5.0
Pros: Not too crowded. Cons: No more masked. End this joke. Tips: No.
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Trip Summary
3 trains operate daily from Homewood to Carbondale. The train trip from Homewood to Carbondale is usually about 4 hours and 42 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 27 minutes.
| Distance | 277 mi (446 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 27m |
| Lowest price | $29.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak City of New Orleans |
| Train lines | 4 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Homewood to Carbondale
(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Homewood to Carbondale?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Homewood to Carbondale was $38.50. This is an excellent price given the length of the route. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $35.96 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly avg. prices
Mark your calendar for September if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Homewood to Carbondale. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $39. If you're planning a trip from Homewood to Carbondale during November, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $62 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Homewood to Carbondale, book online with Wanderu at least 13 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $35.96 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Homewood to Carbondale?
There are 4 train lines with service from Homewood to Carbondale. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 4h 49m | $29.75 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 4h 28m | $50.69 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 4h 49m | $68.83 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 4h 49m | $66.03 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Homewood to Carbondale every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $29.
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 Homewood 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.
Since 1973, Amtrak's Illini Service has provided reliable train transportation to 11 Illinois cities. The Illini operates as an evening commuter train from Chicago to Carbondale, while its sister train, the Amtrak Saluki, runs the morning route. Commuters rely on this service as a safe and convenient transportation option every day. Each train offers WiFi and power outlets, plus a cafe car and business class seating. Illini trains meet the highest federal standard for reducing emissions, with up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions.
Since its inception in 2006, the Amtrak Saluki line has offered daily train trips between Chicago and Carbondale. The Amtrak Saluki operates along 500 kilometers of railroad, stopping at numerous midwestern towns like Kankakee, Rantoul, and Effingham. The trains on this line are equipped with onboard WiFi, power outlets, air conditioning, and a cafe car, with the option to upgrade to business class seating. This line is known for using trains that produce 90% fewer carbon emissions than other trains, meaning that your trip is green as well as convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Homewood to Carbondale. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Homewood and Carbondale is approximately 277 miles, or 446 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 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.
Trains from Homewood to Carbondale are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Homewood at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Homewood to Carbondale.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Carbondale to Homewood.
City Information
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 Homewood?
Main departure station: 18015 Park Ave
There is one train station in Homewood.
All train stations in Homewood:
18015 Park 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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