Wanderu Logo
United States flag
  • Canada
CZK
Log in
chiku-desktop

Cheap train tickets from Champaign to Chicago

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Champaign to Chicago Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Champaign to Chicago?

There are usually 8 daily bus trips available from Champaign to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
CZK 1,548.33
Avg. Price
CZK 717.53
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
8
Daily Trips
3
Duration
Duration
4h 37m
Duration
2h 55m

Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Champaign to Chicago. Traveling by train from Champaign to Chicago usually takes 2 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Saluki train can make the trip in 2 hours and 36 minutes.

Distance126 mi (203 km)
Fastest train2h 36m
Lowest priceCZK 250.81
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak City of New Orleans
Train lines4

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Champaign to Chicago

(Based on 60 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Lance

July 16, 2026- Solo travel

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: I had a great time at the Rush concert. Cons: Everything was good. Tips: A great way to get to Chicago if you don’t want to drive there.

5.0

Rosalind

June 27, 2026- Business

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: The scenery along the way. Cons: Being on time. Tips: Take Amtrak rather than bus.

5.0

Bruce

July 7, 2025- Solo travel

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: good trip good experience. Cons: nothing. Tips: no.

5.0

Uma S

March 14, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak Illini Service

Pros: The staff was very professional and train was beat and clean and i=on time. Cons: Nothing really. Tips: Follow instructions.

5.0

Maryl

December 22, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Saluki

It would be nice if the lines outside getting onto train, more definitive. This means itbwould be nice to know where business class seats are. All the cars were coach class. It got confusing where to go, and I got yelled at. However, I understand their frustration, thank you! But one person said, two cars over, then when I got there, i asked to make sure. The next person said go two cars back. It was not the most pleasant.

Champaign to Chicago Route Map

Champaign Chicago
See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Champaign to Chicago was CZK 674.89. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 540.70 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Chicago by travel date

CZK 1,254CZK 836CZK 418SepSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Champaign to Chicago will cost between CZK 460 and CZK 982. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Chicago by month

CZK 1,568CZK 1,254CZK 941CZK 627CZK 314ONDJFMAMJJAS
Ticket prices for the train from Champaign to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in August when the average ticket price is only CZK 585. If you're thinking of traveling from Champaign to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 1,170 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

CZK 1,568CZK 1,254CZK 941CZK 627CZK 3143020100

By booking your train trip from Champaign to Chicago on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 540.70 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Champaign to Chicago?

There are 4 train lines with service from Champaign to Chicago. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak13h 51mCZK 1,274.74
Amtrak City of New Orleans12h 45mCZK 1,160.62
Amtrak Illini Service12h 37mCZK 516.25
Amtrak Saluki12h 36mCZK 653.15

  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Champaign to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 836.

  • 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 Champaign to Chicago. 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.

  • Since 1973, Amtrak's Illini Service has provided reliable train transportation to 11 Illinois cities. The Illini operates as an evening commuter train from Chicago to Carbondale, while its sister train, the Amtrak Saluki, runs the morning route. Commuters rely on this service as a safe and convenient transportation option every day. Each train offers WiFi and power outlets, plus a cafe car and business class seating. Illini trains meet the highest federal standard for reducing emissions, with up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Since its inception in 2006, the Amtrak Saluki line has offered daily train trips between Chicago and Carbondale. The Amtrak Saluki operates along 500 kilometers of railroad, stopping at numerous midwestern towns like Kankakee, Rantoul, and Effingham. The trains on this line are equipped with onboard WiFi, power outlets, air conditioning, and a cafe car, with the option to upgrade to business class seating. This line is known for using trains that produce 90% fewer carbon emissions than other trains, meaning that your trip is green as well as convenient.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Champaign to Chicago

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Champaign to Chicago. 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.
The distance between Champaign and Chicago is approximately 126 miles, or 203 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 36 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.

Trains from Champaign to Chicago 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Champaign at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Chicago. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Champaign.

City Information

Champaign

Champaign, IL - CHM-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Champaign, IL - CHM-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Champaign, IL - CHM-2

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.

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Champaign?

Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave - CHMAMT-0

Image credit: Beyond My Ken

Link to image attribution

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 Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Union Station

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

All train stations in Chicago:

  • Union Station

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Chicago by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Chicago to Champaign?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Champaign

Continue by train from Chicago

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.