Embark on an adventure through the heart of Illinois by hopping on board the Amtrak Saluki and Illini train services. These daily trains connect Chicago to Carbondale and weave through different Illionise landscapes.
The Saluki and Illini provide daily service along a scenic 309-mile route featuring nine intermediate stops. With two round trips each day, passengers can enjoy the charm and beauty of Illinois at their leisure.
Let’s explore the details of this exciting journey together as you discover the schedule for these trains, food service, and accommodations on board.
Accommodations for Amtrak’s Saluki and Illini services.
Due to CN’s train length and weight restrictions, Amtrak has been using Superliner cars to activate grade crossing signals. Some train cars carry passengers, while others are solely in service to meet axle requirements.
This setup may change as CN makes adjustments. Let me know if you hear any updates—things can change quickly!
Coach Class
I have spent hundreds of hours in Amtrak coach class and find it both comfortable and functional.
- The seats include:
- Fold-down trays
- Leg and footrests
- Individual reading lights.
- 120v grounded (three-prong) outlets are available on the wall, allowing you to stay connected throughout your journey.
- Bring an extension cord to have power where you need it, and plug it into multiple devices at once, if necessary.
The restrooms are on the lower level of the train. Additionally, there are overhead luggage racks and a shelf for your belongings.
Business class
- Everything coach class gives you.
- Extra legroom
- Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, Business Class customers receive a 25% bonus on Amtrak Guest Rewards points, and if you are leaving from Chicago, business class passengers can use the lounge for a fee.
Wi-Fi & entertainment on Saluki And Illini
Wi-Fi is free and available on this train, but streaming may not be. Amtrak does not entertain like other transportation, but here are some ideas for entertainment on Amtrak.
Food on the Saluki And Illini
There is a cafe on this train plus you can bring food.
Cafe car
Be sure to visit one of my favorite spots – the Cafe Car! Here’s what you can find there:
- Hot and cold meals, including breakfast options.
- Snacks
- Coffee, tea, and cold beverages, including adult beverages
Please note that the cafe car may not open right after we leave the first station and may close before we reach the last station.
However, the conductors and the cafe car attendant will let you know its opening and location.
You can bring food and beverages on the train.
You’re welcome to bring your food and drinks on board.
While you can bring alcohol in your luggage, Amtrak policy only allows you to consume alcohol purchased on board.
If conductors catch you sipping from your stash—or causing a disturbance—Amtrak won’t hesitate to call local authorities. That could mean an unexpected stop to meet new friends, complete with a complimentary ride and a stylish pair of silver bracelets. (Aka, you can get arrested and taken to jail.)
Amtrak Saluki and Illini add-ons
You can add a few add-ons to your reservations to bring those extras.
Bikes
Amtrak allows bikes on the train, but spots can be limited. Check the Amtrak bike policy for the most up-to-date information and booking instructions.
Pets
Amtrak allows dogs and cats up to 20 pounds (combined weight of pet and carrier) for trips up to seven hours. You must print and complete paperwork before bringing your pet to the train. To find the paperwork and to get more information, check out Amtrak’s pet policy.
If you plan on bringing a service or comfort animal, read Amtrak’s service animal policy for instructions and restrictions. Don’t arrive at the stations without being prepared and researching the topic.
Luggage on the Saluki And Illini
This train 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
- 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.
Fun fact about the Amtrak Saluki and Illini
The Saluki, Illini, and City of New Orleans travel along the historic Illinois Central mainline, currently owned by Canadian National (CN). Although most Amtrak trains run on tracks owned by freight railroads, these three routes feature a distinctive quirk.
Before Amtrak, Illinois Central trains departed from what is now Millennium Station. When Amtrak took over, it consolidated its Chicago operations at Union Station. However, these three trains needed to remain on the Illinois Central route, which created a logistical challenge—after leaving Union Station, they had to reverse direction to reach the CN mainline. It’s not a big deal, but it’s an interesting part of Amtrak history!
Although the video below focuses on the City of New Orleans, the same principles apply to the Saluki and Illini.
Amtrak Saluki and Illini schedules
This guide uses information from Amtrak.com; however, things could have changed since this article was published. Check with Amtrak or your ticket to ensure that times do not vary.
The departure times are below; the train may arrive a minute or two earlier than the stated time.
An alternative to these trains is the City of New Orleans, a daily long-distance train with later southbound and early northbound schedules.
390 Saluki Northbound Read Down | 392 Illini Northbound Read Down | Communities Served | 391 Saluki Southbound Final Stop | 393 Illini Southbound Final Stop | Miles |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7:30a | 4:15p | Carbondale, IL (CDL) | 1:45p | 9:35p | 0 |
7:51a | 4:36p | Du Quoin, IL (DQN) | 1:17p | 9:07p | 20 |
8:23a | 5:08p | Centralia, IL (CEN) | 12:44p | 8:34p | 56 |
9:09a | 5:54p | Effingham, IL (EFG) | 11:57a | 7:47p | 109 |
9:33a | 6:19p | Mattoon, IL (MAT) | 11:33a | 7:23p | 136 |
10:24a | 7:08p | Champaign-Urbana, IL (CHM) | 10:49a | 6:36p | 180 |
10:38a | 7:24p | Rantoul, IL (RTL) | 10:20a | 6:08p | 194 |
11:05a | 7:51p | Gilman, IL (GLM) | 9:52a | 5:40p | 227 |
11:31a | 8:14p | Kankakee, IL (KKI) | 9:27a | 5:15p | 252 |
12:10p | 8:55p | Homewood, IL (HMW) | 8:56a | 4:46p | 285 |
1:00p | 9:45p | Chicago, IL Union Station (CHI) | 8:15a | 4:05p | 309 |
Final Stop | Final Stop | Stops | Read Up | Read Up | Miles |
Printable Amtrak Saluki and Illini schedules
You can print off either schedule below, which includes 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.
Safe Travels,
Kev
The information for these guides comes from Amtrak, and Amtrak can change times anytime.
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