Cheap train tickets from New Orleans to Champaign
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from New Orleans to Champaign. Traveling by train from New Orleans to Champaign usually takes 19 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can make the trip in 16 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 710 mi (1142 km) |
| Fastest train | 16h 40m |
| Lowest price | $120.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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New Orleans to Champaign Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from New Orleans to Champaign?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from New Orleans to Champaign.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$161.75 | Avg. Price$90.47Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration19h 39m | Duration18h 50mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from New Orleans to Champaign:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from New Orleans to Champaign?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from New Orleans to Champaign was $134.50. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $71.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from New Orleans to Champaign by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from New Orleans to Champaign will cost between $98 and $169. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from New Orleans to Champaign by month
Ticket prices for the train from New Orleans to Champaign often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $132. If you're thinking of traveling from New Orleans to Champaign during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $214 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from New Orleans to Champaign on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about $71.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from New Orleans to Champaign?
There are multiple trains that travel from New Orleans to Champaign, including Amtrak, Amtrak City of New Orleans. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 22h 39m | $152.00 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 16h 40m | $171.50 |
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 $171.50 for a trip from New Orleans 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.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from New Orleans to Champaign
Trains leave the station in New Orleans twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Champaign faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Champaign to New Orleans. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from New Orleans to Champaign for $90.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between New Orleans and Champaign is approximately 710 miles, or 1142 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 40 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 16 hours and 40 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)
710
DISTANCE (KM)
1142
The earliest train departs New Orleans at 11:45am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:45am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
11:45am
LATEST TRAIN
11:45am
Trains from New Orleans to Champaign 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Wednesday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
City Information
New Orleans
New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.
There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.
New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
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 does the train leave from in New Orleans?
Main departure station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.
All train stations in New Orleans:
- Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Where does the train arrive 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 New Orleans?
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