The cheapest and fastest trains from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL
Cheapest price
$15
Average price
$15
Fastest journey
2 h 59 m
Average duration
2 h 59 m
Trains per day
1
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
Of the 1 trains that leave Champaign, IL for Carbondale, IL on Fri, May 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 08 the direct trains cover the 279 km distance in an average of 2 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 59 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest trains will take 2 h 59 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.
12:36 AM2h59Champaign, IL3:35 AMCarbondale, IL$151One-way0 transfers
12:36 AM2h59Champaign, IL3:35 AMCarbondale, IL$151One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL
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 prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, and a bus costs an average of $15.
Distance: 173 miles (279 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price Cheapest | $56 Average price | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m 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 $41 (€33) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL costing on average $56 (€45).
Other travel options to Carbondale, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 50m.
The journey is about 4m faster (2h 56m by train vs 3h 0m by car) and roughly $26 (€21) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($15 (€12) vs $41 (€33)). 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.
Live departures
Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:36 AM Champaign, IL | 2h59 | 3:35 AM Carbondale, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL
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 $14 (€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 173 miles (279 km) distance in 2h 56m.
Distance 173 miles (279 km) |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 56m |
First train 1:16 AM |
Last train 11:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 63 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Champaign, IL and Carbondale, IL from $14 (€11). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Champaign, IL to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Big Grove Tavern
- Ko Fusion
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana
- I Hotel and Conference Center
- Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/ Urbana
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station includes an enclosed waiting area and serves as an intermodal passenger transport center.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Intercity bus services
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- Located in the main hall
- The station is an enclosed waiting area without Wi-Fi.
- Bus: Several local bus lines available
Most popular train connections from Champaign, IL
More options for your journey from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL
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