The cheapest and fastest trains from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
£43
Average price
£58
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
6 h 55 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
478 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £43.
Of the 3 trains that leave Carbondale, IL for Chicago, IL every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 6 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
The slowest trains will take 9 h 44 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £28, and a coach costs an average of £40.
Distance: 478 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£44 Average Price Cheapest | £65 Average Price |
6h 5m Average total duration Fastest 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 10m Average total duration 9h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
58 City Of New Orleans | 09:18 Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL | 5h57 | 15:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
58 City Of New Orleans · 392 Illini | 09:18 Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL | 18h27 | 03:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 change | |
392 Illini | 22:15 Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL | 5h30 | 03:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
21 Dec
22 Dec
23 Dec
24 Dec
25 Dec
26 Dec
27 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL
Trains from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:16, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 478 km distance in 5h 9m.
Distance 478 km |
Average train duration 5h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 9m |
First train 01:16 |
Last train 21:05 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Carbondale, IL and Chicago, IL from £28. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Carbondale, IL and Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- Located in the main hall
- The station is an enclosed waiting area without Wi-Fi.
- Bus: Several local bus lines available
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
More options for your journey from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL
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