Cheap train tickets from Memphis to Carbondale

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Memphis to Carbondale. Traveling by train from Memphis to Carbondale usually takes 4 hours and 28 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance: 184 mi (296 km)
Fastest train: 4h 28m
Lowest price: RON 129.39
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak City of New Orleans
Train lines: 1

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Memphis to Carbondale Train Schedule

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There are several train options that can take you from Memphis to Carbondale:

Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets: RON 129 one-way

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What is the price of a train ticket from Memphis to Carbondale?

In the last month, train tickets from Memphis to Carbondale cost about RON 129 when booked at the cheapest time. 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 11 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 129.87 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Memphis to Carbondale by month

Ticket prices for the train from Memphis to Carbondale often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only RON 201. If you're thinking of traveling from Memphis to Carbondale during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 302 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Memphis to Carbondale on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 129.87 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Memphis to Carbondale?

Amtrak City of New Orleans is the one and only train line which connects Memphis 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	4h 28m	RON 235.50

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 RON 235.50 for a trip from Memphis 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 about traveling by train from Memphis to Carbondale

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 Memphis. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Memphis to Carbondale for RON 259.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Memphis and Carbondale is approximately 184 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 28 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.

Distance (mi)

184

Distance (km)

296

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Memphis at 8:45 PM and arrives in Carbondale around 4 hours later.

First train

8:45pm

Last train

10:45pm

Trains from Memphis to Carbondale are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Memphis

Nestled on the bank of the Mississippi River, Memphis is a city that constantly vibes to the rhythm of the South. Audiophiles who have fallen in love with the voice of Elvis Presley will find Graceland a must-see destination during their trip. Let the voices of Johnny Cash and B. B. King guide you to the famous Sun Studio, considered the birthplace of rock ‘n roll itself. As the day comes to an end, unwind at the famous Beale Street, where top musicians started out their career, and enjoy live music at one of the local theaters. You'll meet all sorts of visitors, and see why Memphis is one of the best destinations for bachelorette parties. The street also features some of the best restaurants in town, so make sure to check those out.

Memphis is more than just a musical center of the South. It was the vibrant center of the civil rights movement, and it was here that Martin Luther King Jr. took his last breath. Travelers interested in the city’s history should definitely take a tour around the National Civil Rights Museum. The moving and surreal exhibitions will offer a wealth of new perspectives.

Memphis' principal train hub is the Memphis Central Station, which has been in service since 1914. From there, you can travel by train to cities such as Chicago, Jackson, and Baton Rouge. On the outskirts of town, you will find the Memphis International Airport, and not far from it is the main bus stop used by Greyhound and other carriers.

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 Memphis?

Main departure station: Central Station - 545 S Main St

Central Station - 545 S Main St - MEMAMT-0

Memphis Central Station is a historic train station that has served as the central hub of Memphis’ transportation since 1914. It is the only full-service Amtrak station in the state of Tennessee, and serves the City of New Orleans train line, which runs from Chicago to New Orleans. A luxury Hilton hotel is located at the station, complete with two restaurants and a bar. From the Memphis Central Station downtown, it is a quick walk to the Memphis Farmers Market, National Civil Rights Museum, and Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi River.

All train stations in Memphis:

Central Station - 545 S Main 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

Need a return trip from Carbondale to Memphis?

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