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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Houston to Carbondale. Traveling by train from Houston to Carbondale usually takes 34 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 32 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 654 mi (1052 km) |
| Fastest train | 32h 30m |
| Lowest price | £176.17 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Houston to Carbondale
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Houston to Carbondale?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Houston 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 10h 23m | £198.59 |
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 Houston to Carbondale every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £176.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Houston and Carbondale is approximately 654 miles, or 1052 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 34 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 32 hours and 30 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Houston to Carbondale. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Houston at 1:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. 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 Houston 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 Houston.
City Information
Houston
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial center in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best vacation destinations.
As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main bus and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.
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 Houston?
Image credit: Bill Bradford
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 902 Washington Ave
The Amtrak Station on Washington Avenue is a key stop on the Sunset Limited train route that runs from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Restrooms, vending machines, and checked baggage services are available inside the waiting room of the station. There is also plenty of free same-day and overnight parking onsite. Downtown Houston is within a quick walk, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the nearby Theater District, Civic Center, and Skyline District.
All train stations in Houston:
902 Washington Ave
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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