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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Jackson to Champaign. The train trip from Jackson to Champaign is usually about 12 hours and 21 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 551 mi (886 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 21m |
| Lowest price | €100.83 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak City of New Orleans |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Jackson to Champaign?
Amtrak City of New Orleans is the one and only train line which connects Jackson to Champaign. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 12h 21m | €130.36 |
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 Jackson to Champaign. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Jackson and Champaign is approximately 551 miles, or 886 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 21 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 spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains departing from Jackson to Champaign tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Jackson at 15:00 and arrives in Champaign around 12 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Champaign with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Champaign to Jackson.
City Information
Jackson
Image credit: Ken Lund
Link to image attributionThe City of Jackson (or just Jackson to friends) is the capital of Mississippi and the most populous city in the state. The town has fantastic museums and historical sites covering different topics, including civil rights, arts, natural sciences, and African-American culture. The Mississippi Freedom Trail runs through Jackson and displays several important historic sites in the civil rights movement. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science includes nature trails for hiking and an aquarium in a family-friendly location. Meanwhile, LeFleur's Bluff State Park & Mayes Lake is a popular spot for families and friends going fishing, camping, and golfing.
Despite the deep history, Jackson also offers a vibrant nightlife, attractions, and entertainment. In Downtown Jackson, often called the Heart of Mississippi's Metropolitan, you can explore restaurants for fine dining, sports bars, lounges, and clubs. Plus, there are art galleries and a growing number of local breweries and distilleries, like Fertile Ground and Bicentennial. Jackson is bustling with festivals, too, including antique shows, arts events, spring festivals, and the City of Jackson Holiday Parade.
Jackson offers excellent transport links within the city, with buses provided by JTRAN. In addition, you can easily visit Jackson via train service, primarily by Amtrak, or bus service by Jefferson Lines.
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 Jackson?
Main departure station: 300 W Capitol St
There is one train station in Jackson.
All train stations in Jackson:
300 W Capitol St
Where is the train station in Champaign?
Image credit: Beyond My Ken
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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.
Train stations in Champaign:
Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
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Need a return trip from Champaign to Jackson?
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