Cheap train tickets from Champaign to St Louis

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Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Champaign to St Louis. Traveling by train from Champaign to St Louis usually takes 10 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 11 minutes.

Distance: 147 mi (236 km)
Fastest train: 4h 11m
Lowest price: MX$769.30
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Champaign to St Louis Train Schedule

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

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Champaign to St Louis.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceMX$1,985.91	Avg. PriceMX$650.15Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips5	Daily Trips4
Duration	Duration10h 36m	Duration3h 22mFaster

There are several train options that can take you from Champaign to St Louis:

Amtrak tickets: MX$769 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Champaign to St Louis was MX$1,534. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around MX$1,289.60 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Champaign to St Louis by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Champaign to St Louis will cost between MX$1,107 and MX$3,997. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Champaign to St Louis by month

Ticket prices for the train from Champaign to St Louis 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 MX$1,501. If you're thinking of traveling from Champaign to St Louis during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of MX$2,514 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Champaign to St Louis on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about MX$1,289.60 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Champaign to St Louis?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Champaign to St Louis. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	5	10h 36m	MX$1,985.92

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 St Louis every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from MX$769.30.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Champaign to St Louis

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Champaign to St Louis. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

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 St Louis to Champaign. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Champaign to St Louis for MX$507.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Champaign and St Louis is approximately 147 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 11 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)

147

Distance (km)

236

The earliest train departs Champaign at 4:30 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 10:55 PM. 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

10:55pm

Trains from Champaign to St Louis 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

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.

St Louis

St. Louis is one of several major cities in the state of Missouri and it is uniquely located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city is usually recognized by its most distinctive feature, the Gateway Arch, thanks to which it is the only city in the United States that has a national park in the heart of its downtown district. The Arch is a must-see attraction and you can even take a tram to the top for some incredible views of the St. Louis skyline.

Some of the other truly unique attractions you can visit while you’re in town include the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis where you can check out an incredible collection of dolls, dollhouses and vignettes, and the City Museum where you can ride down a 10-story spiral slide (yup, you read that right.) For a great outdoor experience, stop by the gorgeous Missouri Botanical Garden, and then take a stroll through Citygarden where you will find various quirky statues and installations worthy of being featured in your Instagram feed.

Ale enthusiasts would be excited to know that St. Louis is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S. as well as one of the cheapest drinking cities. That means your party budget could take you a long way. Unsurprisingly, the city is also among the best spring break destinations on a budget.

The main bus and train station in St. Louis, Gateway Station, is located right in the center of downtown, not far from the Gateway Arch, which makes coming in and out of the city a breeze.

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 St Louis?

Main arrival station: Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St - STLAMT-0

Gateway Station opened in 2008 to consolidate St Louis’ transportation services into one central hub. The station’s award-winning design includes a pedestrian walkway with expansive colored glass windows overlooking the train tracks. Perfectly located in the heart of downtown St Louis, the station is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and hotels and is just a few blocks from Busch Stadium and the iconic Gateway Arch. Amenities inside the station include free Wifi, a food court, and a lounge for Amtrak’s First Class passengers. Gateway Station is a major stop for intercity bus service, several Amtrak train lines, and the city’s MetroLink which can connect you with the St Louis Lambert International Airport in just 30 minutes.

All train stations in St Louis:

Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Need a return trip from St Louis to Champaign?

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