Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL train with Amtrak

Wed 15 Jul
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL

Showing times and prices for 15 Jul

Cheapest price

£23

Average price

£34

Fastest journey

2 h 31 m

Average duration

4 h 4 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

199 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL will cost around £34 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Champaign, IL every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 199 km distance in an average of 4 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 31 m .

The slowest trains will take 6 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Amtrak393 Illini
    16:052h31
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    18:36Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak59 City Of New Orleans
    22:052h45
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    0:50Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL
    £331One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8890 AMTRAK
    9:506h55
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    16:45Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL
    £461One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £10, and a coach costs an average of £18.

Distance: 199 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£28

Average Price

Cheapest

£29

Average Price

3h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 22m

Average total duration

2h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL trains for today, Tuesday 14 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak393 Illini16:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h31
18:36 Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL0 changesdirect
Amtrak59 City Of New Orleans22:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
2h45
0:50 Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL0 changesdirect
Wednesday 15 July
Amtrak319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8890 AMTRAK9:50 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
6h55
16:45 Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL by train or coach

Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Wed
15 Jul
Thu
16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL?

The best time to book your train from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:10, the last at 21:05. The fastest train covers the 199 km distance in 2h 4m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
199 km
Average train duration
2h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
£10
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
2h 4m
First train
4:10
Last train
21:05
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
35 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Champaign, IL from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 4m
Cheapest Price
£10
Amtrak frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Champaign, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £10, while the average price tends to be around £28.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL covers a distance of 199 km and takes approximately 2h 4m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL is 199 km.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL leaves at 4:10.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL departs at 21:05.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago, IL and Champaign, IL. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Champaign, IL is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, and it arrives at Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL is by train, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Chicago to Champaign offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Passengers can enjoy views of the Chicago skyline, suburban areas, and the changing farmland scenery of Illinois. While not renowned as a scenic route, it provides a pleasant glimpse into the region's diverse environments.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 4m and the frequency of trains is 3 per day.
In Champaign, IL, you can explore the Orpheum Children's Science Museum, which offers interactive exhibits for children, or visit the Market at the Square for local produce, crafts, and live music. The historic Virginia Theatre hosts films, live performances, and community events. For family fun, Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch offers apple picking, a pumpkin patch, and a petting zoo. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings and scenic views at Alto Vineyards. Art and culture lovers will appreciate the Krannert Art Museum's diverse collection, the University of Illinois Arboretum's serene gardens, the Spurlock Museum's global exhibits, and the Champaign County Historical Museum. Hessel Park is perfect for walks, playground fun, and picnics.
Two to three days in Champaign, IL is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, enjoy local dining, and experience the vibrant cultural scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Chicago, IL and Champaign, IL

Most Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL trains use the Union Station to Champaign-Urbana Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Champaign, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Chicago
Arrival train stations in Champaign

Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Champaign, IL leave from?

Trains from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL leave from Union Station. The station is 3 km from Chicago, IL city centre at 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA.
Union Station225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre

Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus28, 151 · 7m · £3 · every ~13 min

Union Station train station facilities and services

Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone