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Trains from Champaign to Chicago

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Champaign - Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 3 daily trains from Champaign to Chicago. Traveling by train from Champaign to Chicago usually takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Illini Service train can make the trip in 2 hours and 46 minutes.

Distance126 mi (203 km)
Fastest train2h 46m
Lowest price$22.11
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Champaign to Chicago

(Based on 30 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Pavlina

March 30, 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: Amtrack train is very comfortable, clean, good price, organized traveling. Cons: Coffee could be served by waiter in all places not just dining place and free WiFi. Tips: Just buy tickets online and use the trains.

Pros: Amtrack train is very comfortable, clean, good price, organized traveling. Cons: Coffee could be served by waiter in all places not just dining place and free WiFi. Tips: Just buy tickets online and use the trains.

5.0

Shaniquea

February 17, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: Nice Smoove quick ride. Cons: It’s great.

Pros: Nice Smoove quick ride. Cons: It’s great.

5.0

Keila

January 23, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: How comfortable the seats were. Cons: N/A. Tips: N/A.

Pros: How comfortable the seats were. Cons: N/A. Tips: N/A.

5.0

Jalicia

December 25, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: The sears for sure very comfortable and relaxing ❤️Lots of room. Cons: Nothing doing a great job.

Pros: The sears for sure very comfortable and relaxing ❤️Lots of room. Cons: Nothing doing a great job.

5.0

Renee

December 23, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: Very smooth ride and very comfortable. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Keep your face mask on and be safe.

Pros: Very smooth ride and very comfortable. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Keep your face mask on and be safe.

Champaign to Chicago Route Map

Champaign Chicago

Train service from Champaign to Chicago

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

In the last month, $34.72 was the average price of a train ticket from Champaign to Chicago. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 8 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $14.03 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$59$39$20MayMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Champaign to Chicago will vary between C$30 and C$51. Planning a train trip to Chicago within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Champaign over the next 7 days is C$30. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$33$26$20$13$7JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Champaign to Chicago by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$22 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Champaign to Chicago in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$33 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$65$52$39$26$133020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Champaign will be about C$14.03 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Champaign to Chicago?

There are 4 train lines with service from Champaign to Chicago. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak16h 49m$71.45
Amtrak City of New Orleans13h 5m$24.07
Amtrak Illini Service12h 46m$22.11
Amtrak Saluki12h 46m$27.85
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 1 Amtrak trains from Champaign to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $49.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak City of New Orleans

    Amtrak City of New Orleans

    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.

  • Amtrak Illini Service

    Amtrak Illini Service

    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.

  • Amtrak Saluki

    Amtrak Saluki

    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

Is it safe to travel by train from Champaign to Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Can you take a train all the way from Champaign to Chicago?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Champaign to Chicago. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey 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 4 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 46 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Wednesday 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 Wednesday 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.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Champaign at 6:00am 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.

Is there a direct train from Champaign to Chicago?

There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Chicago. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

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, Peoria Charter, 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

Departure stations

c2c|station|CHMAMT|0|popularStationsDepartureDescription

All train stations in Champaign:

  • Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

  • 350 S Illinois St

  • 379 Lynch Rd

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Arrival stations

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:

  • Union Station

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