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Cheap train tickets from Champaign to Effingham
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Champaign to Effingham. Traveling by train from Champaign to Effingham usually takes one hour and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can make the trip in one hour and 5 minutes.
- Distance
- 71 mi (114 km)
- Fastest train
- 1h 5m
- Lowest price
- $5.00
- Trains per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak City of New Orleans
- Train lines
- 3
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Champaign to Effingham Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Champaign to Effingham:
- Amtrak City of New Orleans tickets: $5 one-way
- Amtrak Illini Service tickets: $5 one-way
- Amtrak Saluki tickets: $5 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Champaign to Effingham?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Champaign to Effingham was $5. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 10 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $18.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Effingham by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Champaign to Effingham is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $5 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Effingham by month
Taking the train from Champaign to Effingham usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $7 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Champaign to Effingham doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from Champaign to Effingham?
There are 3 train lines with service from Champaign to Effingham. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 1h 6m | $9.10 |
| Amtrak Illini Service | 1 | 1h 11m | $10.11 |
| Amtrak Saluki | 1 | 1h 7m | $8.33 |
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 $9.10 for a trip from Champaign to Effingham. 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 Effingham
There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Champaign to Effingham. You can also take a train for your return trip from Effingham to Champaign. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Champaign to Effingham for $4.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
3
The distance between Champaign and Effingham is approximately 71 miles, or 114 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 5 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
Distance (mi)
71
Distance (km)
114
The earliest train departs Champaign at 10:49am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:55pm. 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
10:49am
Last train
10:55pm
Trains from Champaign to Effingham are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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.
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 Effingham?
Main arrival station: 401 W National Ave
Effingham has one train station.
All train stations in Effingham:
- 401 W National Ave
Need a return trip from Effingham to Champaign?
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