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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Sept
Cheapest price on 12 Sept
£43
Average ticket price on 12 Sept
£69
Fastest journey on 12 Sept
5 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 12 Sept
6 h 40 m
Trains on 12 Sept
7
Distance
478 km
Cheap tickets
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 £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £43.
Fast trains
On Sat 12 Sept, we found 7 trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 6 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
The slowest trains will take 8 h 50 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.
393 Illini16:055h30Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL21:35Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL£431One-way0 changes- 393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans16:057h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL23:49Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL£521One-way1 change
- 59 City Of New Orleans18:055h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL23:49Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL£521One-way0 changes
- 391 Saluki · 59 City Of New Orleans8:1515h34Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL23:49Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL£581One-way1 change
- 391 Saluki8:155h30Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL13:45Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL£771One-way0 changes
- 391 Saluki8:155h30Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL13:45Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL£771One-way0 changes
- 393 Illini16:055h30Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL21:35Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL£431One-way0 changes
- 59 City Of New Orleans18:055h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL23:49Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL£521One-way0 changes
- 393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans16:057h44Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL23:49Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL£521One-way1 change
- 21 Texas Eagle · 8359 AMTRAK14:108h50Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL23:00Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL£1061One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £36 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 59m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £36, while a coach costs an average of £57.
Distance: 478 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£36 Average Price Cheapest | £57 Average Price | £51 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 59m Average total duration Fastest 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 45m Average total duration 8h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL is a train with an average price of £36.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL:
A train is £22 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL costing on average £57.
The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL is by train with an average journey time of 5h 29m.
Other travel options to Carbondale, IL take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 15m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Carbondale, IL including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £36 compared to roughly £51 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £15. The journey takes 5h 29m versus 4h 49m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL trains for today, Friday 11 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 393 Illini | 16:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h30 | 21:35 Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
| 393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans | 16:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 7h44 | 23:49 Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL | 1 change | |
| 59 City Of New Orleans | 18:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h44 | 23:49 Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 12 September | |||||
| 391 Saluki · 59 City Of New Orleans | 8:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 15h34 | 23:49 Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL | 1 change | |
| 391 Saluki | 8:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 5h30 | 13:45 Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
| 319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK | 9:50 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 13h10 | 23:00 Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL | 1 change | |
| 21 Texas Eagle · 8359 AMTRAK | 14:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 8h50 | 23:00 Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Carbondale, 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.
Sat
12 Sept
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
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18 Sept
18 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL
USAUSA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 29m. 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 30m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 478 km |
Average train duration 5h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 30m |
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 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Carbondale, IL from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Amtrak Duration
5h 30m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£22
Amtrak frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Carbondale, IL from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Amtrak Duration
5h 30m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£22
Amtrak frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone
What's included in each class
Compare Amtrak classes and the amenities included in each one.
Business Class Seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Meals to buy
- Snacks to buy
- WC
Business Travel Roomette
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Coach Lower Level Seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Meals to buy
- Snacks to buy
Coach Reserved Seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Meals to buy
- Snacks to buy
Coach Seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Coach Unreserved Seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Meals to buy
- Snacks to buy
Family Bedroom
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Superliner Roomette
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Viewliner Roomette
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
FAQs: Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL train
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £36.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL covers a distance of 478 km and takes approximately 5h 30m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL is 478 km.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL leaves at 1:16.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL departs at 20:05.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago, IL and Carbondale, IL. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Carbondale, IL is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, and it arrives at Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL is by train, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL offers a scenic experience with views of the rolling countryside, small towns, and glimpses of the Mississippi River along the way, providing a pleasant and picturesque ride through Illinois.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL is not feasible due to a journey duration of 5h 30m each way and a distance of 478 km. However, there are 5 train trips available per day.
For Carbondale, IL, a two to three-day visit is typically sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Southern Illinois University campus, local parks, and the Shawnee National Forest.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chicago, IL and Carbondale, IL
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.
Departure train stations in Chicago
Arrival train stations in Carbondale
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Carbondale, IL leave from?
Trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL leave from Union Station. The station is 3 km from Chicago, IL city centre at 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA.
Union Station225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA+1 800-872-7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus28, 151 · 7m · £3 · every ~13 min
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Which Carbondale, IL station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL most often arrive at Carbondale Station. Some services arrive at Du Quoin Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Carbondale, IL arrival station.
Carbondale Station401 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA+1 800-872-7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Carbondale Station from Carbondale city centre
BusSeveral local bus lines available
Carbondale Station train station facilities and services
Carbondale Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Carbondale Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carbondale Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carbondale Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carbondale Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carbondale, IL and Chicago, IL
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