Amtrak Saluki and Illini: Schedule, Stops, & Route Guide

If you’re searching for the Amtrak Saluki and Illini schedules, you are in the right place.

These two trains provide reliable daily service between Chicago and Carbondale, making them a popular choice for students, regional travelers, and anyone traveling downstate. A great way to travel on Amtrak in Illinois!

I have taken hundreds of Amtrak trips over the years, and routes like these are among the easiest to ride — with no complicated boarding process, straightforward schedules, and a comfortable way to travel across Illinois.

In this guide, I will outline the schedule, stops, travel time, and onboard expectations.

Amtrak Saluki and Illini at a Glance

• Route: Chicago ↔ Carbondale
• Trains: Saluki (390/391), Illini (392/393)
• Trip Time: ~5 hours 30 minutes
• Frequency: 2 daily round-trips
• States Covered: Illinois
• Major Stops: Chicago, Champaign-Urbana, Carbondale

What’s the Difference Between the Saluki and the Illini?

The short answer: not much.

The Saluki and Illini run the same route between Chicago and Carbondale, make the same stops, and offer the same onboard experience.

In fact, they typically use the same two trainsets, cycling back and forth throughout the day.

The main difference comes down to timing and train number:

• The Illini usually handles the morning southbound and midday northbound trips
• The Saluki usually runs the afternoon southbound and morning northbound trips

👉 Think of them as the same train running at different times — pick the schedule that fits your day.

All Stops on the Saluki & Illini Route

• Chicago – Union Station
• Homewood
• Kankakee
• Gilman
• Rantoul
• Champaign-Urbana
• Mattoon
• Effingham
• Centralia
• Du Quoin
• Carbondale

👉 Click any station to view details like address, parking, and connections.

Amtrak Saluki and Illini Schedule

The Saluki and Illini run on a consistent daily schedule between Chicago and Carbondale.

Southbound (Chicago → Carbondale)

• Morning departure (Illini)
• Afternoon departure (Saluki)

Northbound (Carbondale → Chicago)

• Morning departure (Saluki)
• Midday departure (Illini)

An alternative to these trains is the City of New Orleans, a daily long-distance train with later southbound and early northbound schedules.

Timetable

These times indicate the departure times; trains may arrive earlier. They were last verified on April 30, 2026, using Amtrak.com times.

Printable Amtrak Saluki and Illini schedules

You can print off either of the schedules below, which include Amtrak connection services. You can print routes or custom ones from Amtrak.com to ensure you have the most up-to-date schedules. Learn how to print Amtrak schedules here.

What Does It Cost?

Fares on the Saluki and Illini vary based on demand and how early you book.

• Short trips: often $10–$40+
• Full route (Chicago to Carbondale): typically $30–$80+

👉 As seats fill up, prices typically increase, so booking early often secures the best deal. If you need assistance with finding fares or booking your trip, take a look at my post on Amtrak ticket prices.

How to Buy Amtrak Saluki and Illini Tickets

You can purchase Amtrak tickets through the Amtrak website or Amtrak app, by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL, at staffed Amtrak stations, or from ticket kiosks where available. You can also check with local or online travel agents.

For many travelers, using the Amtrak website or app is the easiest option. The Amtrak app allows you to store your eTicket, or you can print the PDF ticket that Amtrak emails to you. Conductors can also scan your eTicket directly from the email on your phone or another electronic device.

I recommend buying your ticket in advance, especially when traveling on weekends, during holidays, or at other busy times. Some trains, accommodations, and services can sell out quickly. It’s also a good idea to book early if you plan to travel with a bicycle or a pet, or if you want one of the limited premium accommodations on the train.

Coach and Business Class

Both the Saluki and Illini trains utilize Superliner equipment, which consists of bi-level cars commonly found on many of Amtrak’s long-distance routes.

It creates a more spacious atmosphere, with seating on the upper level and extra space on the lower level.

I have spent hundreds of hours in Amtrak coach class, and on trains like these, it is comfortable and practical for trips of this length.

Coach Class includes:

• Wide reclining seats with more legroom than a typical airline seat
• Fold-down tray tables
• Leg and footrests
• Individual reading lights
• 120V (three-prong) outlets along the wall
• Overhead luggage storage, plus space on the lower level of the car for larger bags

👉 If you’re traveling with multiple devices, bringing a small extension cord can make things easier.

Restrooms are located on the lower level of the train.

Business Class adds:

On these trains, Business Class is simply a section of one car, rather than a completely separate experience. So you get all of the above and these perks!

• Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks
• Bonus Amtrak Guest Rewards points
• A quieter, less crowded environment

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Wi-Fi is not available on the Saluki and Illini.

If you need internet access, plan to use your phone’s hotspot or download anything you’ll need before boarding.

👉 Need ideas for the ride? Check out my post on entertainment while traveling with Amtrak.

Food on the Saluki and Illini

Both the Saluki and Illini trains feature a café car, where you can purchase refreshments.

• Hot and cold meals (including some breakfast options)
• Snacks
• Coffee, tea, and cold beverages, including Alcohol

There is no full dining car on these trains.

You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board.

👉 Alcohol must be purchased on the train if you plan to drink it. While you can bring your own food, Amtrak staff cannot store or heat it.

Bikes, Pets, and Extras

You can bring a few extra items on the Saluki and Illini, but it’s best to plan.

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed, but specific guidelines and documentation may be required.

👉 Before traveling, please review Amtrak’s policy regarding service animals and comfort animals.

Luggage on the Saluki and Illini

These trains do not provide a checked baggage service.

Passengers are allowed to bring carry-on bags and personal items, with storage available in overhead racks and designated areas on the train.

👉 Packing light will make boarding and moving around easier. Additional and oversized items may incur fees—see Amtrak’s carry-on baggage policy for details on size and limits.

Fun fact about the Amtrak Saluki and Illini

The Saluki, Illini, and City of New Orleans travel along the historic Illinois Central mainline, which is now owned by Canadian National (CN). Although most Amtrak trains run on tracks owned by freight railroads, these three routes are unique.

Before Amtrak was established, trains operated by the Illinois Central departed from what is now known as Millennium Station. When Amtrak took over in 1971, it centralized its operations at Union Station in Chicago. However, three specific trains had to continue to use the Illinois Central route, creating a logistical challenge. After leaving Union Station, those trains would need to reverse southward before proceeding forward to reach the CN mainline. While this isn’t a significant inconvenience, it is an interesting quirk in Amtrak’s history!

While the video below highlights the City of New Orleans, the same supportive movement applies to both the Salukis and the Illini.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The Saluki and Illini trains provide easy travel between Chicago and Carbondale. They are excellent options for exploring new places, connecting to other Amtrak routes, and reaching nearby airports.

While they may lack some amenities found on long-distance trains, they provide a comfortable ride, straightforward boarding, and a hassle-free way to travel across Illinois.

For most travelers, the choice comes down to one thing: which departure time works best for your trip.

If you’re new to Amtrak, this route is perfect for you and showcases the relaxing nature of train travel.

Safe Travels,

Kev

The information for these guides comes from Amtrak, and Amtrak can change times at any time.