Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL train with Amtrak

Sat, Nov 29
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL

Showing times and prices for Dec 01

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

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 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.

Fast trains

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.

Amtrak319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8359 AMTRAK
09:50AM15h10
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
01:00AMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL
$1571One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak59 City Of New Orleans
08:05PM5h44
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
01:49AMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL
$2291One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 8359 AMTRAK
01:52PM11h08
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
01:00AMCarbondale station, Carbondale, IL
$4331One-way
1 transfer

Travel 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

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

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.

Last updated at 1:45 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak1:15 PM Chicago, IL
5h30
6:45 PM Carbondale, IL0 transfersDirect
amtrak6:52 PM Chicago, IL
11h08
6:00 AM Carbondale, IL0 transfersDirect
amtrak9:05 PM Chicago, IL
5h30
2:35 AM Carbondale, IL0 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.

Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06
Sun
Dec 07

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL?

The best time to book your train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL is 21 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

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.

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 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
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 $31 (€25). 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 (€27)
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 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $31 (€25), while the average price is around $63 (€51).
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL is not feasible as the travel duration is 5h 30m. Trains run 5 times per day over the 297 miles (478 km) distance.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL is by train, with a cost of around $31 (€25).
The train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL takes 5h 30m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL leaves at 1:16 AM.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL leaves at 9:05 PM.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
For a fulfilling visit to Carbondale, IL, two to three days are usually sufficient to explore local attractions such as the Shawnee National Forest, Southern Illinois University campus, and nearby wineries.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. As the train departs from Chicago, passengers can enjoy views of the bustling cityscape. Further along, the route transitions into the scenic countryside of Illinois, with glimpses of farmland, small towns, and wooded areas, providing a pleasant and varied visual experience.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL is 297 miles (478 km).
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Carbondale, IL is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL

Chicago
Carbondale
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Carbondale.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Carbondale, ILChicago, IL to Carbondale, IL train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone