Chicago, IL, USA to Carbondale, IL, USA from $13: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Chicago to Carbondale: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$13 by trainBest price
484 kmDistance
3h 31m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Carbondale with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Chicago - Carbondale operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Carbondale, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Chicago Union Station to Carbondale
Average Duration
5h 16mEstimated price
$13-130Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Chicago Bus Station to St Louis Bus Station
Average Duration
6h 20mEstimated price
$137-85Bus from St. Louis, MO - Amtrak to Carbondale,IL - Amtrak
Average Duration
2hEstimated price
$0-0Bus from Chicago Train Station to Carbondale Train Station
Average Duration
8h 10mEstimated price
$45-110Website
contouraviation.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Marion (MWA)
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$130-131Chicago to Carbondale: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chicago and Carbondale offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from bustling Chicago to the charming town of Carbondale, covering a distance of 332 miles. The journey promises approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes of driving time, allowing you to soak in the changing landscapes of Illinois.
💸 Indulge in budget-friendly travel options as the prices to journey from Chicago to Carbondale by car range from $60 to $90. Enjoy the flexibility of a road trip, with the freedom to stop at quaint roadside diners or iconic landmarks along the way.
Average price
$60 - $90
🚆 Traveling from Chicago to Carbondale by train is a convenient option with services departing three times a day, every day. The journey typically takes approximately 5 hours and 16 minutes.
🎟️ The train route covers a distance of 309 miles with ticket prices ranging from $13 to $130. Passengers can enjoy a scenic ride through the Illinois countryside on Amtrak trains operated between Chicago Union Station and Carbondale station.
Departure Point
Chicago Union Station
Arrival Point
Carbondale station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard catering services on Amtrak's Illini and Saluki trains offer a variety of snacks and beverages, with a café car available for purchasing light meals, drinks, and snacks. Be sure to check the schedule for hours of operation as they may vary throughout the trip.
• The train services between Chicago and Carbondale typically provide two seating options: Business Class and Economy Class. Business Class offers more spacious seating, extra legroom, and priority boarding, while Economy Class is cost-effective with standard seating. Consider purchasing Business Class if you prefer a more comfortable journey.
• There are multiple operators for this route, primarily Amtrak. You can visit their website at amtrak.com for tickets and further details. Additionally, consider checking local transport schedules and connections at Carbondale on the Davidson Transportation website at davidsontrans.org
🛫 Flying from Chicago to Carbondale is a convenient option for travelers looking to reach their destination quickly. The quickest direct flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Marion Airport takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes with Corporate Flight Management Inc.
🌄 Once you arrive at Marion Airport, it is about a 30-minute drive to reach the charming city of Carbondale. The total travel time from Chicago to Carbondale by plane is approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes, offering a smooth journey for visitors.
💸 Prices for flights between Carbondale and Chicago can vary, ranging from $88 to $295 depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. With efficient flight options and reasonable fares, flying to Carbondale is a convenient and affordable choice for travelers.
Departure Point
Chicago O'Hare Airport
Arrival Point
Marion Airport
🚌 Traveling from Chicago to Carbondale by bus is a convenient option with an overnight journey of approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes operated by Greyhound USA.
🛤️ Route options vary in duration and transfers, with the quickest route taking around 5 hours and 16 minutes via the City of New Orleans train departing from Chicago Union Station directly to Carbondale, covering a distance of 309 miles.
💰 Prices for the bus ticket between Carbondale and Chicago range from $45 to $110, providing travelers with budget-friendly transportation choices for their journey through Illinois.
Departure Point
Chicago Train Station
Arrival Point
Carbondale Train Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chicago to Carbondale.
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The distance between Chicago and Carbondale is approximately 484.4 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. It takes 5 hours and 16 minutes by train, 9 hours and 15 minutes by bus and Amtrak Thruway, and 3 hours and 31 minutes by plane to reach Carbondale from Chicago. Conversely, it takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes to travel from Carbondale to Chicago by car.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chicago to Carbondale is by train, with prices ranging from $13 to $130. This mode of transportation takes approximately 5 hours and 16 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the quickest option, with a travel time of 3 hours and 31 minutes. The cost of flying ranges from $85 to $270.
The price of a train ticket between Chicago and Carbondale ranges from $13 to $130, depending on factors such as time of travel, class of service, and availability.
To get from Chicago to Carbondale without using public transportation, you can drive your own car. The distance between the two cities is around 534.3 km, and it takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Chicago to Carbondale. The prices for renting a car or using your own car may vary, but it is generally estimated to cost between $60 and $90 for the round trip.
To travel from Chicago to Carbondale without a car, the best option is by train. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 16 minutes and costs between $13 and $130. Another option is to take a combination of bus and Amtrak Thruway, which takes about 9 hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly from Chicago to Carbondale, which takes around 3 hours and 31 minutes and costs between $85 and $270.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Chicago and Carbondale. The train departs from Chicago Union Station and arrives at Carbondale, with services running three times a day. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 16 minutes. However, there is no direct bus route between the two cities, but rather a bus service with transfers in St. Louis, MO. This journey takes approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes.
The flight between Chicago and Carbondale typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary, with prices ranging from $88 to $265.
There are multiple options for accommodation near Carbondale. With over 31 hotels to choose from, visitors can find a range of options according to their preferences and budget. Prices start at $45, ensuring there are choices available for various price points.