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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Frederick to Champaign per day. The average train journey from Frederick to Champaign takes 36 hours and 7 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 35 hours and 59 minutes.
| Distance | 577 mi (929 km) |
| Fastest train | 35h 59m |
| Lowest price | $157.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Frederick to Champaign?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Frederick to Champaign. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 12h 7m | $157.00 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Frederick to Champaign every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $157.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Frederick and Champaign is approximately 577 miles, or 929 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 36 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 35 hours and 59 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Frederick to Champaign on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Frederick at 11:00am and arrives in Champaign around 35 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
City Information
Frederick
Image credit: Pixabay
Frederick is a city in western Maryland with mountainous views and clustered spires. The city is popular for its intimidating 40-block historic district and Civil War sites. History buffs will enjoy the diverse history spots in the city, from the National Museum of Civil War Museum, which offers battlefield medical care exhibits, to the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum in a 1750s German colonial house. If you're traveling with children, you should visit the Rose Holl Manor Park & Museum, which includes a children's museum, the Adventure Park USA, offering fun rides, and the Gambrill State Park, which appeals to hikers. Art lovers can see virtual art exhibits at the Delaplaine Arts Center.
Downtown Frederick is an exciting spot in the city, as the entertainment district features a thriving craft beer scene, specialty stores, art galleries, and eateries. In the downtown area, you can check out Carroll Creek Park, which features fountains, footpaths, and an amphitheater where you enjoy performing arts. The Frederick Festival of the Arts is a mainstay in the city, but the Maryland Craft Beer Festival is another top reason to visit.
You can easily visit Frederick by train, with most of the train routes provided by Amtrak. If you decide to go by bus, Jefferson Lines has plenty of trips. TransIT provides bus routes within the city.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Frederick?
Main departure station: Frederick Transit Center-MARC Station
There are two stations in Frederick where you can board the train to Champaign.
All train stations in Frederick:
Frederick Transit Center-MARC Station
1341 Hughes Ford Rd
Where is the train station in Champaign?
Image credit: Beyond My Ken
Link to image attributionMain 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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