Cheap train tickets from Milwaukee to Champaign
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Milwaukee to Champaign. Traveling by train from Milwaukee to Champaign usually takes 6 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 21 minutes.
| Distance | 203 mi (326 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 21m |
| Lowest price | $36.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Milwaukee to Champaign Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Milwaukee to Champaign?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Milwaukee to Champaign.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$61.78Cheaper | Avg. Price$65.63 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration6h 58m | Duration6h 49mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Milwaukee to Champaign:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Champaign?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Milwaukee to Champaign was $49.00. This is an excellent price given the length of the route. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 15 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $29.22 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to Champaign by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Milwaukee to Champaign will cost between $45 and $76. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Milwaukee to Champaign by month
Ticket prices for the train from Milwaukee to Champaign often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $59. If you're thinking of traveling from Milwaukee to Champaign during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $71 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 Milwaukee to Champaign on Wanderu at least 15 days ahead of time, you can save about $29.22 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Milwaukee to Champaign?
There are multiple trains that travel from Milwaukee 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 | 6h 58m | $61.78 |
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 Milwaukee to Champaign every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $36.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Milwaukee to Champaign for $37.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Milwaukee and Champaign is approximately 203 miles, or 326 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 21 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)
203
DISTANCE (KM)
326
The earliest train departs Milwaukee at 11:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:10pm. 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
11:00am
LATEST TRAIN
3:10pm
Trains from Milwaukee 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
Milwaukee
Nestling on the banks of the great Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some of the most scenic views around, making it every photographer’s perfect destination. Boasting 85 miles of scenic waterfront bike lanes, Milwaukee is the perfect spot to ride a bike and enjoy the sunset together with your friends. It is also the home of the Harley Davidson Museum, a vast waterfront gallery that offers 11 permanent exhibitions. The museum features not only bikes but also special items such as a whole engine room, making it a must-visit spot for bike enthusiasts. If you are not interested in bikes, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, offers many wondrous shots.
Milwaukee’s famous German bratwursts are a must-try for all visitors, and the best place to enjoy this dish is Usinger’s. Other similar establishments include Mader’s and Milwaukee Public Market. For authentic American eats, Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-In offers amazing sloppy-joe burgers.
The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the city’s main transportation hub. Visitors can catch both buses and trains at this location. The city is served by two airports. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the southern edge of the city handles commercial flights, while the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in the northwest handles private flights.
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 Milwaukee?
Main departure station: Airport - 5601 S 6th St
The Milwaukee Airport Rail Station is located on the western edge of the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The station serves as a rail link for the airport and also as a more accessible transport link for residents living in the south of Milwaukee compared to the central Intermodal Station. Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service is the only train that operates at the station and runs northwards to downtown Milwaukee and southwards to Chicago Union Station, where passengers can change for travel across the entire Midwest region. The airport station also has a shuttle service to the airport terminal.
All train stations in Milwaukee:
- Airport - 5601 S 6th St
- Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
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 Milwaukee?
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