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Cheap train tickets from Champaign to Normal

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Champaign to Normal. Traveling by train from Champaign to Normal usually takes 11 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 1 minute.

Distance
48 mi (77 km)
Fastest train
8h 1m
Lowest price
CZK 656.18
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Champaign to Normal Train Schedule

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

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Champaign to Normal.

Train
Bus
Avg. PriceCZK 2,163.86Avg. PriceCZK 449.05Cheaper
Daily Trips3Daily Trips3
Duration11h 9mDuration1h 2mFaster
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There are several train options that can take you from Champaign to Normal:

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Champaign to Normal was CZK 1,447.97. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 2,779.36 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Normal by travel date

CZK 9,240CZK 6,160CZK 3,080OctOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Champaign to Normal will cost between CZK 962 and CZK 9,230. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Normal by month

CZK 3,225CZK 2,580CZK 1,935CZK 1,290CZK 645JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Champaign to Normal 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 CZK 1,465. If you're thinking of traveling from Champaign to Normal during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 3,215 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

CZK 4,225CZK 3,380CZK 2,535CZK 1,690CZK 84501020

By booking your train trip from Champaign to Normal on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 2,779.36 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Champaign to Normal?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Champaign to Normal. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak311h 9mCZK 2,163.84

  • 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 Normal every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 656.18.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Champaign to Normal

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 Normal to Champaign. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Champaign to Normal for CZK 284.

Trains per day

3

Direct trains

0

The distance between Champaign and Normal is approximately 48 miles, or 77 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 1 minute. 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)

48

Distance (km)

77

The earliest train departs Champaign at 4:30am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:24am. 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

11:24am

Trains from Champaign to Normal are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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

Tuesday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Champaign

Champaign, IL - CHM-0Champaign, IL - CHM-1Champaign, IL - CHM-2

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.

Normal

Normal is a town in North Bloomington, adjacent to Bloomington. The town got its unique name in 1865 from the Illinois State Normal University, a normal school that is a teacher-training institution. Normal features the Children's Discovery Museum, Illinois State University Planetarium and Carden Park for children, and the David Davis Mansion and McLean County Museum of History for history buffs. If you're interested in exploring the outdoors, you can take a walk on the Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary or Constitution Trail or play on the Ironwood Golf Course. Sports lovers can also check out the Redbird Arena, where basketball games are held.

Normal features a vibrant entertainment scene with different breweries and beer halls. You can participate in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival or watch shows at the Normal Theater. Normal also has a vineyard and wine bars, with most activities available in Uptown Normal, the micro-urban city center. The Uptown area has different entertainment venues, dining, and retail establishments.

You can visit Normal, Illinois, by train or bus. The city is accessible from many other cities by train, including Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle, and Amtrak Lincoln Service. As for the bus lines, you can access the city from over 80 other cities onboard buses from Jefferson Lines, Amtrak Thruway, and Burlington Trailways.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Champaign?

Main departure station: Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave - CHMAMT-0

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 Normal?

Main arrival station: Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir

Normal has one train station.

All train stations in Normal:

  • Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir

Need a return trip from Normal to Champaign?

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