Cheap train tickets from Detroit to Champaign
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Detroit to Champaign. Travelling by train from Detroit to Champaign usually takes 14 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 13 hours and 5 minutes.
- Distance
- 310 mi (499 km)
- Fastest train
- 13h 5m
- Lowest price
- US$79.00
- Trains per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Detroit to Champaign Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Detroit to Champaign?
There are usually 4 daily coach trips from Detroit to Champaign.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$127.81 | Avg. PriceUS$85.41Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration14h 58m | Duration13h 25mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Detroit to Champaign:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Detroit to Champaign?
In the last month, train tickets from Detroit to Champaign cost about US$95 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$73.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Champaign by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Detroit to Champaign will cost between US$95 and US$166. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Champaign by month
Ticket prices for the train from Detroit to Champaign often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only US$97. If you're thinking of travelling from Detroit to Champaign during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$119 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Detroit to Champaign on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about US$73.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Detroit to Champaign?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Detroit to Champaign. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 14h 58m | US$127.81 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 3 Amtrak trains from Detroit to Champaign every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$79.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Detroit to Champaign
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your hand luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Champaign to Detroit. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Detroit to Champaign for US$52.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
0
The distance between Detroit and Champaign is approximately 310 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 5 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
310
Distance (km)
499
The earliest train departs Detroit at 6:26 while the last train of the day leaves at 9:40. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.
First train
6:26am
Last train
9:40am
Trains from Detroit to Champaign 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 travelling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Saturday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Detroit



Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travellers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Arts, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.
As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favourite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.
The principal coach terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travellers can catch coaches run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.
Champaign



A significant hub for the Silicon 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 colourful 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 coach 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 Detroit?
Main departure station: 11 W Baltimore Ave

Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Coach service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travellers can connect to the QLine tram system. The station’s amenities include clean toilets, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighbourhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.
All train stations in Detroit:
- 11 W Baltimore Ave
Where is the train station in Champaign?
Main arrival station: Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

The Illinois Terminal is located at 45 East University Avenue in Champaign. The transport centre opened in 1999, and now provides coach 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.
Train stations in Champaign:
- Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
Need a return trip from Champaign to Detroit?
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