Transportation

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Last Updated: Nov 13, 2025, 02:57 PM

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Connect with the SIU international community and student organizations for additional recommendations and guidance.

While St. Louis/Lambert International Airport (STL) is the closest major airport to Carbondale (2.5 hours by automobile), it is not the most direct route. Please review all options prior to making final arrangements.

Traveling from St. Louis to Carbondale

Carbondale is 2 hours south of St. Louis. You may continue your travel by bus or cab services.

Shuttle Services:

Bus:

Greyhound - Bus service runs from St. Louis Bus Station (430 S 15Th St, 63103 St Louis, MO). This is located 20 minutes from the St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Cab services will be required from the airport to the bus station. Bus availability is typically overnight with routes between 1:00am to 4:00am local time.

Cab Services:

Services may be found at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport information desk. Availability and cost are subject to change and are quite variable. Expect costs of $300 USD or more.

Traveling from Chicago to Carbondale

Carbondale is 5 hours south of Chicago. You may continue your travel by air or train.

Flight:

You can get to Veterans Airport, Marion, IL (which is 20 minutes away from Carbondale) via:

  • Contour Air - flight availability is limited. Please check prior to finalizing arrival plans.
  • RMTD Bus Service - bus transportation routes from Veteran's Airport to Carbondale. Check schedule for dates and times when finalizing your travel plans.

Train Service:

If your final flight destination is Chicago, you can travel to Carbondale by using the Amtrak train service located at the Chicago Union Station.

O'Hare Airport

Below are detailed instructions from the CHICAGO O'HARE AIRPORT to the Union Station.

  1. Go to the CTA station in O’Hare.
  2. Ride for about 1 hour until you reach CLINTON. (Previous 3 stops, in order, are: Monroe-Blue, Jackson-Clue, LaSalle.)
  3. When exiting Clinton-Blue, look for Amtrak signs posted near the exits. The two exits both lead north.
  4. Go NORTH on CLINTON ST.
  5. Cross VAN BUREN ST.
  6. Cross JACKSON BLVD.
  7. Immediately after crossing Jackson St., you’ll see a set of heavy wooden door to your right.
  8. Enter through the door, go down the ramp, and turn left into the large main seating area.
  9. At the middle of the main seating area on the right side is a ramp going down to the ticketing area.
  10. If you have your confirmation email, find a QuickTicket machine and scan your confirmation sheet’s barcode to print your ticket.
  11. If you don’t have your confirmation email, get in a line at the ticketing booth.
  12. After getting your tickets, go through the entrance that dead-ends with a wall hiding bathrooms. Look at your ticket for the gate number and find your gate.
  13. Ask any Amtrak official for help locating your train!
O'hare to Amtrak