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The Amtrak Carl Sandburg is a regional train that provides daily service between Chicago, IL, and Quincy, IL. The trip covers 258 miles and allows passengers to board or disembark at any of the intermediate stops. This train offers a comfortable and convenient ride through the heart of Illinois.

You can take other trains, such as the Illinois Zephyr that makes the same stops, or these long-distance trains, Southwest Chief and California Zephyr routes. Note that the Chief and Zephyr do not make all of the same stops.

Amtrak’s Carl Sandburg overview

• Accommodations
  • Business class
  • Coach class
• This train provides free Wi-Fi.
• There is a Cafe car on this train for food service.
• Add-ons for this train
  • You can add on golf clubs, along with your bike and pet!
• Like all Amtrak trains, you cannot smoke or vape any product on this or any Amtrak train.
• Check out the Amtrak Carl Sandburg schedule

Amtrak Carl Sandburg Accommodations

Amtrak offers two different accommodations on Amtrak’s Carl Sanburg.

Coach seating

The Carl Sandburg offers coach seating with:

• Fold-down tray
• Individual reading lights
• 120v grounded (three-prong) electric outlets that are on the wall.
• There are restrooms and trash receptacles in each car.
• If you bring luggage aboard,
  • There are overhead shelves.
  • Racks at the end of the coach car.

Business class

Business class includes extra legroom, a comfortable seat, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. On this train, business class is usually part of the cafe car.

Additionally, business class customers receive a 25% bonus on Amtrak Guest Rewards points, and if you are leaving Chicago as a business class passenger, purchase a day pass to use the lounge!

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is free and available on this train, but streaming may not be available.

Here are some ideas for entertainment on Amtrak.

The Cafe on the Carl Sandburg

Amtrak cafe cars offer:

• Hot and cold meal choices
  • Including breakfast choices
  • Often, there are combo choices to save some money!
• Snacks
  • Such as chips, pretzels, healthy options, and more
• Hot and cold beverages
  • Brewed coffee is available, but not espresso drinks.
  • Including adult beverages.

You may bring food and drink aboard the train but cannot consume the alcohol you brought aboard.

Trip Add-ons

Bikes

• Amtrak allowed you to bring your bike
  • Standard-size bikes are permitted.
  • Bikes weigh up to 50 lbs.
  • Maximum tire width: 2″.
  • Check the link for details; bike service may not be available at all stations. For more information, check Amtrak’s bike policy.

Pets and service animals

• Amtrak allows dogs and cats
  • up to 20 pounds, including the weight of the pet and carrier.
  • Your fluffy friend needs to be on your reservations, and you need to fill out paperwork before leaving for the station.
    • After completing your reservation, you will receive the document you need to print out. You can also find it in the “My Trip” section.
  • For more details, check out Amtrak’s pet policy.

If you need a service or comfort animal, read Amtrak’s service animal policy before booking to ensure your animal qualifies and for booking instructions.

Golf Clubs

Passengers can carry golf clubs in a bag or case with a cover that prevents the clubs from falling out. Zippers or other fasteners must securely fasten the bag, case, or cover. The passenger’s name, address, and phone number must be on a tag attached to the golf bag. For more information, check out Amtrak’s special items policy.

Luggage

The Carl Sandburg does not offer a checked bag service;

Each passenger may carry on:

• One personal item, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches, and 
• Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each
• If you transfer to the Pacific Surfliner at some point along your journey, the baggage size for that train is up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each. 

Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.

Amtrak Carl Sandburg Schedule

Refer to your day of travel eticket to ensure no last-minute changes. Click on the stations to see the services offered at that stop. The times listed are departure times, and the train can arrive before these times.

Also, consider the Illinois Zephyr as an alternative to this train. If you are going between Chicago and Galesburg, you can also check out the Califonia Zephyr and Southwest Chief.

Printable Amtrak Carl Sandburg Schedule

You can use the PDF schedule below or print a customized route for your trip from Amtrak.com. If you need assistance with this process, refer to my article on printing Amtrak schedules.

My goal is to keep these as updated as possible.

Safe Travels,

Kev