The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL
Cheapest price
$156
Average price
$197
Fastest journey
1 d 54 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 49 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
970 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL will cost around $197 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $156.
Of the 3 trains that leave Washington, DC for Champaign, IL on Mon, May 25, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 970 km distance in an average of 1 d 1 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 54 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 1 d 3 h 39 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.
8:57 PM27h39Washington, DC12:36 AMChampaign, IL$1561One-way0 transfers
11:42 PM24h54Washington, DC12:36 AMChampaign, IL$2151One-way0 transfers
10:42 PM24h54Washington, DC11:36 PMChampaign, IL$2191One-way0 transfers
11:42 PM24h54Washington, DC12:36 AMChampaign, IL$2151One-way0 transfers
10:42 PM24h54Washington, DC11:36 PMChampaign, IL$2191One-way0 transfers
8:57 PM27h39Washington, DC12:36 AMChampaign, IL$1561One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Washington, DC to Champaign, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $111. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 20h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $111, and a train costs an average of $156.
Distance: 602 miles (970 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$251 Average price | $203 Average price Cheapest |
20h 49m Average total duration Fastest 20h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23h 45m Average total duration 23h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL costing on average $251 (€203).
Other travel options to Champaign, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 15m.
Live departures
Washington, DC to Champaign, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Champaign, IL trains for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 59 City Of New Orleans | 7:13 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 38h37 | 8:50 PM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 2 transfers | |
51 Cardinal · 8893 AMTRAK | 11:39 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 21h11 | 7:50 AM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 1 transfer | |
51 Cardinal · 393 Illini | 11:39 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 31h57 | 6:36 PM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 1 transfer | |
40 Floridian · 59 City Of New Orleans | 3:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 29h53 | 8:50 PM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 1 transfer | |
40 Floridian · 393 Illini | 3:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 27h39 | 6:36 PM Champaign-Urbana Station, Champaign, IL | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Champaign, IL by train or bus
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.
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Journey information
Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL
Trains from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 20h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $156 (€127) but you can travel from only $111 (€90) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 18:42. The fastest train covers the 602 miles (970 km) distance in 21h 11m.
Distance 602 miles (970 km) |
Average train duration 20h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $156 (€127) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 21h 11m |
First train 6:10 AM |
Last train 6:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Champaign, IL from $111 (€90). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
- Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
- Shake Shack
- McDonald’s
- Starbucks
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop
- Chopt Creative Salad Co.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Thunder Grill
- Johnny Rockets
- Jamba Juice
- Ladurée Union Station
- & many more
- Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
- Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
- Phoenix Park Hotel
- Kimpton George Hotel
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
- Metro lines: Red
- Bus lines: D6, D8, 80, 96,
- Train lines: Acela, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Fredericksburg Line, MARC Brunswick, MARC Camden, MARC Penn, Manassas Line, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter
- 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
Most popular train connections from Washington, DC
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Champaign, IL
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