- Must visit
Spurlock Museum
Engaging museum of natural history with fossils, minerals and cultural exhibits. A strong choice for families and science-minded visitors.
Cheapest price on 17 Oct
£34
Average ticket price on 17 Oct
£39
Fastest journey on 17 Oct
2 h 31 m
Average journey duration on 17 Oct
3 h 41 m
Trains on 17 Oct
4
Distance
199 km
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 £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.
On Sat 17 Oct, we found 4 trains from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 199 km distance in an average of 3 h 41 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.
391 Saluki
393 Illini
59 City Of New Orleans
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8890 Connecting Bus
393 Illini
391 Saluki
59 City Of New Orleans
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8890 Connecting BusTrains from Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 33m. 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 3m.
Distance 199 km |
Average train duration 2h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 3m |
First train 4:10 |
Last train 21:05 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Champaign, IL trains for today, Friday 16 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
59 City Of New Orleans | 20:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2h45 | 22:50 Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 17 October | |||||
391 Saluki | 8:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2h32 | 10:47 Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 8890 Connecting Bus | 9:50 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 6h55 | 16:45 Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 1 change | |
393 Illini | 16:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2h31 | 18:36 Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Champaign, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Champaign, IL trip today.
Engaging museum of natural history with fossils, minerals and cultural exhibits. A strong choice for families and science-minded visitors.
University art museum with changing exhibitions spanning modern and historical works. Compact, thoughtful and easy to pair with a campus walk.
Gallery space at Parkland College presenting contemporary exhibitions by regional and visiting artists in a modern setting.
Lively pedestrian-friendly district with theatres, murals, shops and frequent events. Ideal for an evening stroll and local atmosphere.
Popular campus green framed by major university buildings. A classic place to walk, relax and absorb student life.
Large landscaped park with gardens, walking paths and open lawns. A peaceful spot close to the university and city centre.
A breaded pork tenderloin cutlet fried and served in a bun, a long-standing Illinois and Midwestern pub and diner staple.
A regional pizza style with a thin crust cut into squares, common across central Illinois for casual family meals and sport nights.
Smoked or grilled bratwurst reflects Illinois’ German heritage and is a familiar local choice at pubs, fairs and tailgates.
Beloved local bakery and café known for artisan bread, pastries, sandwiches and quality coffee in a friendly daytime space.
Long-running campus favourite for deep-dish and tavern-style pizza in a busy, casual setting with local character.
Popular downtown restaurant serving inventive American comfort food, strong cocktails and a lively modern atmosphere.
Moderate for a US college city: dining is fairly affordable, hotels rise during university events, and most visitors rely on cars or ride-hailing rather than extensive public transport.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. In cafés, round up or add $1 per drink for good service.
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.

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.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Champaign-Urbana Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Big Grove Tavern, Ko Fusion
Ticket office support is available at Champaign-Urbana Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Champaign-Urbana Station.
Available at Champaign-Urbana Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Champaign-Urbana Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Champaign-Urbana Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana, I Hotel and Conference Center, Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/ Urbana.
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