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Trip Summary
3 trains operate daily from Dearborn to Champaign. The train trip from Dearborn to Champaign is usually about 13 hours and 4 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 11 hours and 36 minutes.
| Distance | 304 mi (490 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 36m |
| Lowest price | $56.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Dearborn to Champaign?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Dearborn to Champaign. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 13h 5m | $73.00 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Dearborn to Champaign every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $56.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Dearborn and Champaign is approximately 304 miles, or 490 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 36 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.
Trains from Dearborn to Champaign are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Dearborn at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
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 Dearborn.
City Information
Dearborn
Image credit: Unsplash
Dearborn is in a suburb of Detroit, and it's the seventh most-populated city in Michigan. It's also the leading tourism center in Michigan and home to the Ford Motor Company's world headquarters.
Dearborn is known for its history and architecture sights that will appeal to history and art buffs, like the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and the Arab American National Museum. There are especially automotive-focused museums like the Automotive Hall of Fame and Ford Rouge Complex. Dearborn has different parks and outdoor areas for family-friendly fun, like Ford Field and Levagood Park.
Dearborn has a vibrant craft beer scene, with breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms in the city. There are a handful of vineyards and wineries located around Dearborn, plus bars, lounges, and nightclubs for the late-night crowd. West Downtown Dearborn preserves the community's history while offering multiple restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail stores.
Dearborn is easily accessible by train, with service from carriers including Amtrak and Amtrak Wolverine. On most days, Amtrak has more trains heading to and from the city, which makes transportation much more straightforward. Visitors in the city can get around with The Suburban Mobility Authority for Public Transportation and Greyhound, which provide bus routes in the city and to other suburban areas.
Champaign
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
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 is the train station in Dearborn?
Main departure station: Dingell Transit Ctr - 21201 Michigan Ave
There is one train station in Dearborn.
All train stations in Dearborn:
Dingell Transit Ctr - 21201 Michigan Ave
Where is the train station in Champaign?
Image credit: Beyond My Ken
Link to image attributionMain 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
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