- 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.
Cheapest price on 28 Oct
£22
Average ticket price on 28 Oct
£29
Fastest journey on 28 Oct
5 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 28 Oct
13 h 33 m
Trains on 28 Oct
3
Distance
478 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
On Wed 28 Oct, we found 3 trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 13 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
The slowest trains will take 17 h 34 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.






Trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:16, the last at 20:05. The fastest train covers the 478 km distance in 5h 16m.
Distance 478 km |
Average train duration 5h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 16m |
First train 1:16 |
Last train 20:05 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL trains for today, Tuesday 27 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 21:05 Chicago, IL | 9h44 | 6:49 Carbondale, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 22:05 Chicago, IL | 9h44 | 7:49 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 Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL trains use the Union Station to Carbondale Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Carbondale, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
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 Chicago, IL and Carbondale, IL, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need