The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
10 h 22 m
Trains per day
5
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 $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 5 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Carbondale, IL on Sun, May 31, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 10 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest trains will take 17 h 34 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.
9:05 PM5h30Chicago, IL2:35 AMCarbondale, IL$491One-way0 transfers
11:05 PM5h44Chicago, IL4:49 AMCarbondale, IL$491One-way0 transfers
2:15 PM17h34Chicago, IL7:49 AMCarbondale, IL$511One-way0 transfers
1:15 PM17h34Chicago, IL6:49 AMCarbondale, IL$581One-way0 transfers
10:05 PM5h30Chicago, IL3:35 AMCarbondale, IL$691One-way0 transfers
10:05 PM5h30Chicago, IL3:35 AMCarbondale, IL$691One-way0 transfers
9:05 PM5h30Chicago, IL2:35 AMCarbondale, IL$491One-way0 transfers
11:05 PM5h44Chicago, IL4:49 AMCarbondale, IL$491One-way0 transfers
2:15 PM17h34Chicago, IL7:49 AMCarbondale, IL$511One-way0 transfers
1:15 PM17h34Chicago, IL6:49 AMCarbondale, IL$581One-way0 transfers
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 $30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 29m. 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 $30, and a bus costs an average of $43.
Distance: 297 miles (478 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$55 Average price Cheapest | $110 Average price | $69 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL:
A train is $55 (€44) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL costing on average $110 (€89).
Other travel options to Carbondale, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 15m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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, Saturday, May 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 | 17h34 | 6:49 AM Carbondale, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:05 PM Chicago, IL | 5h30 | 2:35 AM Carbondale, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:05 PM Chicago, IL | 5h30 | 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 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.
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
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 7 times per day, taking around 5h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) 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 297 miles (478 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 297 miles (478 km) |
Average train duration 5h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 30m |
First train 1:16 AM |
Last train 8:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Carbondale, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Carbondale, IL from $30 (€24). 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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