- Recommended
University Museum, Southern Illinois University
University museum with rotating art, history, and science exhibitions. A practical stop for learning about the region and campus culture.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$63
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$63
Fastest journey on Sep 19
15 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
15 h 10 m
Trains on Sep 19
1
Distance
433 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Joliet, 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 Joliet, IL to Carbondale, IL will cost around $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 trains from Joliet, IL to Carbondale, IL, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 433 km distance in an average of 15 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 15 h 10 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Joliet, IL to Carbondale, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $92 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 7h 6m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $92, while a train costs an average of $92.
Distance: 269 miles (433 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$92 Average price Cheapest | $63 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
7h 6m Average total duration Fastest 6h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $92 compared to roughly $63 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.08. The journey takes 6h 36m versus 4h 52m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Joliet, IL to Carbondale, IL trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:05 PM Joliet, IL | 9h55 | 7:00 AM Carbondale, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
![]() | 4:39 PM Joliet, IL | 15h10 | 7:49 AM Carbondale, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Joliet, IL to Carbondale, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:16, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 269 miles (433 km) distance in 6h 31m.
Distance 269 miles (433 km) |
Average train duration 6h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 6h 31m |
First train 3:16 AM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Carbondale, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carbondale, IL trip today.
University museum with rotating art, history, and science exhibitions. A practical stop for learning about the region and campus culture.
Campus art museum showing contemporary and historical works in curated exhibitions. Worth visiting for accessible regional and academic art programming.
Student-focused gallery presenting changing exhibitions by local and visiting artists. A smaller venue that offers a fresh look at current creative work.
Large community park with a lake, walking paths, playgrounds, and open lawns. It is one of Carbondale’s best all-purpose outdoor spaces.
Downtown main street corridor with shops, events, murals, and easy walking access to local culture. A practical area for exploring the city center.
Wooded university nature area with short trails and wildlife viewing. It offers a calm walking break close to campus and central Carbondale.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Joliet, 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.

Most Joliet, IL to Carbondale, IL trains use the Joliet Station to Carbondale Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Joliet, IL and Carbondale, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Joliet Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Joliet Station.
Ticket office support is available at Joliet Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Joliet Station.
Available at Joliet Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Joliet Station.
Carbondale Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Carbondale Station.
Ticket office support is available at Carbondale Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Carbondale Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carbondale Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need