Cheap train tickets from Champaign to Ann Arbor
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Champaign to Ann Arbor. Traveling by train from Champaign to Ann Arbor usually takes 11 hours and 31 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 12 minutes.
| Distance | 278 mi (447 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 12m |
| Lowest price | $94.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Champaign to Ann Arbor Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Champaign to Ann Arbor?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Champaign to Ann Arbor.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$130.75 | Avg. Price$79.96Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration11h 31m | Duration9h 51mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Champaign to Ann Arbor:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Champaign to Ann Arbor?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Champaign to Ann Arbor was $111.67. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 2 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $42.83 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Ann Arbor by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Champaign to Ann Arbor will cost between $72 and $133. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Ann Arbor by month
Ticket prices for the train from Champaign to Ann Arbor 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 $94. If you're thinking of traveling from Champaign to Ann Arbor during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $154 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
By booking your train trip from Champaign to Ann Arbor on Wanderu at least 2 days ahead of time, you can save about $42.83 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Champaign to Ann Arbor?
There are multiple trains that travel from Champaign to Ann Arbor, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 11h 31m | $130.75 |
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 Ann Arbor every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $94.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Champaign to Ann Arbor
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 Ann Arbor to Champaign. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Champaign to Ann Arbor for $50.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Champaign and Ann Arbor is approximately 278 miles, or 447 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 31 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 12 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)
278
DISTANCE (KM)
447
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 Ann Arbor are the most crowded on Friday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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.
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is a quirky city filled with interesting secrets for curious travelers. The first thing to do in Ann Arbor is to check out its crown jewel, the University of Michigan. Boasting as many as 30 libraries and more than 16 museums, the university will fulfill every culturally-inclined traveler’s desires with ease. Nature lovers who enjoy a breath of fresh air should consider hopping on the Huron River Water Trail, which offers plenty of opportunities for paddling. Also don’t miss out on a show at the famous Michigan Theater, which offers retro shows and live acts.
Travelers can enjoy an authentic Ann Arbor culinary experience at Kerrytown, a historic quarter in the city. Located there are the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, as well as Zingerman’s Deli, both of which are local favorites.
The Amtrak station at 325 Depot St serves as the city’s main hub for both bus and train travel. From the station you can catch a bus or train to various cities such as Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and beyond. Ann Arbor is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport.
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 Ann Arbor?
Main arrival station: 325 Depot St - Amtrak Station
The Ann Arbor Amtrak Station is located in the downtown area of Ann Arbor at 325 Depot St and handles most of the city’s rail transportation. The station is served by the Wolverine line, which runs from Pontiac to Chicago three times each day. Intercity bus service from Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Greyhound also stop at the Depot St station. Metered parking is available on-site, and the station building includes public restrooms and a convenient taxi stand. Several restaurants are in the surrounding area, and if you have time to kill before your train, take a short walk to the scenic Broadway Park along Huron River.
All train stations in Ann Arbor:
- 325 Depot St - Amtrak Station
Need a return trip from Ann Arbor to Champaign?
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