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Cheap train tickets from Champaign to Joliet

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Champaign to Joliet Train Schedule

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

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Champaign to Joliet.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$168.24
Avg. Price
$48.10
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
2
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
6h 6m
Duration
8h 53m

Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Champaign to Joliet. The train trip from Champaign to Joliet is usually about 9 hours and 18 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 49 minutes.

Distance98 mi (157 km)
Fastest train2h 49m
Lowest price$25.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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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 $29.50. 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 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $14.17 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15DJFMAMJJASON
Ticket prices for the train from Champaign to Joliet 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 $42. If you're thinking of traveling from Champaign to Joliet during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $53 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Which train should you take from Champaign to Joliet?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Champaign to Joliet. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak29h 19m$51.51

  • 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 Joliet every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $25.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Champaign to Joliet

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Champaign to Joliet. 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 Joliet is approximately 98 miles, or 157 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 49 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.

Tuesday 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 Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Champaign at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. 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 Joliet 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.

Joliet

Joliet, IL, US - JOL-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Joliet 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?

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 Joliet?

Main arrival station: Gateway Center

Joliet has one train station.

All train stations in Joliet:

  • Gateway Center

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