EXHIBIT 23.1

                          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP

We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference  in the  following  Registration
Statements  of  our  report  dated  January  30,  1998,   with  respect  to  the
consolidated  financial statements of CSX Corporation and subsidiaries  included
in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1997:

Registration
Statement
 Number          Description

- ------------     ------------------------------------------
 33-2083         Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3
 33-2084         Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-3
 33-16230        Form S-8
 33-25537        Form S-8
 33-29136        Form S-8
 33-37449        Form S-8
 33-41236        Form S-3
 33-41498        Form S-8
 33-41499        Form S-8
 33-41735        Form S-8
 33-41736        Form S-8
 33-48841        Form S-3
 33-49767        Form S-8
 33-57029        Form S-8
333-09213        Form S-8
333-19523        Form S-4
333-28523        Form S-4


                                         /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                             -----------------
                                             Ernst & Young LLP

Richmond, Virginia
February 17, 1998