Carbondale travel guide

Carbondale travel guide

National Airports

The main airport serving Carbondale and the surrounding region is the Southern Illinois Airport (KMDH). It is located in Murphysboro, approximately 10 miles southeast of Carbondale. The airport offers daily flights to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) through Cape Air. Other nearby airports include Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA) in Marion, IL, which is about 20 miles northeast of Carbondale, and the St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), which is about 115 miles west of Carbondale.

Trains in Carbondale

Carbondale is served by Amtrak’s Illini and Saluki trains, which run daily between Chicago and Carbondale. The Carbondale Amtrak Station is located in the downtown area, at 401 South Illinois Avenue. From there, passengers can easily walk or take a taxi to nearby hotels and attractions.

Buses in Carbondale

Carbondale is also served by several bus companies, including Greyhound and Megabus. The Carbondale Greyhound Station is located at 401 South Illinois Avenue, next to the Amtrak Station. Megabus stops at the Carbondale Transit Center, which is located at 701 South Illinois Avenue. Additionally, Saluki Express, the local bus service operated by Southern Illinois University Carbondale, provides transportation to students, staff, and faculty of the university, as well as the general public.

How to get to Carbondale

Carbondale is located in southern Illinois, approximately 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, and 300 miles south of Chicago. Here are some ways to get to Carbondale:

By Car: Carbondale can be accessed via several major highways, including Interstate 57, U.S. Route 51, and Illinois Route 13. If you are driving from Chicago, take I-57 South to Carbondale. The journey takes about 5 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport to Carbondale is the Southern Illinois Airport (KMDH), located about 4 miles east of the city. Flights to Southern Illinois Airport are available through Cape Air, which operates daily flights to and from St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

By Bus: Greyhound and Megabus both serve Carbondale, with stops at the Carbondale Greyhound Station and Carbondale Transit Center, respectively.

By Train: Amtrak’s Illini and Saluki trains stop in Carbondale daily, providing connections to Chicago, St. Louis, and other cities. The Carbondale Amtrak Station is located in the downtown area.

What is the best time to travel to Carbondale

The best time to visit Carbondale depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to do. Here are some factors to consider:

Weather: Carbondale has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring local parks is in the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.

Events: Carbondale is home to Southern Illinois University, which hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts, sporting events, and cultural festivals. The university’s academic calendar may affect the availability of accommodations and the overall atmosphere of the city.

Crowds: Carbondale sees an influx of visitors during major events like the Solar Eclipse and the SIU Homecoming Weekend. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you may want to avoid these busy periods.

Overall, the best time to visit Carbondale is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner.

How to get around Carbondale

Carbondale is a relatively small city, and many of its main attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you need to travel further or prefer not to walk, here are some transportation options:

Car: Car rental is available at the Williamson County Regional Airport, which is about 10 minutes from Carbondale. You can also rent a car from several car rental companies located in the city. Metered street parking is available in downtown Carbondale, and there are several public parking lots and garages throughout the city.

Public transportation: The Saluki Express provides free bus transportation for students and staff of Southern Illinois University, but the service is also available to the general public for a fee. The Carbondale Mass Transit District operates several bus routes throughout the city, with fares starting at $1.

Taxi and rideshare: Several taxi companies operate in Carbondale, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Bike: Carbondale is a bike-friendly city, and many roads have dedicated bike lanes. Several bike rental companies operate in the city, and there are several bike trails and parks in the area.

Walking: Carbondale is a walkable city, and many of its main attractions, including restaurants, shops, and galleries, are within easy walking distance of each other.

Accommodations in Carbondale

There are several accommodation options in Carbondale, Illinois, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Some popular choices include:

Hampton Inn Carbondale: Located just a short drive from Southern Illinois University, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast.

Best Western Saluki Inn: This hotel is also located near Southern Illinois University and offers a fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and an outdoor pool.

Makanda Inn & Cottages: This unique bed and breakfast is located just outside of Carbondale and offers cozy rooms and cottages, a delicious breakfast, and a peaceful and quiet setting.

Carbondale Vacation Rentals: There are several vacation rental options available in Carbondale, including apartments, houses, and cabins. These can be a great option for larger groups or families.

University Inn Carbondale: This budget-friendly motel is located close to Southern Illinois University and offers basic accommodations, including free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast.

These are just a few options, and there are many other hotels and accommodations available in Carbondale to suit a range of budgets and preferences.