Cheap train tickets from Champaign to El Paso
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Champaign to El Paso Train Schedule
Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Champaign and El Paso. The average train journey from Champaign to El Paso takes 55 hours and 10 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 54 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 1169 mi (1881 km) |
| Fastest train | 54h 5m |
| Lowest price | $250.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |

Which train should you take from Champaign to El Paso?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Champaign to El Paso. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 2d 7h 11m | $264.50 |
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 El Paso every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $250.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Champaign to El Paso
The distance between Champaign and El Paso is approximately 1169 miles, or 1881 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 55 hours and 10 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 54 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.
Trains from Champaign to El Paso are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Champaign at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00am. 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 El Paso 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.
El Paso

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash
El Paso takes you to a world of art, history, entertainment, and style. Also known as the Sun City, El Paso is more than just stories of outlaws and their notoriety. While it is the city where one can learn about the lives of jailbreaker Billy the Kid and gunfighter John Wesley Hardin, it is also home to inspiring historical figures such as city attorney Richard F. Burges and missionary Fray Garcia.
El Paso has an exciting mix of art galleries and museums that depicts the city's rich culture and history. These are the reasons why El Paso lures thousands of painters, sculptors, photographers, and muralists from around the world. Among the best art galleries in the area are the Agave Rosa Gallery, Encaustic International Art Studio, and Ho Baron Sculpture Garden.
El Paso delivers when it comes to family and adult entertainment as well. Kids would surely love exploring the El Paso Zoo, trying the rides at the Western Playland, and biking along the Rio Grande. For adults, El Paso's regional casinos are worth visiting. And if you’re a fan of a mixed drink, El Paso is home to some of the country’s cheapest cocktails.
El Paso is easily accessible via train, bus, or air. Flights arrive at the El Paso International Airport or just north of the state border in Las Cruces, NM (the Las Cruces Shuttle runs from this airport to El Paso several times daily). Ground travel includes train service on Amtrak and bus service on several major bus carriers from El Paso to other destinations in Texas and beyond.
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 El Paso?

Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 700 W San Francisco Ave
The Amtrak train station in El Paso was designed by Daniel Burnham, the architect of the Washington D.C. Union Station. The red-bricked building is easy to spot, though the large, green-roofed bell tower makes the building look more like a church than a train station. Inside, the church-style continues with high ceilings, arched windows, mosaic tiles, and pew-style seating. The station has plenty of parking for your car. Nearby is a small shopping center where you can get a coffee shop, candy shop, and multiple body-health stores.
All train stations in El Paso:
700 W San Francisco Ave
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