Cheap train tickets from Normal to Champaign
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Normal to Champaign. Traveling by train from Normal to Champaign usually takes 9 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 28 minutes.
| Distance | 48 mi (77 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 28m |
| Lowest price | $30.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Normal to Champaign Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Normal to Champaign?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Normal to Champaign.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$78.35 | Avg. Price$21.78Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration9h 23m | Duration1h 1mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Normal to Champaign:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Normal to Champaign?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Normal to Champaign was $60.55. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $56.70 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Normal to Champaign by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Normal to Champaign will cost between $38 and $154. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Normal to Champaign by month
Ticket prices for the train from Normal to Champaign often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $61. If you're thinking of traveling from Normal to Champaign during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $106 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 Normal to Champaign on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $56.70 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Normal to Champaign?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Normal to Champaign. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 9h 23m | $78.35 |
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 Normal to Champaign every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $30.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Normal to Champaign
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 Champaign to Normal. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Normal to Champaign for $13.
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
0
The distance between Normal and Champaign is approximately 48 miles, or 77 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 28 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)
48
Distance (km)
77
The earliest train departs Normal at 7:06am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:08am. 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
7:06am
Last train
11:08am
Trains from Normal to Champaign are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Friday
City Information
Normal
Normal is a town in North Bloomington, adjacent to Bloomington. The town got its unique name in 1865 from the Illinois State Normal University, a normal school that is a teacher-training institution. Normal features the Children's Discovery Museum, Illinois State University Planetarium and Carden Park for children, and the David Davis Mansion and McLean County Museum of History for history buffs. If you're interested in exploring the outdoors, you can take a walk on the Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary or Constitution Trail or play on the Ironwood Golf Course. Sports lovers can also check out the Redbird Arena, where basketball games are held.
Normal features a vibrant entertainment scene with different breweries and beer halls. You can participate in the Illinois Shakespeare Festival or watch shows at the Normal Theater. Normal also has a vineyard and wine bars, with most activities available in Uptown Normal, the micro-urban city center. The Uptown area has different entertainment venues, dining, and retail establishments.
You can visit Normal, Illinois, by train or bus. The city is accessible from many other cities by train, including Amtrak, Amtrak Texas Eagle, and Amtrak Lincoln Service. As for the bus lines, you can access the city from over 80 other cities onboard buses from Jefferson Lines, Amtrak Thruway, and Burlington Trailways.
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 Normal?
Main departure station: Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
There is one train station in Normal.
All train stations in Normal:
- Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
Where is the train station in Champaign?
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
Need a return trip from Champaign to Normal?
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