Trains from Champaign to Kankakee
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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Champaign to Kankakee. Traveling by train from Champaign to Kankakee usually takes around one hour and 42 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can make the trip in one hour and one minute.
| Distance | 72 mi (116 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 1m |
| Lowest price | $11.60 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Saluki |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from Champaign to Kankakee
- Amtrak tickets: C$41 one-way
- Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets: C$19 one-way
- Amtrak Saluki tickets: C$12 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Champaign to Kankakee?
In the last month, $11.60 was the average price of a train ticket from Champaign to Kankakee. 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 18 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $25.46 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Since the average price of train trips from Champaign to Kankakee remains pretty consistent throughout the year, there’s no need to book your tickets too far in advance. However, we still recommend you purchase your train tickets at least 48 hours ahead of departure time to avoid surprise last-minute surges and the risk of the train selling out.
Which train should you take from Champaign to Kankakee?
There are 3 train lines with service from Champaign to Kankakee. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 4h 57m | $57.28 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 1h 1m | $41.66 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 1h 1m | $14.81 |
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 Kankakee every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $41.
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 Kankakee. 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 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 Kankakee 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 Kankakee?
How long is the train journey from Champaign to Kankakee?
When are trains the most crowded?
Trains from Champaign to Kankakee are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Tuesday 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 Kankakee?
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 Kankakee 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 Kankakee to Champaign.
City Information
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 Champaign?
Image credit: Beyond My Ken
Link to image attributionMain 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, 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.
All train stations in Champaign:
Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
350 S Illinois St
379 Lynch Rd
Where is the train station in Kankakee?
Main arrival station: 199 S East Ave
Kankakee has one train station.
Train stations in Kankakee:
199 S East Ave
Need a return trip from Kankakee to Champaign?
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- Kankakee to Boston
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- Train from Kankakee to St Louis
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