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Cheap train tickets from Champaign to Chicago

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Champaign to Chicago Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Champaign to Chicago?

There are usually 10 daily bus trips from Champaign to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$79.85
Avg. Price
$41.28
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
10
Daily Trips
3
Duration
Duration
4h 16m
Duration
2h 46m

Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Champaign to Chicago. Traveling by train from Champaign to Chicago usually takes 2 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Saluki train can make the trip in 2 hours and 36 minutes.

Distance126 mi (203 km)
Fastest train2h 36m
Lowest price$16.43
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak City of New Orleans
Train lines3

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Champaign to Chicago

(Based on 58 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Bruce

July 7, 2025- Solo travel

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: good trip good experience. Cons: nothing. Tips: no.

5.0

Uma S

March 14, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: The staff was very professional and train was beat and clean and i=on time. Cons: Nothing really. Tips: Follow instructions.

5.0

Maryl

December 22, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Saluki

It would be nice if the lines outside getting onto train, more definitive. This means itbwould be nice to know where business class seats are. All the cars were coach class. It got confusing where to go, and I got yelled at. However, I understand their frustration, thank you! But one person said, two cars over, then when I got there, i asked to make sure. The next person said go two cars back. It was not the most pleasant.

5.0

Rosabella

April 27, 2024- Couples trip

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: The train is very clean and it’s on time. Cons: None. Tips: There is free charging spot for your phones and computers!

5.0

Bernita

April 13, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Saluki

On time April 14 2024 was different 1.54 mins late.

Champaign to Chicago Route Map

Champaign Chicago
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What is the price of a train ticket from Champaign to Chicago?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Champaign to Chicago was $37.92. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 13 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $31.79.

Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Chicago by travel date

$62$41$21JulJul

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Champaign to Chicago will range from $30 to $55. If you're planning to travel by train to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Champaign you can find in the next 7 days is $30. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

$68$55$41$27$14ASONDJFMAMJJ
You can find the lowest prices on this route during August. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Champaign to Chicago, with the average price at just $33. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in December, when the average price goes up to $47. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$68$55$41$27$143020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Champaign to Chicago. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 13 days before departure, you can save around $31.79. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Champaign to Chicago?

There are 3 train lines with service from Champaign to Chicago. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak City of New Orleans13h 5m$54.19
Amtrak Illini Service12h 37m$36.47
Amtrak Saluki12h 36m$34.88

  • 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. Affordable Coach seats cost about for a trip from Champaign to Chicago. 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.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Champaign to Chicago

The distance between Champaign and Chicago is approximately 126 miles, or 203 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 36 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Champaign to Chicago. 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 Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Champaign at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Champaign to Chicago.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Champaign.

City Information

Champaign

Champaign, IL - CHM-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Champaign, IL - CHM-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Champaign, IL - CHM-2

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, and Greyhound. From Champaign, you can continue your journey and visit some of the other top destinations in Illinois.

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Champaign?

Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave - CHMAMT-0

Image credit: Beyond My Ken

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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, 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.

All train stations in Champaign:

  • Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

Train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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