Illini & Saluki
Chicago, IL → Carbondale, IL · 309 miles · 5h 30m
309 miles
5h 30m
2x daily each way
79 mph
1
About the Illini & Saluki
Downstate Illinois' lifeline, serving the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
What makes this route worth taking
- Two daily round trips
- Serves both major downstate universities
- Reliable, inexpensive coach fares
- Connections to the City of New Orleans
Agent's tip
University move-in and finals weeks are the peaks — reserve early.
Classes of service on this route
The Illini & Saluki operates with Venture cars. Available accommodation:
This is a daytime service without sleeping accommodation. Business Class, where offered, adds seat pitch, a quieter car and usually a complimentary beverage — and on many corridor services the upgrade costs less than $40.
States and provinces served
Stations along the route
| # | Station |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago |
| 2 | Homewood |
| 3 | Kankakee |
| 4 | Gilman |
| 5 | Rantoul |
| 6 | Champaign-Urbana |
| 7 | Mattoon |
| 8 | Effingham |
| 9 | Centralia |
| 10 | Du Quoin |
| 11 | Carbondale |
Station lists reflect the principal calling pattern. Individual departures may omit stops or add seasonal calls. Schedules, equipment and station stops are set by the carrier and change without notice — confirm current details with your agent at the time of booking.
Booking the Illini & Saluki
Fares on this route move in buckets and only ever step upward, so the cheapest time to book is the moment your dates are firm. Our agents check the live reservation system, test alternative fare constructions, apply every discount you qualify for and — where the view matters — note your preferred side of the train on the reservation.
Call +1 (888) 821-4679 and describe the trip. Most bookings are confirmed inside five minutes.
