by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:49 PM ET, Thu June 29, 2017
Astronomy fans will have the chance to experience a total solar eclipse by traveling to Illinois on an Amtrak train.
The first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in nearly a century will take place August 21, and travelers will be able to save 30 percent on trips aboard the Illini or Saluki trains between Aug. 16 and 22.
The eclipse will move across the United States at more than 930 miles per hour and stretch from Oregon to South Carolina.
It will be visible for the longest time near Carbondale, Illinois, where it will be seen for an estimated two minutes and 38 seconds.
Tourists will want to travel to the region via Amtrak no later than noon local time in order to optimize viewing options for the astronomical occurrence. As the sponsor of the Carbondale Eclipse event, the rail company's logo will be found on viewing glasses distributed by Carbondale Tourism at the Eclipse Marketplace.
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Amtrak will also allow travelers to hit the rails with their bicycles en route to the prime viewing areas, but spaces are limited. For travelers coming from states such as Kentucky, Tennessee and Louisiana, there will be several options for journeys to Carbondale in August.
As for the discounted rates, adult fares between Chicago and Carbondale on the Illini and Saluki trains are available for as little as $24 each way, plus $10 each way for a bicycle. (Amtrak operates the Illini and Saluki trains under a contract with the Illinois Department of Transportation.)
Amtrak isn't the only company getting in on the eclipse buzz, as Alaska Airlines will also take travelers on a chase for the "Great American Eclipse" via a charter flight August 21.
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