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Compare train tickets from Chicago to Champaign

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Chicago-Champaign Train Timetable

Train
£13.34
16:05
Union Station - 225 S Canal St
18:15
Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
USILS
4.4stars
0 transfers
Train
£13.34
20:05
Union Station - 225 S Canal St
22:29
Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
USCNO
4.5stars
0 transfers
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Trip Summary

How much are train tickets from Chicago to Champaign?

Lowest Price£10.99
Fastest Train2h 10m
Trains Per Day2
Train Lines3

Train service from Chicago to Champaign

Chicago to Champaign Route Map

Chicago Champaign

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Champaign right now?

We stand behind CDC guidelines that caution passengers against non-essential travel during the coronavirus outbreak. That said, we recognize not everyone is in a position to completely abstain. Whether it’s for work, to take care of family or to get back home, some circumstances inevitably require travel. If you’re one of those individuals who still needs to book a trip, you can continue to do so on Wanderu.

Know that most train companies are still running at this time, though some have limited service. Visit our COVID-19 travel guide for resources and daily updates on the coronavirus and COVID travel restrictions.

In order to keep vehicles as clean and sanitized as possible, train companies are taking extra precautions for coronavirus. For details on what various companies are doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Champaign. 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.

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

In the last month, £13.53 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Champaign, 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 9 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £6.75 more than that for a same-day booking.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Champaign?

The distance between Chicago and Champaign is approximately 126 miles, or 203 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 10 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 Chicago to Champaign are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Chicago at 09:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. 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 Chicago to Champaign?

Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Champaign faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Champaign to Chicago. If you're not not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Champaign for £13.34.

Which train should you take from Chicago to Champaign?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak16h 36m£23.18
Amtrak City of New Orleans12h 25m£12.76
Amtrak Illini Service12h 11m£12.43

Where is the train station in Chicago?

There is one train station in Chicago:

  • Union Station - 225 S Canal St

Where is the train station in Champaign?

Champaign has one train station:

  • Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

Price trends for trains from Chicago to Champaign

Average prices by travel date

£24£16£8JanFeb

Monthly average prices

£39£31£24£16£8FMAMJJASONDJ

Prices as travel date approaches

£39£31£24£16£83020100

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL
4.8
Based on 20 ratings and reviews

Based on 4 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with Amtrak City of New Orleans report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 75 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
3.3
Staff
5.0
Value
4.5
Condition
4.8
Tony
5.0
7 July 2020Couples trip
Pros
Likely just because not as many people are traveling but seemed everyone did not have to sit directly next to someone which was important to me in terms of social distancing during these odd times.Likely just because not as many people are traveling but seemed everyone did not have to sit directly next to someone which was important to me in terms of social distancing during these odd times.
Cons
Temperature control/wifi was not great...Temperature control/wifi was not great...
Alita
5.0
25 May 2019Vacation
Pros
It was comfortable It was comfortable

Based on 9 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with Amtrak Illini Service report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 67 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
4.4
Staff
4.3
Value
3.9
Condition
4.8
Steve
5.0
18 May 2020Business
Pros
On timeOn time
Cons
FabulousFabulous
Tips
Beats drivingBeats driving
Beatrice
5.0
4 March 2020Solo travel
Pros
Friendly staff, ensuring people got off at their appropriate stop by doing headcount.Friendly staff, ensuring people got off at their appropriate stop by doing headcount.
Thomas
4.0
1 March 2020
Pros
No delays. We might even have been a bit early.No delays. We might even have been a bit early.
Cons
The train was completely full. Apparently they did not have as many cars as usual.The train was completely full. Apparently they did not have as many cars as usual.
Tips
If you have a coach seat, get there early. There can be a long line.If you have a coach seat, get there early. There can be a long line.
Janel
5.0
29 November 2019Vacation
Pros
The train was clean and free of liter. The staff were helpful and nice.The train was clean and free of liter. The staff were helpful and nice.
Cons
Help with lifting luggage on and off trainHelp with lifting luggage on and off train
Tips
It was a great way to de- stress before starting vacationIt was a great way to de- stress before starting vacation
Yi
4.0
28 November 2019Visiting friends
Pros
The train has a clean environment and the staff is friendly and helpful. Moreover, there is enough space for luggage/bags etc.The train has a clean environment and the staff is friendly and helpful. Moreover, there is enough space for luggage/bags etc.
Cons
First of all, the train ran late for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Moreover, after the train entered Chicago downtown the speed significantly decreased.First of all, the train ran late for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Moreover, after the train entered Chicago downtown the speed significantly decreased.
Tips
Please be prepared for a delay. I heard from a friend that the train was delayed for more than 10 hours one time.Please be prepared for a delay. I heard from a friend that the train was delayed for more than 10 hours one time.

Based on 7 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with Amtrak Saluki report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 100 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
4.6
Staff
4.7
Value
4.4
Condition
4.9
Beverly
5.0
16 October 2019Visiting friends
Pros
Every thingEvery thing
Cons
Everything perfectEverything perfect
Adolfo
5.0
11 October 2019Business
Pros
It was comfortable and relaxIt was comfortable and relax
Tips
Book earlyBook early
Paul
5.0
26 July 2019Visiting friends
Pros
It was as comfortable as a first class airplane It was as comfortable as a first class airplane
Holly
5.0
17 July 2019Solo travel
Pros
comfort of train, charging outlet, WIFI, announcements of where we were, explanation for initial delaycomfort of train, charging outlet, WIFI, announcements of where we were, explanation for initial delay
Michael
5.0
6 June 2019Business
Pros
Relaxing and on time!Relaxing and on time!
Cons
Nothing Nothing
Tips
Great value!Great value!

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