Amtrak's Carl Sandburg

The Amtrak Carl Sandburg is a regional train that provides daily service between Chicago and Quincy, Illinois. 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, which makes the same stops, or these long-distance trains, the Southwest Chief and California Zephyr routes. Note that the Chief and Zephyr do not make all of the same stops.

Coach seating on Amtrak’s Carl Sandburg

Carl Sandburg offers coach seating with a fold-down tray and seatback pocket.

For your convenience, each seat has individual reading lights and 120V grounded (three-prong) electric outlets on the wall.

There are restrooms and trash receptacles in each car.

If you bring luggage aboard, overhead shelves and luggage racks are at the coach car’s end.

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 cafecafé.

Additionally, business class customers receive a 25% Amtrak Guest Rewards points bonus. If you leave Chicago as a business class passenger, you can 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 Café on the Carl Sandburg

Amtrak’s Café car provides a range of food and drink options to energize you during your journey.

You’ll discover various hot and cold meal options, including breakfast items and combo deals to save money. If you’re looking for a snack or something to enhance your meal, you can choose from chips, pretzels, and healthier options.

For drinks, you can choose from hot and cold beverages, such as brewed coffee, iced tea, hot tea, soft drinks, and various adult beverages.

You are welcome to bring your food and drinks aboard; however, you cannot consume personal alcohol.

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, up to 25 pounds (12 kg), and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
• 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.

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Amtrak Carl Sandburg Schedule

The information in the sections comes from the official Amtrak site, but keep in mind that things can change since this was published. I do not control that.

The Illinois Zephyr 380 and 383 are complementary trains to the Carl Sandburg. I am including them in this timetable because they will help you better understand Amtrak service in this area.

If you are going between Chicago and Galesburg, you can also check out the California Zephyr and the 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