- 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.
Trains from Memphis, TN to Carbondale, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 (€42) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:26, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 183 miles (296 km) distance in 4h 28m.
Distance 183 miles (296 km) |
Average train duration 4h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€42) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 28m |
First train 1:26 AM |
Last train 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 14 days |
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.
A Southern Illinois specialty: hickory-smoked pork shoulder, chopped or sliced, prized for slow cooking and tangy regional barbecue sauces.
Traditional Midwestern catfish, usually cornmeal-coated and fried. It reflects the region's river foodways and is common at local fish houses and suppers.
A classic county-fair treat of battered and fried sweet corn kernels. Popular across Southern Illinois as a seasonal snack and side.
Popular local cafe serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch with a cozy, artsy feel and a strong following in central Carbondale.
Long-running brewpub known for house beers, pizza, burgers, and a lively downtown atmosphere popular with locals and students.
Casual Southern-style spot known for smoked meats, barbecue plates, and hearty comfort food in an easygoing setting.
Moderate for the US Midwest; hotels can rise on event weekends, but dining and local transport are usually lower than in major US tourist cities.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and tipping is optional but appreciated at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN to Carbondale, IL trains use the Memphis Central Station to Carbondale Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Memphis, TN and Carbondale, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Memphis Central Station is 2 km from Memphis city centre. Public transport options include:
Memphis Central Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Central BBQ, Arcade Restaurant
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Memphis Central Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Memphis Central Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Memphis Central Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Memphis Central Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Memphis Central Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hotel Napoleon, The Peabody Memphis.
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