The cheapest and fastest trains from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
2 h 36 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
199 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 4 trains that leave Champaign, IL for Chicago, IL on Thu, Nov 27, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 27 the direct trains cover the 199 km distance in an average of 3 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 36 m .
On Thu, Nov 27 the slowest trains will take 3 h 50 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.
392 Illini
390 Saluki
8893 AMTRAK · 302 Lincoln Service
58 City Of New Orleans
390 Saluki
392 Illini
58 City Of New Orleans
8893 AMTRAK · 302 Lincoln ServiceTravel Information
Compare bus and train for Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 42m. 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 bus costs an average of €22, and a train costs an average of €14.
Distance: 123 miles (199 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€44 Average price | €36 Average price Cheapest |
3h 12m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
392 Illini | 1:08 AM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 2h37 | 3:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
58 City Of New Orleans | 12:10 PM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 3h05 | 3:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8893 AMTRAK · 302 Lincoln Service | 1:50 PM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 3h50 | 5:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
390 Saluki | 4:24 PM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 2h36 | 7:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Why should you book Champaign to Chicago trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from Champaign to Chicago. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Champaign to Chicago.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Champaign to Chicago.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL
Trains from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) 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 123 miles (199 km) distance in 2h 36m.
Distance 123 miles (199 km) |
Average train duration 2h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 36m |
First train 04:10 |
Last train 21:05 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Champaign, IL and Chicago, IL from $17 (€14). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL
The train connection between Champaign, IL and Chicago, IL is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant city of Chicago. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their journey to experience all that Chicago has to offer.
Train Connection: Champaign to Chicago
Traveling from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL takes approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes. There are 2 direct connections available each day. Passengers will depart from Champaign-Urbana Station, IL and arrive at Union Station, IL.
Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL Train Connection
The first daily journey departs from Champaign at 09:10 AM and arrives in Chicago at 03:24 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient option to explore the vibrant city of Chicago after a scenic ride through Illinois.
Train Tickets Price for Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Champaign to Chicago is $18 (16.2€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $37 (33.3€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities in Illinois.
Exploring Chicago's Iconic Attractions
Welcome to the Willis Tower, once known as the Sears Tower, which held the title of the tallest building in the world for 25 years after its completion in 1973. This iconic skyscraper is not just a marvel of engineering; it symbolizes Chicago's resilience and innovation, standing tall at 1,450 feet with breathtaking views from its Skydeck on the 103rd floor. One unique feature that sets this landmark apart is The Ledge—glass boxes extending out over Michigan Avenue—offering visitors an exhilarating experience like no other.
Next up is Millennium Park, a vibrant urban oasis that opened in 2004 and has since become one of Chicago’s most beloved attractions. It serves as a cultural hub where art meets nature; you can admire works like Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate or catch live performances at Jay Pritzker Pavilion while surrounded by stunning gardens and public spaces. What makes Millennium Park truly special are its interactive installations such as Crown Fountain—a playful blend of technology and artistry that invites visitors to engage directly with their surroundings.
Finally, we arrive at Navy Pier—a historic waterfront destination originally built in 1916 designed to serve both commercial shipping needs and recreational activities for locals and tourists alike. Today it boasts an array of entertainment options including amusement rides like the Centennial Wheel offering panoramic views over Lake Michigan along with theaters, restaurants, shops—and even fireworks during summer weekends! Its unique charm lies not only in its rich history but also in how it seamlessly blends leisure with culture against a picturesque lakeside backdrop.
FAQs: Trains from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Champaign, IL to Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Big Grove Tavern
- Ko Fusion
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana
- I Hotel and Conference Center
- Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/ Urbana
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station includes an enclosed waiting area and serves as an intermodal passenger transport center.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Intercity bus services
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
Most popular train connections from Champaign, IL
More options for your journey from Champaign, IL to Chicago, IL
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