Cheap train tickets from Madison to Champaign
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Madison to Champaign. Traveling by train from Madison to Champaign usually takes 8 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 2 minutes.
| Distance | 213 mi (343 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 2m |
| Lowest price | $58.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Madison to Champaign Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Madison to Champaign:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Madison to Champaign?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Madison to Champaign was $59.50. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 2 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $23.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Madison to Champaign by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Madison to Champaign will cost between $64 and $80. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Madison to Champaign by month
Ticket prices for the train from Madison 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 $72. If you're thinking of traveling from Madison to Champaign during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $79 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 Madison to Champaign on Wanderu at least 2 days ahead of time, you can save about $23.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Madison to Champaign?
There are multiple trains that travel from Madison 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 | 8h 17m | $71.67 |
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 Madison to Champaign every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $58.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Madison to Champaign
Trains leave the station in Madison 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 Madison. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Madison to Champaign for $47.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Madison and Champaign is approximately 213 miles, or 343 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 2 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)
213
DISTANCE (KM)
343
The earliest train departs Madison at 2:30am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:20am. 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
2:30am
LATEST TRAIN
10:20am
Trains from Madison 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
Madison
Consistently ranking high on the lists of the best places to live in the USA, Madison still maintains its quaint and idyllic small-town vibe despite being the capital city of Wisconsin. Sitting among the city’s most iconic and most popular landmarks is the Madison Memorial Union, which is located within the campus of the University of Madison. The building features a lakeview terrace filled with colorful chairs, allowing visitors to chill out and enjoy the sun. If you are interested in the history of the state or architecture as a whole, head over to the State Capitol building, which was built between 1906 and 1917. The building features lavish council chambers, which were modeled after the famous Doge’s Palace in Venice, along with other architectural highlights. If you wish to stay close to nature, the Olbrich Botanical garden, with its famous Thai Pavilion and Garden, will certainly be a great choice.
As a college city, Madison features numerous cutting-edge establishments that will make your mouth water. For some of the best dining views in town, head over to Graze, where you can also grab some of the best cheese curds in Madison. If you want to enjoy the best brunch in town, Sardine might have what you need.
The busiest bus/train station in Madison is located on Collins Ct. The city is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, 6 miles northeast 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 Madison?
Main departure station: Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
The Dutch Mill Park & Ride is a parking lot where travelers can catch local Madison Metro buses throughout the city, as well as intercity buses on Amtrak Thruway heading to destinations like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Milwaukee. For those parking before riding, the lot has both daily and overnight parking available for free. Although there is no station building, bus shelters line the bus lanes, and there is easy access to the next-door gas station and Arby’s, where you can grab a bite or hang out indoors before the bus arrives. The Dutch Mill Park & Ride is a few miles outside of downtown Madison, but several convenience stores, restaurants, and hotels are still in the direct vicinity.
All train stations in Madison:
- Dutch Mill Park & Ride Lot
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
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 Madison?
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