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Cheap train tickets from Kankakee to Champaign

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Chiku

Kankakee to Champaign Train Schedule

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.

Distance72 mi (116 km)
Fastest train1h 20m
Lowest priceTRY 339.33
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak City of New Orleans
Train lines3

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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!

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 TRY 468.76. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around TRY 279.70 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Kankakee to Champaign by travel date

TRY 2,909TRY 1,939TRY 970SepSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Kankakee to Champaign will cost between TRY 436 and TRY 2,909. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Kankakee to Champaign by month

TRY 2,424TRY 1,939TRY 1,454TRY 970TRY 485ONDJFMAMJJAS
Taking the train from Kankakee to Champaign usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around TRY 921 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

TRY 2,424TRY 1,939TRY 1,454TRY 970TRY 4853020100

The price of train trips from Kankakee to Champaign doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak City of New Orleans11h 27mTRY 1,113.48
Amtrak Illini Service11h 21mTRY 680.11
Amtrak Saluki11h 20mTRY 595.28
  • 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 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

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.

Trains from Kankakee to Champaign are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Kankakee at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

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.

City Information

Champaign

Champaign, IL - CHM-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Champaign, IL - CHM-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Champaign, IL - CHM-2

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.

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?

Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave  - CHMAMT-0

Image credit: Beyond My Ken

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

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