Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri, Dec 19
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Dec 23

Cheapest price

$87

Average price

$140

Fastest journey

5 h 30 m

Average duration

9 h 1 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

478 km

Cheap tickets

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 traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Carbondale, IL for Chicago, IL on Tue, Dec 23, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 23 the direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 9 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .

On Tue, Dec 23 the slowest trains will take 18 h 27 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.

Amtrak58 City Of New Orleans · 390 Saluki
03:18AM9h42
Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
01:00PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$871One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak58 City Of New Orleans · 392 Illini
03:18AM18h27
Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
09:45PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$871One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak392 Illini
04:15PM5h30
Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
09:45PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$1201One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak390 Saluki
07:30AM5h30
Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
01:00PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$1201One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak58 City Of New Orleans
03:18AM5h57
Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
09:15AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$2861One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus 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 €31. 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 €31, and a bus costs an average of €43.

Distance: 297 miles (478 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€48

Average price

Cheapest

€71

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

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

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, Monday, December 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 1:13 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak9:15 PM Carbondale, IL
5h30
2:45 AM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, December 23
amtrak58 City Of New Orleans9:18 AM Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
5h57
3:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect
amtrak58 City Of New Orleans · 390 Saluki9:18 AM Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
9h42
7:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer
amtrak58 City Of New Orleans · 392 Illini9:18 AM Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
18h27
3:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer

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 bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Tue
Dec 30
Wed
Dec 31
Sat
Jan 03
Sun
Jan 04

Why should you book Carbondale to Chicago trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Carbondale to Chicago. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Carbondale to Chicago.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Carbondale to Chicago.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL

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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 $38 (€31) 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 297 miles (478 km) distance in 5h 9m.

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
297 miles (478 km)
Average train duration
5h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
$38 (€31)
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
5h 9m
First train
01:16
Last train
21:05
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 Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Carbondale, IL and Chicago, IL from $38 (€31). 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 Duration
5h 30m
Cheapest Price
$33 (€26)
Amtrak frequency
3 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

FAQs: Trains from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL

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.

FAQs
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
The train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL takes 5h 9m and runs 4 per day.
The distance by train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL is 297 miles (478 km).
The last train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 9:05 PM.
The train station in Carbondale, IL that goes to Chicago, IL is Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL.
There is no high speed train available from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL.
A day trip from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 9m and the distance is 297 miles (478 km). There are 4 train trips per day.
The train journey from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL offers a mix of scenic views, including picturesque landscapes of rural Illinois, charming small towns, and expansive farmlands, particularly enjoyable in the daylight hours.
Train ticket prices from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $38 (€31), while the average price is around $60 (€48).
The cheapest way to get from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL is by train, with a cost of around $38 (€31).
The first train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 1:16 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL

Carbondale
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Carbondale is Carbondale Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Carbondale Station for your trip from Carbondale to Chicago.
Carbondale StationParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Station Plan
  • The station is an enclosed waiting area without Wi-Fi.
Public transit options for Carbondale Station
  • Bus: Several local bus lines available

Most popular train connections from Carbondale, IL

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, ILCarbondale, IL to Chicago, IL train

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