The Carl Sandburg Amtrak line runs daily between Chicago and Quincy, Illinois. WiFi, a small café, and business class seating are provided on all trains that stop in the Chicago suburbs and tiny towns with charming downtowns.
Schedule
To plan your trip, consult the Amtrak timetable for the Carl Sandburg train (on page 2), and always check the Amtrak website for the most up-to-date schedule. You can also see current timetables on Google Maps or when you order your tickets.
Amtrak Carl Sandburg Routes & Network
The Amtrak Carl Sandburg’s rail network includes 54 services that connect 10 cities and serve 10 stops. Amtrak Carl Sandburg makes around 15 train journeys every day. Amtrak Carl Sandburg’s main cities for daily rail travel are Chicago and Quincy.
TOP CITIES SERVED BY AMTRAK CARL SANDBURG
| City | Route | Latest train | Earliest train |
| Chicago | 11 | 6:38 am | 3:30 am |
| Galesburg | 9 | 4:19 am | 5:40 pm |
| Macomb | 14 | 3:30 am | 5:40 pm |
| Quincy | 14 | 8:23 pm | 5:40 pm |
| Naperville | 5 | 6:09 am | 5:40 pm |
| Mendota | 5 | 6:37 pm | 5:40 pm |
| Princeton | 12 | 3:30 am | 5:40 pm |
| Kewanee | 8 | 4:56 am | 5:40 pm |
| Plano | 4 | 6:09 am | 5:40 pm |
Most popular Amtrak Carl Sandburg routes
The train from Chicago to Quincy is Amtrak Carl Sandburg’s most popular route. Trips from Galesburg to Naperville and Quincy to Naperville are also popular.
TOP AMTRAK CARL SANDBURG ROUTES
| Route | Duration | Daily Trips | Price |
| Chicago to Quincy | 4h 22m | 1 | $22 |
| Galesburg to Naperville | 2h 19m | 1 | $14 |
| Quincy to Naperville | 3h 45m | 1 | $38 |
| Chicago to Princeton | 1h 45m | 1 | $11 |
| Macomb to Chicago | 3h 32m | 1 | $18 |
| Chicago to Galesburg | 2h 41m | 1 | $18 |
| Macomb to Naperville | 2h 56m | 1 | $14 |
| Kewanee to Chicago | 2h 28m | 1 | $15 |
| Mendota to Chicago | 1h 42m | 1 | $10 |
Resources for finding the latest schedule
There are two main ways to find the most up-to-date schedule for the Carl Sandburg train:
1. Amtrak Website:
The Amtrak website offers the most comprehensive and official information about train schedules. Here’s how to find the Carl Sandburg train schedule:
- Visit the Amtrak website: https://www.amtrak.com/how-to-check-a-train-status
- Click on the “Schedules” tab or look for a section labeled “Find Trains.”
- Enter your origin station (Chicago Union Station – CHI) and your destination station (Quincy Amtrak – QCY).
- Select your desired travel date (or leave it blank to see the upcoming schedule).
- Click “Search” and the results page will display all available trains for the Carl Sandburg route on your chosen date.
- You can then choose the specific train you’re interested in to see the detailed departure and arrival times for all stations along the route.
2. Google Maps:
Google Maps can also be a helpful tool for finding the Carl Sandburg train schedule, although it may not always be the most up-to-date. Here’s how to use it:
- Open Google Maps on your computer or mobile device.
- In the search bar, type in “Carl Sandburg train” or “Amtrak Carl Sandburg schedule.”
- Google Maps may display the route information, including a schedule with estimated departure and arrival times.
- It’s important to note that this information may need to be more detailed and accurate than the official Amtrak website.
For the most reliable and current schedule information, we recommend always using the Amtrak website.
Onboard Experience
Seating options (coach, business class)
Coach Class:
Coach class is available on all Amtrak trains and has wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom, no middle seat option, at-seat trays, reading lamps, and power outlets. There are restrooms in each vehicle. Amtrak Guest Rewards customers who travel in Coach get 2 points per dollar spent.
business class:
Enjoy the exclusive benefits of riding in Business Class, a premium, upgraded experience available on most corridor trains throughout the Amtrak system. Specific characteristics vary per route, but Business Class provides increased legroom, a wide and comfy seat, and a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage (not available in Acela Business Class). Seat selection is available on several routes in the Northeast, making boarding easier and eliminating the guesswork of selecting a seat. Additionally, Business Class travelers earn a 25% bonus on Amtrak Guest Rewards points.
Amenities (onboard cafe, restrooms)
- Onboard Cafe: A cafe car is available where you can purchase a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals throughout your trip.
- Restrooms: are located throughout the train for your convenience.
Entertainment Options:
While the Carl Sandburg is a short-haul route (approximately 4 hours), some basic entertainment options might be available. These may include:
- Overhead bins: You can bring your own books, magazines, or a tablet loaded with movies or shows to enjoy during the trip.
