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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Champaign to Irvine. The train trip from Champaign to Irvine is usually about 52 hours and 54 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 50 hours and 47 minutes.
| Distance | 1684 mi (2709 km) |
| Fastest train | 50h 47m |
| Lowest price | $409.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Champaign to Irvine?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Champaign to Irvine. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 2d 4h 54m | $409.00 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Champaign to Irvine every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $409.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Champaign and Irvine is approximately 1684 miles, or 2709 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 52 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 50 hours and 47 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Champaign to Irvine on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
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.
Trains leave the station in Champaign twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Irvine 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.
Irvine
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Though Irvine is probably most famous for its corporations and university campuses, the city is well worth the trip for its variety of attractions and activities. Start with a date night at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, which boasts an intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. You could also check out the UCI Arboretum, where you can learn more about the unique flora of the coastal California region. The Beall Center for Art + Technology features interesting exhibitions that fuse modern art with futuristic technologies.
When you've worked up an appetite, you can find a wide variety of dining options available in the city. For some of the best Japanese dishes in town, check out Fukuda, which serves udon and soba dishes. If you are craving a good chicken parm, North Italia has just what you need!
It's easy to get to Irvine from anywhere in Southern California via intercity buses or Amtrak trains. Flights operate through the nearby John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport, just 4.3 miles away from downtown.
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 Irvine?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Irvine Station – also known as Irvine Transportation Center – is the busiest station in South Orange County, serving over a million passengers annually. It first opened in 1990 on the south side of the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in the Spectrum district. The station serves Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink (Southern California's commuter rail system), and various local transit bus lines part of the Orange County Transportation Authority's network. In the vicinity of the station, there are hotels, offices, and shops. Irvine Station is also close to the Irvine Spectrum Center, one of SoCal's most popular entertainment and shopping destinations.
All train stations in Irvine:
Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
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