Cheap train tickets from Champaign to Lafayette
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Champaign to Lafayette. Traveling by train from Champaign to Lafayette usually takes 13 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 10 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 75 mi (121 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 32m |
| Lowest price | $69.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Champaign to Lafayette Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Champaign to Lafayette?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Champaign to Lafayette.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$113.63 | Avg. Price$60.91Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration13h 29m | Duration5h 49mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Champaign to Lafayette:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Champaign to Lafayette?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Champaign to Lafayette was $86.75. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.
Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Lafayette by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Champaign to Lafayette is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $61 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Lafayette by month
Ticket prices for the train from Champaign to Lafayette often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $74. If you're thinking of traveling from Champaign to Lafayette during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $620 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
You can score the best price on a train ticket from Champaign to Lafayette by booking on Wanderu in advance. Tickets are nearly always cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.
What train companies travel from Champaign to Lafayette?
There are multiple trains that travel from Champaign to Lafayette, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 13h 29m | $113.63 |
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 Lafayette every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $58.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Champaign to Lafayette
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 Lafayette to Champaign. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Champaign to Lafayette for $38.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Champaign and Lafayette is approximately 75 miles, or 121 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 32 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
75
DISTANCE (KM)
121
The earliest train departs Champaign at 4:30am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:24am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
4:30am
LATEST TRAIN
10:24am
Trains from Champaign to Lafayette are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
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.
Lafayette
Lafayette, a quaint college town with a vibrant history, is a superb destination for fans of history and old buildings. The city's historic old quarter is a beautiful sight to behold, with some buildings dating back to the 19th century. A walk around this quarter will bring you back to the early days of the American Industrial Revolution. Don't miss out on the chance to visit Fort Ouiatenon, the first European fortified settlement in the area now called Indiana. If you are looking for a spot to enjoy a picnic with your friends and your family, head to historic Prophetstown State Park for plenty of activities; we're talking a water park, unique wildlife observation, camping, and a working farm dating back to the 1920s.
Lafayette's food scene offers a good mix of traditional dishes and modern ones. If you wish to enjoy genuine local specialties, South Street Smokehouse offers amazing homestyle dishes. For those who just can't have enough local pizzas, stop by Arni's, a pizzeria that has been around for more than 40 years.
Travel to Lafayette is easy thanks to multiple bus lines and the Amtrak Cardinal line, which runs through the city. The nearest major airport is about 60 miles away in Indianapolis, so ground travel is definitely your friend for this destination.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in Lafayette?
Main arrival station: 200 N Second St
The Lafayette Amtrak Station is located in the heart of Downtown Lafayette right alongside the Wabash River. Originally built in 1902, the station is famous for its signature Romanesque Revival style. In 2003, the station was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The only Amtrak line that serves the Lafayette station is the Cardinal, one of the most scenic train routes in the U.S. There is a local bus stop outside the station that connects it to the rest of Lafayette and the neighboring areas via CityBus, the public transit bus service provided by the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation. Thanks to the station's downtown location, there is a rich variety of bars and restaurants nearby.
All train stations in Lafayette:
- 200 N Second St
Need a return trip from Lafayette to Champaign?
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