- Must visit
National Civil Rights Museum
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
7 h 6 m
Average duration
7 h 6 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
504 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Mattoon, IL to Memphis, TN is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Mattoon, IL to Memphis, TN will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Of the 2 trains that leave Mattoon, IL for Memphis, TN on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 504 km distance in an average of 7 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 6 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 7 h 6 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 Mattoon, IL to Memphis, TN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $413.
Distance: 313 miles (504 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$82 Average price Cheapest | $489 Average price | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 38m Average total duration Fastest 7h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 39m Average total duration 10h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Mattoon, IL to Memphis, TN:
A train is $407 (€332) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Mattoon, IL to Memphis, TN costing on average $489 (€399).
Other travel options to Memphis, TN take longer:
Flight takes on average 10h 39m.
Tickets start at around $82 (€67) compared to roughly $71 (€58) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-11.09 (€-9.05). The journey takes 7h 8m versus 5h 2m 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 Mattoon, IL to Memphis, TN trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:36 AM Mattoon, IL | 7h06 | 11:42 AM Memphis, TN | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:36 AM Mattoon, IL | 7h06 | 12:42 PM Memphis, TN | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and flight 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 Mattoon, IL to Memphis, TN run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 22:40, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 313 miles (504 km) distance in 7h 6m.
Distance 313 miles (504 km) |
Average train duration 7h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 7h 6m |
First train 10:40 PM |
Last train 11:36 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Memphis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Memphis trip today.
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Museum on the original Stax Records site, celebrating soul music legends and the label’s deep connection to Memphis. A favorite for music fans and culture-focused visitors.
Smithsonian-affiliated museum telling the story of Memphis music, from rural roots to the rise of rock and soul. Compact, well-curated, and easy to pair with Beale Street.
Memphis’s most famous entertainment street, known for live music, neon signs, and deep blues heritage. A core stop for first-time visitors day or night.
Walkable downtown district with galleries, restored buildings, murals, and a more local feel than Beale Street. Popular for photography and casual exploring.
Huge urban park with lakes, trails, open space, and outdoor recreation. One of the best green spaces in Memphis for families, walkers, and cyclists.
Slow-smoked pork ribs, usually served dry-rubbed or lightly sauced. They are one of Memphis’s signature barbecue specialties.
Chopped or pulled smoked pork piled on a bun, often topped with slaw. It is a classic everyday Memphis barbecue order.
Memphis barbecue famous for a spice rub applied before smoking rather than heavy sauce. It highlights the city’s pit-smoking tradition.
Established upscale downtown restaurant offering tasting flights, refined New American dishes, and a polished atmosphere.
Beloved local barbecue spot celebrated for ribs, pulled pork, and barbecue spaghetti in an unfussy traditional atmosphere.
Popular long-running barbecue restaurant known for Memphis-style ribs, pulled pork, and smoked wings in a lively casual setting.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than in larger coastal cities, though tourist areas and live music venues cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis or tip 10-15%, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mattoon, IL to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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