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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Champaign to Joliet. The train trip from Champaign to Joliet is usually about 12 hours and 30 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 12 hours.
| Distance | 98 mi (157 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 0m |
| Lowest price | $32.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Champaign to Joliet?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Champaign to Joliet was $32.00. 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 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $10.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from Champaign to Joliet?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Champaign to Joliet. 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 | 1 | 12h 30m | $46.00 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Champaign to Joliet every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $32.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Champaign and Joliet is approximately 98 miles, or 157 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours,
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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Champaign to Joliet. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Champaign at 4:00am and arrives in Joliet around 12 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Joliet 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.
Joliet
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionJoliet is the third-largest city in Illinois and a suburb about 35 miles outside of Chicago. Most striking in Joliet is its limestone architecture, which you can see in the 40-room Jacob Henry Mansion and Post Office, built in 1876 and 1903, respectively. The Rialto Square Theatre is another historic building where many musicals, concerts, and comedy shows perform each week. Aside from its history, Joliet has gorgeous natural spaces, including the Forest Preserve District, perfect for fishing and hiking, and the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, where 27 protected bison live.
Roll the dice at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel for an epic night out in Joliet. If you prefer to fill your stomach instead of emptying your wallet, choose from several on-site dining options in the hotel. Downtown Joliet is also known for its culinary opportunities, from fine dining at Juliet's Tavern to quick bites at Joliet Route 66 Diner.
Amtrak's Lincoln Service from St. Louis and the Texas Eagle from San Antonio stop in Joliet on their routes to Chicago. The quick trip to Chicago makes it easy to connect to many of Amtrak's other train lines, plus additional bus routes beyond the ones offered by Tornado Bus and El Expreso Bus directly to Joliet.
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 Joliet?
Main arrival station: Gateway Center
Joliet has one train station.
All train stations in Joliet:
Gateway Center
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