The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL
Cheapest price
$157
Average price
$273
Fastest journey
5 h 44 m
Average duration
10 h 41 m
Trains per day
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL will cost around $273 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $157.
Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Carbondale, IL on Mon, Dec 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 01 the direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 10 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 44 m .
On Mon, Dec 01 the slowest trains will take 15 h 10 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.
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK
59 City Of New Orleans
21 Texas Eagle · 8359 AMTRAK
59 City Of New Orleans
21 Texas Eagle · 8359 AMTRAK
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAKTravel Information
Compare train and bus 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 prices starting from €25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 27m. 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 €25, and a bus costs an average of €38.
Distance: 297 miles (478 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€51 Average price Cheapest | €69 Average price |
5h 57m Average total duration Fastest 5h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 0m Average total duration 15h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL trains for today, Sunday, November 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:15 PM Chicago, IL | 5h30 | 6:45 PM Carbondale, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:52 PM Chicago, IL | 11h08 | 6:00 AM Carbondale, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:05 PM Chicago, IL | 5h30 | 2:35 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 Chicago, IL to Carbondale, 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.
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
Dec 06
Dec 07
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL
Trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) if you book in advance.
There are 3 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 30m.
Distance 297 miles (478 km) |
Average train duration 5h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 30m |
First train 01:16 |
Last train 21:05 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Carbondale, IL from $31 (€25). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 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 Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL
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