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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Burlington to Champaign. Traveling by train from Burlington to Champaign usually takes around 9 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours,
| Distance | 158 mi (255 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 0m |
| Lowest price | $62.11 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Burlington to Champaign?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Burlington to Champaign. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 9h 57m | $73.16 |
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. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Burlington to Champaign every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $62.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Burlington and Champaign is approximately 158 miles, or 255 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours,
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Burlington to Champaign. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Burlington at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Burlington twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Champaign to Burlington.
City Information
Burlington
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionBurlington is a city in Iowa, on the border of Illinois. The micropolitan area is popular for the Snake Alley natural amphitheater and the rich heritage of commerce and culture. Art and history lovers can check out the Art Center of Burlington and the Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum. Enjoy hiking and biking at the North Gorge Trail or the skate park, tennis court, outdoor pool, and 16-hole disc golf course at the Dankwardt Memorial Park. Baseball fans will be pleased to check out the Burlington Bees, while families can look out for a wide range of activities at FunCity.
The downtown Burlington area is the best place to visit for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city. You can look out for the Capitol Theater downtown to watch classic and independent films, while the Catfish Bend Casino offers adult fun, accompanied by hotels, chain restaurants, and a spa. Look out for concerts, magic shows, and other activities at the Burlington Memorial Auditorium. At Burlington, you can look out for the Snake Alley Festival of Film held annually.
Burlington has plenty of bus trips from Jefferson Lines. If you're visiting via train, you can find routes provided by Amtrak from over 100 other cities.
Champaign
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
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
Where is the train station in Burlington?
Main departure station: 300 S Main St
There is one train station in Burlington.
All train stations in Burlington:
300 S Main St
Where is the train station in Champaign?
Image credit: Beyond My Ken
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
The 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.
Train stations in Champaign:
Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
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Need a return trip from Champaign to Burlington?
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