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Trip Summary
4 trains operate daily from Little Rock to Carbondale. The train trip from Little Rock to Carbondale is usually about 23 hours and 49 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 21 hours and 56 minutes.
| Distance | 268 mi (431 km) |
| Fastest train | 21h 56m |
| Lowest price | $163.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Little Rock to Carbondale
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from Little Rock to Carbondale?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Little Rock to Carbondale. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 23h 49m | $206.67 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Little Rock to Carbondale every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $163.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Little Rock and Carbondale is approximately 268 miles, or 431 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 49 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 21 hours and 56 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.
Trains departing from Little Rock to Carbondale tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Little Rock at 11:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Carbondale to Little Rock.
City Information
Little Rock
Little Rock is the state capital of Arkansas and is famous for its history. The city itself is named after a rocky outcrop on the Arkansas River that early travelers used as a landmark.
One of the city's many attractions is the William J. Clinton Presidential Museum, which contains a replica of the Oval Office. It is also home to the Arkansas State Capitol building, built in the image of the one in Washington D.C.
The city's River Market district offers bustling stalls selling food and local products, and there are many cafes, grocery shops, and restaurants. It serves as Little Rock's downtown hub, with art galleries and the entertainment district close by, as well as the 30-acre Riverfront Park, where you can enjoy walking, cycling, and hiking.
The city has the Clinton National Airport for air travel. There's also the Amtrak Texas Eagle service stops in the city before going to cities like Chicago, San Antonio, and even Los Angeles. Bus services come from Dallas, Austin, Texarkana, New York, and more.
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 Little Rock?
Main departure station: 1400 W Markham St
There is one train station in Little Rock.
All train stations in Little Rock:
1400 W Markham 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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