walking distance to Paycom Center (home of the NBA’s Oklahoma Thunder) and Bricktown Ballpark (home of the MLB’s OKC Dodgers).
All train stations in Oklahoma City:
100 S EK Gaylord Blvd
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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