- Must visit
The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the leading art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark Beaux-Arts building.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$44
Fastest journey
2 h 36 m
Average duration
2 h 39 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
202 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL to Chicago Union Station, 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-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 3 trains that leave Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL on Sat, Jun 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 202 km distance in an average of 2 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 36 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 45 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
58 City Of New Orleans
390 Saluki
392 Illini
58 City Of New OrleansOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $13, and a bus costs an average of $21.
Distance: 125 miles (202 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $37 Average price | $28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL:
A train is $6 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL costing on average $37 (€30).
Other travel options to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 34m.
Tickets start at around $31 (€25) compared to roughly $28 (€23) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-3.18 (€-2.60). The journey takes 2h 40m versus 2h 10m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
392 Illini | 7:08 PM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 2h37 | 9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
58 City Of New Orleans | 4:30 AM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 2h45 | 7:15 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
390 Saluki | 10:24 AM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 2h36 | 1:00 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 train and bus 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.
Trains from Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 16:24. The fastest train covers the 125 miles (202 km) distance in 2h 36m.
Distance 125 miles (202 km) |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€11) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 36m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 4:24 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the leading art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark Beaux-Arts building.
A major natural history museum with renowned dinosaur, anthropology, and science collections, including SUE the T. rex.
A world-famous aquarium on Museum Campus with extensive marine life exhibits and strong family appeal.
A central downtown park known for public art, events, gardens, and easy access to several of Chicago’s best-known sights.
Chicago’s most famous avenue for architecture, shopping, and skyline views, stretching along North Michigan Avenue.
A highly popular waterfront promenade with river views, bridges, architecture highlights, and an easy downtown walking route.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic Chicago street food.
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is one of Chicago's signature sandwiches.
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of Chicago's most famous dishes.
Celebrated West Loop restaurant serving bold shared plates in a lively modern space, popular for a memorable Chicago meal.
Historic diner near Union Station known for hearty breakfasts, classic American comfort food, and old-school Chicago atmosphere.
Long-running German-American restaurant in the Loop, known for beer, schnitzel, sausages, and a classic downtown dining room.
Food and drinks near the station are moderate for a major US city; fast food is affordable, while sit-down dining costs more.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; round up or tip 10-15% for taxis; small tips are appreciated for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Chicago Union Station -> The Loop, Chicago
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL to Chicago Union Station, 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 Union Station, Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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