Cheap train tickets from Champaign to Detroit
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Champaign to Detroit. Traveling by train from Champaign to Detroit usually takes 12 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 41 minutes.
| Distance | 310 mi (499 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 41m |
| Lowest price | $72.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Champaign to Detroit Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Champaign to Detroit?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Champaign to Detroit.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$114.25 | Avg. Price$98.92Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration12h 42mFaster | Duration14h 25m |
There are several train options that can take you from Champaign to Detroit:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Champaign to Detroit?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Champaign to Detroit was $88.67. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $64.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Detroit by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Champaign to Detroit will cost between $73 and $139. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Champaign to Detroit by month
Ticket prices for the train from Champaign to Detroit often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $92. If you're thinking of traveling from Champaign to Detroit during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $129 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 Detroit on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about $64.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Champaign to Detroit?
There are multiple trains that travel from Champaign to Detroit, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 12h 42m | $114.25 |
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 Detroit every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $72.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Champaign to Detroit
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 Detroit to Champaign. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Champaign to Detroit for $63.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Champaign and Detroit is approximately 310 miles, or 499 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 41 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)
310
DISTANCE (KM)
499
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 Detroit 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Friday
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.
Detroit
Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.
As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.
The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.
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 Detroit?
Main arrival station: 11 W Baltimore Ave
Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travelers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean restrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighborhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.
All train stations in Detroit:
- 11 W Baltimore Ave
Need a return trip from Detroit to Champaign?
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