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 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, including the address, parking, and connections.

Amtrak Saluki and Illini Schedule

The Saluki and Illini run daily between Chicago and Carbondale.

Southbound (Chicago → Carbondale)

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

Northbound (Carbondale → Chicago)

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

An alternative 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. Amtrak.com times were last verified on April 30, 2026.

Printable Amtrak Saluki and Illini schedules

You can print either schedule below, which includes Amtrak connection services. You can also print routes or custom schedules from Amtrak.com to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Learn how to print Amtrak schedules here.

What Does It Cost?

Saluki and Illini fares 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 rise, so booking early often locks in the best deal. If you need help finding fares or booking your trip, check out my post on Amtrak ticket prices.

How to Buy Amtrak Saluki and Illini Tickets

You can buy Amtrak tickets through the Amtrak website or app, by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL, at staffed Amtrak stations, or at 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 lets you store your eTicket, or you can print the PDF ticket Amtrak emails 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 train’s limited premium accommodations.

Coach and Business Class

Both the Saluki and Illini trains use Superliner equipment, bi-level cars common on many of Amtrak’s long-distance routes.

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

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.

Learn more about Amtrak Coach Class!

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.

I would not get business class on this train unless the price is right. It is the same seat and in the same car as coach class. It could be worth it if you need a few extra reward points.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

The Saluki and Illini don’t have Wi-Fi. If you need internet access, plan to use your phone’s hotspot or download anything you’ll need before boarding.

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

Food on the Saluki and Illini

Neither the Saluki nor the Illini has a dining car, but you won’t go hungry. Both trains carry a Café, where you can buy:

• Hot and cold meals, including some breakfast items
• Snacks
• Coffee, tea, and cold drinks, including beer, wine, and spirits

Where to Find the Café

The Café is on the lower level of one of the coach cars. You don’t need to hunt for it: the Café attendant and conductors usually announce which car it’s in shortly after departure, and often again when it opens or reopens.

Bringing Your Own Food

You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks on board. Keep two things in mind:

• Staff can’t store or heat outside food. Pack things that travel well at room temperature, or bring a small cooler bag.
• You must buy alcohol on the train. You can’t drink alcohol you brought yourself while on the train.

Kev’s Tip: The Café closes occasionally for crew breaks and usually shuts down before the final stop. If you want something, don’t wait until the last half hour of the trip. It may not be open as the train leaves the first station.

Learn more about Amtrak Café Cars and see sample menus.

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 Amtrak may require specific guidelines and documentation.

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 may 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 run along the historic Illinois Central mainline, now owned by Canadian National (CN). Most Amtrak trains run on tracks owned by freight railroads, but these three routes are unique.

Before Amtrak, Illinois Central trains departed from what is now known as Union Station. When Amtrak took over in 1971, it centralized operations at Chicago’s Union Station. However, three specific trains had to continue to use the Illinois Central route, creating a logistical challenge. After leaving Union Station, those trains had to reverse south, then proceed 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 make travel between Chicago and Carbondale easy. 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

This information comes from Amtrak, and Amtrak can change times at any time.