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How to get to Champaign by train
| Routes | 45 |
| Trips per day | 130 |
| train lines | 4 |
| Stations | 1 |
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About Champaign
A significant hub for the Silicone Prairie, Champaign is a stunning city with many exciting landmarks to visit. The downtown area of Champaign is perhaps its busiest area, with over 40 different bars, art galleries, and boutique shops for you to enjoy. To enjoy arthouse films or independent productions, head over to the Art Theater, which also hosts special screenings. The campustown area near the University of Illinois hosts not only cheap eateries but also fine dining spots. The area tends to get crowded at night since students will be out on the street to enjoy the hopping nightlife.
As a busy college town, Champaign naturally has a very vibrant food scene with many excellent dining options. Radio Maria is a unique Spanish establishment with very colorful Spanish decorations and amazing tapas dishes. Those who want something more exotic and exciting could check out DESTIHL, which offers unique home-cooked dishes and great artisan beers.
The Illinois Terminal is Champaign's primary bus and train station, served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Jefferson Lines, Peoria Charter, and Greyhound. From Champaign, you can continue your journey and visit some of the other top destinations in Illinois.
Station Information
Image credit: Beyond My Ken
Link to image attributionThe Illinois Terminal is located at 45 East University Avenue in Champaign. The transport center opened in 1999, and now provides bus and train service in the Champaign-Urbana area. The terminal is served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Greyhound, Peoria Charter, Jefferson Lines, and local mass transit. Make sure to wait in the correct station building; Champaign’s old train station, dating to 1898, is just across the street. The Illinois Terminal offers short-term parking, fast food, and even meeting spaces and banquet halls. Thanks to the station’s convenient location, some of the best restaurants and bars in downtown Champaign are just a short walk away.
Popular train stations in Champaign:
Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
What train companies travel to Champaign, Illinois?
Located in Illinois, Champaign is accessible by train from 45 other cities. You can choose from 130 daily scheduled trips when you search for trains to Champaign on Wanderu. Amtrak usually has the most trains on any given day.
Looking for other ways to get there? Bus tickets to Champaign are also available..
Train companies serving Champaign
| Train | Routes | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 102 | 11h 9m | US$73.90 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 13 | 2h 30m | US$33.88 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 10 | 2h 23m | US$21.50 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 10 | 2h 25m | US$19.46 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey.
The City of New Orleans is an Amtrak route that runs daily trains from Chicago to New Orleans and vice versa. The City of New Orleans includes a sightseer lounge with panoramic windows for the best views of the five states along the route. However, the City of New Orleans also offers private roomettes and bedrooms for added comfort and luxury (and a higher price). Passengers who book sleeper accommodations will enjoy included meals, and all passengers can stop into the cafe car to purchase meals and snacks.
Since 1973, Amtrak's Illini Service has provided reliable train transportation to 11 Illinois cities. The Illini operates as an evening commuter train from Chicago to Carbondale, while its sister train, the Amtrak Saluki, runs the morning route. Commuters rely on this service as a safe and convenient transportation option every day. Each train offers WiFi and power outlets, plus a cafe car and business class seating. Illini trains meet the highest federal standard for reducing emissions, with up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions.
Since its inception in 2006, the Amtrak Saluki line has offered daily train trips between Chicago and Carbondale. The Amtrak Saluki operates along 500 kilometers of railroad, stopping at numerous midwestern towns like Kankakee, Rantoul, and Effingham. The trains on this line are equipped with onboard WiFi, power outlets, air conditioning, and a cafe car, with the option to upgrade to business class seating. This line is known for using trains that produce 90% fewer carbon emissions than other trains, meaning that your trip is green as well as convenient.
Which train carrier has the best service to Champaign?
Based on customers travel reviews, travelers who booked on Wanderu rave about traveling to Champaign by train with Amtrak Saluki giving them a 4.6 rating out of 5.
Travelers also mentioned that Amtrak Saluki had the most comfortable train service to Champaign taking into account the seats and amenities that Amtrak Saluki offers. They rate Amtrak Saluki a 4.6 out of 5 when it comes to just how relaxing and enjoyable their experience was onboard.
If you are looking to arrive to Champaign punctually, travelers suggest that Amtrak Illini Service has the best on time performance on their train schedules to Champaign, rating them a 4.5 based on their on time arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main train station in Champaign is Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave. As the busiest station, it has the most train arrivals, although some trains may make other stops in and around Champaign.
Top train routes to and from Champaign
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