Cheap train tickets from Kankakee to Champaign

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Kankakee to Champaign. Traveling by train from Kankakee to Champaign usually takes one hour and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Saluki train can make the trip in one hour and 20 minutes.

Distance	72 mi (116 km)
Fastest train	1h 20m
Lowest price	$7.00
Trains per day	3
Most frequent service	Amtrak City of New Orleans
Train lines	3

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Kankakee to Champaign Train Schedule

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

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Kankakee to Champaign.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. Price$17.17Cheaper	Avg. Price$22.58
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips2
Duration	Duration1h 23m	Duration1h 20mFaster

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Kankakee to Champaign (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

MPJ

May 12, 2025 - Visiting family

Amtrak Saluki

Pros: I enjoyed not having to worry about driving the q30+ miles. Also, the trip by train was one hour quicker than driving. Cons: It would be nice if a dtop was added in Decatur, Il. Tips: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

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

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Kankakee to Champaign was $12.11. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $49.56 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Kankakee to Champaign by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kankakee to Champaign will cost between $10 and $57. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Kankakee to Champaign by month

Ticket prices for the train from Kankakee to Champaign often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in July when the average ticket price is only $19. If you're thinking of traveling from Kankakee to Champaign during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $38 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 Kankakee to Champaign on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $49.56 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Kankakee to Champaign?

There are 3 train lines with service from Kankakee to Champaign. There is only one daily train on each service.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak City of New Orleans	1	1h 27m	$24.69
Amtrak Illini Service	1	1h 21m	$13.85
Amtrak Saluki	1	1h 20m	$12.32

The City of New Orleans is an Amtrak route that runs daily trains from Chicago to New Orleans and vice versa. The City of New Orleans includes a sightseer lounge with panoramic windows for the best views of the five states along the route. Affordable Coach seats cost about $24.69 for a trip from Kankakee to Champaign. However, the City of New Orleans also offers private roomettes and bedrooms for added comfort and luxury (and a higher price). Passengers who book sleeper accommodations will enjoy included meals, and all passengers can stop into the cafe car to purchase meals and snacks.
Since 1973, Amtrak's Illini Service has provided reliable train transportation to 11 Illinois cities. The Illini operates as an evening commuter train from Chicago to Carbondale, while its sister train, the Amtrak Saluki, runs the morning route. Commuters rely on this service as a safe and convenient transportation option every day. Each train offers WiFi and power outlets, plus a cafe car and business class seating. Illini trains meet the highest federal standard for reducing emissions, with up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions.
Since its inception in 2006, the Amtrak Saluki line has offered daily train trips between Chicago and Carbondale. The Amtrak Saluki operates along 500 kilometers of railroad, stopping at numerous midwestern towns like Kankakee, Rantoul, and Effingham. The trains on this line are equipped with onboard WiFi, power outlets, air conditioning, and a cafe car, with the option to upgrade to business class seating. This line is known for using trains that produce 90% fewer carbon emissions than other trains, meaning that your trip is green as well as convenient.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Kankakee to Champaign

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Kankakee to Champaign. You can also take a train for your return trip from Champaign to Kankakee. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Kankakee to Champaign for $17.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Kankakee and Champaign is approximately 72 miles, or 116 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 20 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Distance (mi)

Distance (km)

116

The earliest train departs Kankakee at 9:27am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:23pm. 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

9:27am

Last train

9:23pm

Trains from Kankakee to Champaign are the most crowded on Thursday. 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

Thursday

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Kankakee?

Main departure station: 199 S East Ave

There is one train station in Kankakee.

All train stations in Kankakee:

199 S East Ave

Where is the train station in Champaign?

Main arrival 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

Need a return trip from Champaign to Kankakee?

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