Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri, Sep 18
+ Add return
Amtrak
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

Cheapest price on Sep 18

€72

Average ticket price on Sep 18

€85

Fastest journey on Sep 18

5 h 30 m

Average journey duration on Sep 18

5 h 30 m

Trains on Sep 18

2

Distance

478 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around €85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €72.

Fast trains

On Fri, Sep 18, we found 2 trains from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL, including 2 direct services.

On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 478 km distance in an average of 5 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .

On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 5 h 30 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.

  • Amtrak390
    7:30 AM5h30
    Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
    1:00 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    721One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak392
    4:15 PM5h30
    Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
    9:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    991One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €42, while a bus costs an average of €75.

Distance: 478 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€42

Average price

Cheapest

€75

Average price

6h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 10m

Average total duration

9h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL is a train with an average price of €42.

This is compared to other travel options from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL:

A train is €32 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL costing on average €75.

The fastest way to travel from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL is by train with an average journey time of 5h 37m.

Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:

Bus takes on average 9h 40m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Carbondale, IL and Chicago, IL including taking a train and bus.

Live departures

Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak58 · 3901:18 AM Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
11h42
1:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer
Amtrak581:18 AM Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
5h57
7:15 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect
Amtrak3907:30 AM Carbondale station, Carbondale, IL
5h30
1:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Carbondale, IL to Chicago, 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.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

Journey information

Overview: Train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €27 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 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
478 km
Average train duration
5h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
€27
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
5h 30m
First train
1:16 AM
Last train
9:05 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
1 day
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 Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Carbondale, IL and Chicago, IL from €27. 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 Amtrak Duration
5h 30m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
€27
Amtrak frequency
2 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 Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL can start from as little as €27 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL is €42; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL is 5h 30m to travel the 478 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 1:16 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL leaves at 9:05 PM.
Yes,there are 3 direct trains a day from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL, you can count on Amtrak for the best way to get you to Chicago, IL. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Carbondale, IL and Chicago, IL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Carbondale, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Carbondale, IL and Chicago, IL including taking a train and bus.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL

Most Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL trains use the Carbondale Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Carbondale, IL and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Carbondale
Arrival train stations in Chicago

Which Carbondale, IL station do trains to Chicago, IL leave from?

Trains from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL leave from Carbondale Station. The station is from Carbondale, IL city centre at 401 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA.
Carbondale Station401 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA+1 800-872-7245ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Carbondale Station from Carbondale city centre

BusSeveral local bus lines available

Carbondale Station train station facilities and services

Carbondale Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Carbondale Station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Carbondale Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Carbondale Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Carbondale Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

More options for your journey from Carbondale, IL to Chicago, IL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, ILCarbondale, IL to Chicago, IL train

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