Bedroom
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£11
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£11
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 56 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 56 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
279 km
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 £11 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £11.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 279 km distance in an average of 2 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £11 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 27m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £11, while a coach costs an average of £40.
Distance: 279 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£11 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price | £30 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL:
A train is £29 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL costing on average £40.
Other travel options to Carbondale, IL take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 50m.
The journey is about 3m faster (2h 57m by train vs 3h 0m by car) and roughly £19 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£11 vs £30). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL trains for today, Thursday 17 September. 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 | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 57m. 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 56m.
Distance 279 km |
Average train duration 2h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 56m |
First train 1:16 |
Last train 23:34 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Compare Amtrak classes and the amenities included in each one.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need