- Recommended
University Museum, Southern Illinois University
Regional art museum on the SIU campus with changing exhibitions and a strong focus on modern and contemporary art.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £11.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 3 trains from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 279 km distance in an average of 2 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 54 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 56 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.

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Trains from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:16, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 279 km distance in 2h 47m.
Distance 279 km |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 1:16 |
Last train 23:34 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL.
The table below shows live departures for Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 15:49 Champaign, IL | 2h56 | 18:45 Carbondale, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 16:49 Champaign, IL | 2h56 | 19:45 Carbondale, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 2 November | |||||
![]() | 3:55 Champaign, IL | 2h54 | 6:49 Carbondale, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Carbondale, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carbondale, IL trip today.
Regional art museum on the SIU campus with changing exhibitions and a strong focus on modern and contemporary art.
Community arts venue with exhibitions, events and local creative programming in downtown Carbondale.
Academic museum featuring rotating displays in art, material culture and campus-related history in a compact gallery setting.
Large university campus with broad walks, public art and landmark buildings; ideal for a self-guided stroll.
Lively main district with shops, murals, events and easy walking between stations, venues and local businesses.
Wooded recreation area with trails, campsites and lake access just outside the city, favoured for hiking and scenery.
A Southern Illinois speciality: smoked pork shoulder or ribs cooked low and slow, reflecting the region’s strong barbecue tradition.
Fried channel catfish is a long-standing regional favourite, often served with hush puppies and slaw, tied to local river food traditions.
A local tavern classic of breaded pork tenderloin, usually pounded thin and fried, popular across downstate Illinois.
Long-running student-area institution known for giant burgers, pizza and a lively casual pub atmosphere.
Refined New American restaurant and wine bar with seasonal dishes and a polished yet approachable atmosphere.
Popular barbecue spot serving smoked meats, hearty sides and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Moderate for a small US college town: hotels can rise on event weekends, but everyday dining and local transport are usually manageable for visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis if no service charge, and $1-2 for café drinks is appreciated.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Carbondale, IL.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, 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 Carbondale, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL trains use the Champaign-Urbana Station to Carbondale Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Champaign, IL and Carbondale, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Champaign-Urbana Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Big Grove Tavern, Ko Fusion
Ticket office support is available at Champaign-Urbana Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Champaign-Urbana Station.
Available at Champaign-Urbana Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Champaign-Urbana Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Champaign-Urbana Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana, I Hotel and Conference Center, Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/ Urbana.
Carbondale Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Carbondale Station.
Ticket office support is available at Carbondale Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Carbondale Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carbondale Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Check train stations information for Champaign, IL and Carbondale, IL, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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