The Champaign Amtrak Station is popular among students, professionals, and tourists because it connects the University of Illinois community and the surrounding metropolitan area to the city. Initially, the station was opened in 1999 and officially named the Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, Street Amtrak Station. The station is an intermodal terminal that provides connections to different types of transport services all in one place. The station connects the city to major destinations like Chicago, St. Louis, and beyond.
Amtrak Station, Champaign, IL Location and Contact Info
The Champaign, IL, Amtrak station, also known as Illinois Terminal, is located at 45 East University Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820-4046. Below is the contact information for:
| Station | Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, Street Amtrak Station |
| Station Code | CHM |
| Illinois Terminal (local) Number | (217) 384-3577 |
| Amtrak Customer Service Number | +1 800-872-7245 |
| Email Form | |
| Operating Hour | 5:30 am to 11:45 pm |
| Lost and Found | Online Form |
| Nearest Airport | University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) |
| Amtrak Station Website | https://www.amtrak.com/stations/chm |
| https://www.facebook.com/amtrak | |
| https://www.instagram.com/amtrak | |
| YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/amtrak |
| X (Twitter) | https://www.twitter.com/amtrak |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/amtrak | |
| https://www.pinterest.com/amtraktravels/ |
Champaign, IL Train Routes Amtrak
Three main Champaign, IL, Amtrak station routes: Illini, Saluki, and City of New Orleans connect passengers to Chicago, Carbondale, and New Orleans.
Illini: It connects Chicago and Carbondale with stops at cities like Kankakee, Effingham, and Mattoon.
Saluki: This regional route also runs between Chicago and Carbondale with stops at Mattoon, Effingham, and Centralia.
City of New Orleans: This long-distance route connects Chicago to New Orleans, passing through Champaign-Urbana.
Operating Hours of the Champaign Urbana Train Station Amtrak
The Amtrak Champaign station is usually open daily to serve train passengers. Most services and waiting areas are available around scheduled train times, typically from early morning to late evening.
| Waiting Room | 5:30 am to 10:30 pm |
| Ticket Office | 6:00 am to 2:00 pm and 2:45 pm to 11:15 pm |
| Passenger Assistance | 6:00 am to 2:00 pm and 2:45 pm to 11:15 pm |
| Checked Baggage Services | 6:00 am to 2:00 pm and 2:45 pm to 11:15 pm |
| Quik-Trak Kiosks | 5:30 am to 10:30 pm |
Usually, there are six trains each day (three in each direction), running in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
- The early morning trains usually depart from Champaign around 7:00 am and arrive in Chicago by 10:00 am.
- The journey takes around 3 hours.
- Arriving 30 to 45 minutes early before the scheduled departure is enough.
Note: Read how early to arrive at the Amtrak station is recommended.
Amtrak Illinois Terminal Facilities and Services
The Champaign Urbana Amtrak Station offers a comfortable travel experience, with the following essential facilities:
- Staffed Station
- ATM
- Accessible Elevator
- Payphones
- Quik-Trak Kiosks
- Ticket Sales Office
- Vending Machines
- Accessible Restrooms
- Wheelchair Lift
- Checked Baggage
- Bike and Shipping Boxes (for sale)
- Paid Baggage Storage Services
- Short-Term and Long-Term Parking
- Accessible Parking
- Accessible Platform
- Accessible Waiting Rooms and other accessible services for disabled passengers
Parking Facilities at Champaign Urbana Amtrak Station
The Champaign Amtrak Station parking is available in a city-owned lot next to the building on the west side.
- Amtrak passengers can also use the east parking lot, but they need to register their vehicle first.
- Street parking with meters is also nearby.
- Payment can be done at the pay station through cash, credit, or the MobileMeter app.
- Additionally, travellers can use the Hill Street Parking Deck or the University & Market parking lot for long-term parking.
Champaign Urbana Amtrak Train Station Transportation
The Champaign Urbana Station serves as a major transportation hub for regional buses and local transit.
- Local Buses: Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) Bus
- Regional Buses: Greyhound Buses
- Rideshare Service: Uber and Lyft
- Taxi
Hotels Close to Champaign Amtrak Train Station
The central location of the station makes it convenient to access the nearby hotels. These hotels are located within a short walk or drive. Top choices are:
- Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana
- Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/Urbana
- Hampton Inn Champaign/Urbana
- Drury Inn & Suites Champaign
- Holiday Inn Champaign
Champaign, IL Amtrak Station Food Options
The Amtrak station in Champaign itself does not have any sit-down restaurants and cafes. The station has only vending machines. However, several cafes, restaurants, and bars surround the station. The popular options include:
- Sam’s Cafe
- Maize at the Station
- Cafe Kopi
- Subway
- Seven Saints
- Fiesta Cafe
Places to Explore Near Amtrak Station, Champaign, IL
There are several attractions close to the station, making it easy to spend time before or after a train journey.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus
- Krannert Art Museum
- Spurlock Museum
- Downtown Champaign
- Busey Woods or Meadowbrook Park
Amtrak Station Map Urbana-Champaign
The map of the station helps travellers easily find key areas like platforms, waiting rooms, ticket kiosks, entrances, nearby parking lots, bus stops, and access points, making it simple to navigate the station and the surrounding area.
List of all Amtrak Stations.
Champaign, IL Amtrak Station TravelTips
Below are the tips for a smooth travel experience:
- Arrive early at the stations.
- Check for the Amtrak student discount while booking the online tickets.
- As the station has limited food options, bring food on the Amtrak train.
- Check for Amtrak delay and cancellation policy in case of an emergency.
- Follow the Amtrak etiquette rules.
The Champaign Amtrak Station is a reliable and convenient transportation hub for students and professionals in central Illinois. The strategic location, essential amenities, and regular train services serve thousands of passengers each year. Its connection to major routes and proximity to key attractions make it an important part of the region’s travel network.
FAQs
The station sits at 45 East University Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820-4046.
Three major train routes, including Illini, Saluki, and City of New Orleans, operate from the Illinois Terminal in Champaign.
The Illinois Terminal (local) number is (217) 384-3577, and the Amtrak Customer Service number is +1 800-872-7245.
Yes champaign il amtrak station parking is available for both short-term and long-term.
Yes, buses operated by Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District are available.
No, the station is not open for 24 hours. It usually operates from 5:30 am to 11:45 pm.