Cheap train tickets from Champaign to Washington DC
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Champaign to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Champaign to Washington DC usually takes 29 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 24 hours and 59 minutes.
| Distance | 603 mi (970 km) |
| Fastest train | 24h 59m |
| Lowest price | $181.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Champaign to Washington DC Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Champaign to Washington, DC?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Champaign to Washington, DC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$225.32 | Avg. Price$165.19Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration29h 23m | Duration26h 10mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Champaign to Washington DC:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Champaign to Washington DC?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Champaign to Washington, DC was $187.50. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $69.90 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Champaign to Washington DC will cost between $144 and $209. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Washington DC by month
Ticket prices for the train from Champaign to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $183. If you're thinking of traveling from Champaign to Washington DC during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $361 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 Champaign to Washington, DC on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $69.90 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Champaign to Washington DC?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Champaign to Washington, DC. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 29h 23m | $225.32 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Champaign to Washington, DC every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $181.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Champaign to Washington DC
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 carry-on 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 Washington DC to Champaign. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Champaign to Washington DC for $86.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
0
The distance between Champaign and Washington DC is approximately 603 miles, or 970 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 29 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 24 hours and 59 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.
Distance (mi)
603
Distance (km)
970
The earliest train departs Champaign at 4:30am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:45pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
4:30am
Last train
4:45pm
Trains from Champaign to Washington DC are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Champaign
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.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Champaign?
Main 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 Washington DC?
Main arrival station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.
All train stations in Washington DC:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Washington DC to Champaign?
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