Cheap train tickets from Ann Arbor to Champaign
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Ann Arbor to Champaign. Traveling by train from Ann Arbor to Champaign usually takes 12 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 11 hours and 22 minutes.
| Distance | 278 mi (447 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 22m |
| Lowest price | $54.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Ann Arbor to Champaign Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Ann Arbor to Champaign?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Ann Arbor to Champaign.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$116.95 | Avg. Price$62.14Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration12h 45m | Duration11h 36mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Ann Arbor to Champaign:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Ann Arbor to Champaign?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Ann Arbor to Champaign was $65.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 12 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $85.67 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Ann Arbor to Champaign by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Ann Arbor to Champaign will cost between $65 and $151. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Ann Arbor to Champaign by month
Ticket prices for the train from Ann Arbor to Champaign often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $95. If you're thinking of traveling from Ann Arbor to Champaign during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $128 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Ann Arbor to Champaign on Wanderu at least 12 days ahead of time, you can save about $85.67 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Ann Arbor to Champaign?
There are multiple trains that travel from Ann Arbor to Champaign, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 12h 45m | $116.95 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Ann Arbor to Champaign every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $54.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Ann Arbor to Champaign
There are 3 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 Ann Arbor. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Ann Arbor to Champaign for $43.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Ann Arbor and Champaign is approximately 278 miles, or 447 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 22 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)
278
DISTANCE (KM)
447
The earliest train departs Ann Arbor at 7:14am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:28am. 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
7:14am
LATEST TRAIN
10:28am
Trains from Ann Arbor 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is a quirky city filled with interesting secrets for curious travelers. The first thing to do in Ann Arbor is to check out its crown jewel, the University of Michigan. Boasting as many as 30 libraries and more than 16 museums, the university will fulfill every culturally-inclined traveler’s desires with ease. Nature lovers who enjoy a breath of fresh air should consider hopping on the Huron River Water Trail, which offers plenty of opportunities for paddling. Also don’t miss out on a show at the famous Michigan Theater, which offers retro shows and live acts.
Travelers can enjoy an authentic Ann Arbor culinary experience at Kerrytown, a historic quarter in the city. Located there are the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, as well as Zingerman’s Deli, both of which are local favorites.
The Amtrak station at 325 Depot St serves as the city’s main hub for both bus and train travel. From the station you can catch a bus or train to various cities such as Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and beyond. Ann Arbor is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport.
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 Ann Arbor?
Main departure station: 325 Depot St - Amtrak Station
The Ann Arbor Amtrak Station is located in the downtown area of Ann Arbor at 325 Depot St and handles most of the city’s rail transportation. The station is served by the Wolverine line, which runs from Pontiac to Chicago three times each day. Intercity bus service from Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Greyhound also stop at the Depot St station. Metered parking is available on-site, and the station building includes public restrooms and a convenient taxi stand. Several restaurants are in the surrounding area, and if you have time to kill before your train, take a short walk to the scenic Broadway Park along Huron River.
All train stations in Ann Arbor:
- 325 Depot St - Amtrak Station
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 Ann Arbor?
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