Cheap train tickets from Memphis to Champaign
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Memphis to Champaign. Traveling by train from Memphis to Champaign usually takes 10 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 357 mi (575 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 40m |
| Lowest price | $54.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Memphis to Champaign Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Memphis to Champaign?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Memphis to Champaign.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$85.77Cheaper | Avg. Price$95.78 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration10h 35m | Duration9h 41mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Memphis to Champaign:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Memphis to Champaign?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Memphis to Champaign was $72.50. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $29.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Memphis to Champaign by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Memphis to Champaign will cost between $70 and $105. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Memphis to Champaign by month
Ticket prices for the train from Memphis 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 $94. If you're thinking of traveling from Memphis to Champaign during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $118 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 Memphis to Champaign on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about $29.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Memphis to Champaign?
There are multiple trains that travel from Memphis 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 | 13h 21m | $64.65 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 7h 40m | $108.00 |
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 Memphis to Champaign every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $53.
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 $108 for a trip from Memphis 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 Memphis to Champaign
Trains leave the station in Memphis 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 Memphis. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Memphis to Champaign for $67.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Memphis and Champaign is approximately 357 miles, or 575 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 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)
357
DISTANCE (KM)
575
The earliest train departs Memphis at 8:45pm while the last train of the day leaves at 8:45pm. 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
8:45pm
LATEST TRAIN
8:45pm
Trains from Memphis to Champaign are the most crowded on Saturday. 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
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Memphis
Nestled on the bank of the Mississippi River, Memphis is a city that constantly vibes to the rhythm of the South. Audiophiles who have fallen in love with the voice of Elvis Presley will find Graceland a must-see destination during their trip. Let the voices of Johnny Cash and B. B. King guide you to the famous Sun Studio, considered the birthplace of rock ‘n roll itself. As the day comes to an end, unwind at the famous Beale Street, where top musicians started out their career, and enjoy live music at one of the local theaters. You'll meet all sorts of visitors, and see why Memphis is one of the best destinations for bachelorette parties. The street also features some of the best restaurants in town, so make sure to check those out.
Memphis is more than just a musical center of the South. It was the vibrant center of the civil rights movement, and it was here that Martin Luther King Jr. took his last breath. Travelers interested in the city’s history should definitely take a tour around the National Civil Rights Museum. The moving and surreal exhibitions will offer a wealth of new perspectives.
Memphis' principal train hub is the Memphis Central Station, which has been in service since 1914. From there, you can travel by train to cities such as Chicago, Jackson, and Baton Rouge. On the outskirts of town, you will find the Memphis International Airport, and not far from it is the main bus stop used by Greyhound and other carriers.
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 Memphis?
Main departure station: Central Station - 545 S Main St
Memphis Central Station is a historic train station that has served as the central hub of Memphis’ transportation since 1914. It is the only full-service Amtrak station in the state of Tennessee, and serves the City of New Orleans train line, which runs from Chicago to New Orleans. A luxury Hilton hotel is located at the station, complete with two restaurants and a bar. From the Memphis Central Station downtown, it is a quick walk to the Memphis Farmers Market, National Civil Rights Museum, and Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi River.
All train stations in Memphis:
- Central Station - 545 S Main St
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 Memphis?
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