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Champaign-Chicago Train Schedule

Train
$47.29
10:14 AM
Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
1:00 PM
Union Station - 225 S Canal St
USSLK
4.6stars
0 transfers
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from$36.38

Trip Summary

There are 2 daily trains from Champaign to Chicago. Traveling by train from Champaign to Chicago usually takes around 2 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Saluki train can make the trip in 2 hours and 46 minutes.

Distance126 mi (203 km)
Fastest train2h 46m
Lowest price$16.98
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Saluki
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL

(Based on 12 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Irene

January 22, 2021 - Business

Amtrak Saluki
Pros: Convenient and very accommodating Amtrak staff at Champaign. First time those with disabilities were recognized and provided first place in lines to board the train!!!! Cons: More frequent early am trains. Tips: Wanderu is a very convenient and dependable source... Pros: Convenient and very accommodating Amtrak staff at Champaign. First time those with disabilities were recognized and provided first place in lines to board the train!!!! Cons: More frequent early am trains. Tips: Wanderu is a very convenient and dependable source for travel.More

5.0

Steve

January 15, 2020 - Business

Amtrak Saluki
Cons: Fabulous. Tips: Be on time. Cons: Fabulous. Tips: Be on time.

5.0

Azmera

January 15, 2020 - Visiting family

Amtrak City of New Orleans
Pros: Peaceful, quiet, relaxing. Cons: Clear signs of where things are, such as the food. WiFi should be made available. Tips: You have to manually pull the foot rest up on your seats so that they recline. Pros: Peaceful, quiet, relaxing. Cons: Clear signs of where things are, such as the food. WiFi should be made available. Tips: You have to manually pull the foot rest up on your seats so that they recline.

5.0

Gilbert

December 31, 2019 - Visiting family

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: I didn't have to drive. Cons: More departure times. Tips: Respect the rules. Pros: I didn't have to drive. Cons: More departure times. Tips: Respect the rules.

4.0

Tyjeanna

December 10, 2019 - Solo travel

Amtrak Saluki
Pros: The cleanliness and staff. Cons: Departing on time instead of 20min late. Pros: The cleanliness and staff. Cons: Departing on time instead of 20min late.

Champaign to Chicago Route Map

Champaign Chicago

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

In the last month, C$18.37 was the average price of a train ticket from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL. 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 25 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around C$19.11 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$55$36$18MayMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Champaign to Chicago will vary between C$17 and C$41. 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$17. 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

$61$49$36$24$12JJASONDJFMAM

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 August. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$18 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Champaign to Chicago in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$35 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

$61$49$36$24$123020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Chicago from Champaign will be about C$19.11 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 3 train lines with service from Champaign, Illinois to Chicago, Illinois. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak13h 5m$33.33
Amtrak City of New Orleans13h 6m$25.03
Amtrak Saluki12h 47m$25.56
  • 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 $21.

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.

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 2 hours and 52 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?

Trains from Champaign to Chicago are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

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?

Trains leave the station in Champaign twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Champaign. If you're not not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Champaign to Chicago for $20.61.

City Information

Chicago

chicagochicagochicago

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.

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?

Departure stations

There is one train station in Champaign:

Other train stations in Champaign:

  • Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

Where is the train station in Chicago?

chicago union station

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to Creative Commons License

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.

Other train stations in Chicago:

  • Union Station - 225 S Canal St

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