- Limited Wi-Fi: Amtrak offers Wi-Fi on some trains, but it may be limited, especially on shorter routes. Check with Amtrak or be prepared for potential connectivity issues.
Planning Your Trip
Ticketing Options:
There are two convenient ways to secure your Carl Sandburg train ticket:
Online: This is the most popular and often recommended method. Here’s why:
- Convenience: Browse schedules, compare fares, and choose your seating preferences from anywhere with internet access.
- Selection: Gain access to the full range of ticket options and promotions available.
- Speed and Efficiency: Purchase your ticket quickly and easily, with the option to print it at home or receive it electronically.
You can access the Amtrak website for booking here: https://www.amtrak.com
Station Purchase: While online booking is generally preferred, you can also purchase tickets in person at the station:
- Suitable for: Travelers who prefer face-to-face interaction or need last-minute tickets (subject to availability).
- Potential drawbacks: Limited payment options compared to online booking, and wait times depending on station traffic.
Remember: Station purchases might have limited payment options, so be prepared with a credit card or cash if necessary.
Baggage Allowance:
Amtrak offers a generous baggage allowance on most routes, including the Carl Sandburg train. Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically bring:
- Checked Bags: Two checked bags, each up to 50 lbs (22.7 kg), are generally included in the base fare.
- Carry-On Bags: You are also allowed two carry-on bags, each not exceeding 28 lbs (12.7 kg) and a maximum size of 28″ x 22″ x 14″ (71 cm x 56 cm x 36 cm).
Important Note: These are general baggage allowances and may vary depending on the fare type you purchase. It’s always best to check the specific baggage allowance for your chosen ticket on the Amtrak website for the latest information.
Stations and Stops
- Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI)
- La Grange, IL (LAG)
- Naperville, IL (NPV)
- Plano, IL (PLO)
- Mendota, IL (MDT)
- Princeton, IL (PCT)
- Kewanee, IL (KEE)
- Galesburg, IL (GBB)
- Macomb, IL (MAC)
- Quincy, IL (QCY)
Attractions Along the Route
- Chicago Loop
- Willis Tower
- Downtown Naperville
- DuPage Children’s Museum
- Naperville Riverwalk
- Mendota Museum
- Union Depot Railroad Museum
- Kewanee Historical Society
- Downtown Galesburg
- Galesburg Railroad Museum
- Discovery Depot Children’s Museum
Contact information for Amtrak customer service
Here are the different ways to reach Amtrak customer service:
Amtrak Website: https://www.amtrak.com
Amtrak Customer Service:
- Phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
- TTY: 1-800-523-6590
FAQs
Yes, Amtrak Carl Sandburg offers WiFi on its trains. Although most Amtrak Carl Sandburg journeys will have WiFi as advertised, certain trains may not have it, and onboard WiFi may lose connection in rural areas. We urge that you bring a book or download a movie simply to be safe. Amtrak Carl Sandburg WiFi is normally best utilized for surfing the web, reading emails, and chatting with friends; don’t rely on it to binge-watch your favorite show.
Yes, there are power outlets aboard the Amtrak Carl Sandburg trains. You can usually find one or two outlets for each row of seats, so be a considerate traveler and check to see if your seatmate wants to charge their electronics as well. The onboard power outlets allow you to charge both a computer and USB devices using a USB power adapter, which is normally included with most phones and tablets.
Because Amtrak Carl Sandburg may occasionally use replacement train vehicles, not all journeys are guaranteed to include power outlets. We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your phone for all journeys longer than 2 hours, just in case.
Amtrak Carl Sandburg typically has 15 scheduled train excursions every day. However, the exact departure and arrival hours vary according on the day and route. To find the exact timetable for your journey, utilize the search function on this page.
No, Amtrak Carl Sandburg does not offer will-call tickets. Purchase your tickets online and ensure that you have everything you need to board before arriving at the station.
Yes, Amtrak Carl Sandburg requires you to present your ID to an agent before boarding the train. Make sure you have government-issued identification that meets the carrier’s requirements. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, will not work.
Yes, there are restrooms on Amtrak Carl Sandburg trains. The bathrooms are fairly basic, with a toilet, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Most restrooms do not have running water. Please use caution and hold on to a rail while using a bathroom on a moving vehicle.
Amtrak Carl Sandburg offers snacks to keep you satisfied during your journey. Make sure to bring a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.
Amtrak Carl Sandburg does not require a printed ticket to board the train. Instead, when you make your reservation, you will receive an eTicket via email. You can show the ticketing agent this eTicket on your smartphone as you board.
Amtrak Carl Sandburg goes above and beyond to provide its passengers with high-quality amenities.
Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat, or do you prefer having more room to spread out? You’re in luck, as Amtrak Carl Sandburg provides extra legroom seating. Because there is no standard for what extra legroom is, the extra space you receive may differ between train lines, but having extra is always beneficial.