Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Champaign travel guide

Champaign Tourism | Champaign Guide

You're Going to Love Champaign

With a population of 81,055, Champaign is a must-see destination in Illinois, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Champaign deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

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Where to Eat in Champaign

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Axe Bar (114 S Neil St) and Hamilton Walker's (201 N Neil St) are great picks.

When to visit Champaign

Champaign in January
Estimated hotel price
$103
1 night at 3-star hotel
Champaign in January
Estimated hotel price
$103
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Champaign in July, when the average temperature is 75.2 °F, and the highest can go up to 86 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 17.6 °F, with an average temperature of 26.6 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in May, when precipitation is around 4.2″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Champaign, with an average rainfall of 2″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Champaign

Plane

When flying to Champaign, you’ll arrive at Champaign University-Willard (CMI), which is located 11 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Champaign include American Airlines, Qatar Airways and British Airways. The shortest domestic flight to Champaign departs from Chicago and takes around 1h 01m.

Car

Another option to get to Champaign is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 120 miles from Champaign. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Plane

When flying to Champaign, you’ll arrive at Champaign University-Willard (CMI), which is located 11 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Champaign include American Airlines, Qatar Airways and British Airways. The shortest domestic flight to Champaign departs from Chicago and takes around 1h 01m.

Car

Another option to get to Champaign is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 120 miles from Champaign. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Airports near Champaign

PIAGreater Peoria
SPISpringfield Capital
BMIBloomington-Normal

Airlines serving Champaign

Lufthansa
Good (8,036 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,524 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,021 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,399 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,595 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,772 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,581 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,836 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,217 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,498 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,568 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (1,042 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (689 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,640 reviews)
WestJet
Good (3,350 reviews)
Breeze Airways
Excellent (288 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (645 reviews)
Allegiant Air
Good (706 reviews)
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Where to stay in Champaign

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Candlewood Suites Champaign-Urbana Univ Area By IHG and Microtel Inn by Wyndham Champaign. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Champaign, with prices from $50 to $193 per night. Downtown is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Champaign are about 154% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Most popular hotel in Champaign by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Champaign

Most booked hotels in Champaign

See all
Drury Inn & Suites Champaign
3 stars
Excellent (9.1, 903 reviews)
$120+
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Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 573 reviews)
$109+
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Hotel Royer Urbana Champaign, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 45 reviews)
$104+
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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Champaign North
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1196 reviews)
$91+
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Comfort Suites Urbana Champaign, University Area
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 479 reviews)
$80+
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Urbana-Champaign (U Of I Area) By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 304 reviews)
$118+
View

Renting a car in Champaign

Renting a car in Champaign costs $65 per day, on average, or $129 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 24% cheaper than airport locations in Champaign.

Expect to pay $4.81 per gallon in Champaign (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $57.69 and $76.92. The most frequently booked car type in Champaign is Compact (Chevrolet Equinox or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) are, on average, 6% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Champaign costs $65 per day, on average, or $129 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 24% cheaper than airport locations in Champaign.

Expect to pay $4.81 per gallon in Champaign (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $57.69 and $76.92. The most frequently booked car type in Champaign is Compact (Chevrolet Equinox or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) are, on average, 6% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Champaign

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$49/day

Intermediate

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$50/day

Supplier choice
Find car rentals in Champaign