Cheap train tickets from Kansas City to Champaign
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Kansas City to Champaign. Traveling by train from Kansas City to Champaign usually takes 19 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 344 mi (554 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 32m |
| Lowest price | $110.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Kansas City to Champaign Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Kansas City to Champaign?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Kansas City to Champaign.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$177.27 | Avg. Price$89.18Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration19h 50m | Duration10h 30mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Kansas City to Champaign:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Champaign?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Kansas City to Champaign was $118.00. 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 17 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $155.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Champaign by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Kansas City to Champaign is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $121 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Kansas City to Champaign by month
Ticket prices for the train from Kansas City to Champaign often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $148. If you're thinking of traveling from Kansas City to Champaign during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $275 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 Kansas City to Champaign on Wanderu at least 17 days ahead of time, you can save about $155.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Kansas City to Champaign?
There are multiple trains that travel from Kansas City 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 | 19h 50m | $177.27 |
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 Kansas City to Champaign every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $103.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Kansas City 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 Kansas City. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Kansas City to Champaign for $54.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Kansas City and Champaign is approximately 344 miles, or 554 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 32 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)
344
DISTANCE (KM)
554
The earliest train departs Kansas City at 7:13am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:05pm. 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
7:13am
LATEST TRAIN
4:05pm
Trains from Kansas City to Champaign are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
Kansas City
Straddling two states, Kansas City is a vibrant modern city with plenty of activities for visitors. Those wishing to learn more about the city’s culture and history should not miss out on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, which offers artworks for both children and adults alike. If you seek something a bit quirkier and more interesting, the Arabia Steamboat Museum will certainly satisfy your curiosity. While you are in town, don’t forget to pay the Boulevard Brewing Company a visit. It is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and the source of pride from many local residents.
Kansas City’s signature barbecue is another source of pride, and you should take every occasion to try it out. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. If that’s not really your thing, The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen are also worth checking out.
Kansas City’s principal bus station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers bus trips to Chicago, Wichita and Denver, among many other places. Kansas City Union Station provides Amtrak intercity train services, and the trains Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief pass through the station on their way. Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown.
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 Kansas City?
Main departure station: Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd
Union Station in Kansas City is a grand, historic station dating back to 1914 with an imposing columned facade and intricately carved coffered ceilings. The station is truly a destination in itself, where you can explore a series of museums, a planetarium, a 3D theater, and upscale dining options. Train service still runs through Union Station, though, and you can catch the Missouri River Runner to St. Louis or the Southwest Chief to Chicago or Los Angeles. Paid parking, restrooms, and a mothers’ nursing room can be found at the station. Just steps outside are some of the highlights of Kansas City, from Legoland Discovery Center to Penn Valley Park’s various memorials and museums.
All train stations in Kansas City:
- Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd
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 Kansas City?
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