Cheap train tickets from St Paul to Champaign
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from St Paul to Champaign. Traveling by train from St Paul to Champaign usually takes 12 hours, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 415 mi (668 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h |
| Lowest price | $131.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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St Paul to Champaign Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from St Paul to Champaign?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from St Paul to Champaign.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$299.39 | Avg. Price$179.91Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration12hFaster | Duration25h 17m |
There are several train options that can take you from St Paul to Champaign:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from St Paul to Champaign?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from St Paul to Champaign was $131.00. 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 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $434.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to Champaign by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from St Paul to Champaign will cost between $59 and $213. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from St Paul to Champaign by month
Ticket prices for the train from St Paul to Champaign often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $126. If you're thinking of traveling from St Paul to Champaign during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $328 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 St Paul to Champaign on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $434.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from St Paul to Champaign?
There are multiple trains that travel from St Paul 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 | 2 | 12h | $299.39 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from St Paul to Champaign every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $108.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from St Paul to Champaign
Trains leave the station in St Paul twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Champaign to St Paul. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from St Paul to Champaign for $168.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between St Paul and Champaign is approximately 415 miles, or 668 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours, 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)
415
DISTANCE (KM)
668
The earliest train departs St Paul at 8:50am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:50am. 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
8:50am
LATEST TRAIN
8:50am
Trains from St Paul 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
St Paul
Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota, and is one of the Twin Cities, along with its neighbor across the Mississippi River, Minneapolis. As the seat of Minnesota's government, Saint Paul offers historic and cultural attractions which represent both the state and the American Midwest as a whole.
For a comprehensive introduction to the region's history, start your trip at the Minnesota History Center, just down the street from the grounds of the State Capitol building. There are museums in Saint Paul for all types of interests, including the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Schubert Club Musical Instrument Museum. For an extra dash of Saint Paul history, take a stroll down Summit Avenue, a stylish street of drool-worthy Victorian houses and mansions, including the home of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
If you're brave enough to visit Saint Paul during the freezing winters, you'll be rewarded with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a yearly event where you can explore ice palaces, watch live ice sculpting, and compete in city-wide scavenger hunts. Saint Paul is also one of the country's best cities for craft beer, so save time to taste some local ales or even brew your own beer at Vine Park Brewing Co.
Saint Paul is a hub for travel in the Midwest thanks in part to Amtrak's Empire Builder train service which stops at Saint Paul Union Depot. Bus service from stations throughout town and nearby Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport make it easy to travel to and from this saintly city.
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 St Paul?
Main departure station: Union Depot
Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood, Union Depot has a remarkable history dating back to 1881. It remains the major transport hub of Saint Paul, as well as the designated station for Amtrak service in the Twin Cities. Besides the long-haul Empire Builder train, the station serves Jefferson Lines and Greyhound intercity buses and connects to local public transit. Within the Union Depot complex, you’ll find a coffee shop, restaurant, bike shop, rental car agency, and can even join a public tour to admire the architecture and learn about the station’s storied past.
All train stations in St Paul:
- Union Depot
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 St Paul?
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