Cheap train tickets from Champaign to Rantoul
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
Best Travel Options
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Champaign to Rantoul?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips from Champaign to Rantoul.
Bus | Train | |
---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$200.49 | Avg. Price$7.16 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration0h 15m | Duration0h 14m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Champaign to Rantoul. Traveling by train from Champaign to Rantoul usually takes 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Saluki train can make the trip in 14 minutes.
Distance | 14 mi (23 km) |
Fastest train | 0h 14m |
Lowest price | $7.16 |
Trains per day | 2 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak Illini Service |
Train lines | 2 |

Price trends for trains from Champaign to Rantoul
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from Champaign to Rantoul?
2 train services operate from Champaign to Rantoul. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 0h 15m | $7.16 |
Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 0h 14m | $7.16 |
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 Rantoul
Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Champaign to Rantoul. 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 Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Champaign at 10:00am 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.
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 Rantoul 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 Rantoul 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, 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, 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 Rantoul?
Main arrival station: W Sangamon and N Kentucky Aves
Rantoul has one train station.
Train stations in Rantoul:
W Sangamon and N Kentucky Aves
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Rantoul to Champaign?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
- Train Tickets
- United States
- Illinois
- Rantoul
- Champaign to Rantoul