Cheap train tickets from Champaign to Springfield
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Champaign to Springfield?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Champaign to Springfield.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$28.80 | Avg. Price$47.17 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration1h 25m | Duration9h 38m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Champaign to Springfield. Traveling by train from Champaign to Springfield usually takes 9 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 33 minutes.
| Distance | 78 mi (126 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 33m |
| Lowest price | $28.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Champaign to Springfield?
The average price for a train ticket from Champaign to Springfield is $40.25, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 24 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $73.90 more.
Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Springfield by month
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Champaign to Springfield, book online with Wanderu at least 24 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $73.90 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Champaign to Springfield?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Champaign to Springfield. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 9h 39m | $68.99 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Champaign to Springfield every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $28.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Champaign to Springfield
The distance between Champaign and Springfield is approximately 78 miles, or 126 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 33 minutes.
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.
Trains departing from Champaign to Springfield tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Champaign at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00am. 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 5 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 Springfield 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.
Springfield
Image credit: Thank You (22.5 Millions+) views
Link to image attributionThere are 34 cities in America called Springfield, but the state capital of Illinois is one of the most well-known. Beyond Springfield's political clout as a state capital, it is known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln for many years, plus the site of his final resting place. While in town, you can visit President Lincoln's restored home, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. An enormous bronze bust of Lincoln outside his tomb features a nose as shiny as a new penny, rubbed by scores of visitors who consider it good luck.
Springfield is one of the state's best destinations thanks to more than just history. Check out the incredible artistry on display in the capitol building's stained glass windows, or discover the dogwoods lining 5 miles of trails in the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. Not to mention Springfield's bustling craft beer scene; hit up the city's microbreweries, nano breweries, and craft beer companies like the famous Springfield Beer Company.
It should be no surprise that one of the primary transportation methods to Springfield is called the Lincoln Service. This Amtrak train route stops in Springfield on its way from Chicago to St. Louis, and so does the Amtrak Texas Eagle from San Antonio to Chicago. Amtrak Thruway buses run from Springfield to Peoria, where travelers can connect to further bus destinations.
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 Springfield?
Main arrival station: 100 N Third St
Springfield has one train station.
All train stations in Springfield:
100 N Third St
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