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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Champaign and Ithaca. The average train journey from Champaign to Ithaca takes 35 hours and 5 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 630 mi (1014 km) |
| Fastest train | 35h 5m |
| Lowest price | $102.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Champaign to Ithaca?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Champaign to Ithaca. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 1d 11h 5m | $102.00 |
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 Ithaca every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $102.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Champaign and Ithaca is approximately 630 miles, or 1014 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 35 hours and 5 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Champaign to Ithaca. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Champaign at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
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 Ithaca 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.
Ithaca
Blessed with over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles, Ithaca is every outdoors fan’s petit haven. The most notable, and the tallest of the bunch, is the Taughannock Falls. There are hiking trails located close to the falls that will provide an amazing overlook of the falls itself, but do stay away from the water in the gorges. If hiking is not your cup of tea, perhaps a boat cruise on Lake Cayuga, which is the longest of the Finger Lakes, will offer the tranquility and peace of mind you need. For culturally-inclined tourists, don’t hesitate to take a short detour to the State Theatre of Ithaca, which offers top-tier shows and concerts that charm locals and visitors alike.
Ithaca boasts even more restaurants per capita than New York City, and its amazing food scene seems to have a little bit of everything for everyone. For the best burger in town, check out Ithaca Ale House. If Italian food is your thing, the door at Franco’s is wide open for you.
Several bus carriers conduct trips in and out of Ithaca, including Greyhound, OurBus, Flixbus and New York Trailways. Unfortunately, there are currently no Amtrak trains that go to Ithaca. The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport serves as the town’s main airport. It is located three miles northeast of the city center.
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 Ithaca?
Main arrival station: Ithaca, New York
The Ithaca bus station at 131 E Green St is only a short walk from the downtown district. This station serves several leading bus carriers, including OurBus, FlixBus US, New York Trailways, and Greyhound, with buses departing regularly. Its handy location adjacent to a convenience store means that you can pick up any last-minute supplies for your trip. The bus station is also a short walk from the Ithaca Commons shopping center; here you can catch a movie while you kill time between connections. If shopping isn't your thing, take a walk along the nearby Six Mile Creek to stretch your legs before your journey.
All train stations in Ithaca:
Ithaca, New York
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