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, Biaggi's - Champaign (2235 S Neil Street) and Miga (301 N. Neil St. Ste# 104) are great picks.

When to visit Champaign

Champaign in January
Estimated hotel price
$104
1 night at 3-star hotel
Champaign in January
Estimated hotel price
$104
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, British Airways and Qatar Airways. The shortest domestic flight to Champaign departs from Washington, D.C. and takes around 4h 56m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Champaign. The train station in Champaign is called Champaign, and is located 6 miles from the city center.

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 Ace, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Champaign Pilot Travel Center, located 1.6 miles from downtown Champaign. Champaign Ikenberry Dining Hall - 301 E Gregory Dr is also a commonly used station, and is 7 miles from the city center.

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, British Airways and Qatar Airways. The shortest domestic flight to Champaign departs from Washington, D.C. and takes around 4h 56m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Champaign. The train station in Champaign is called Champaign, and is located 6 miles from the city center.

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 Ace, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Champaign Pilot Travel Center, located 1.6 miles from downtown Champaign. Champaign Ikenberry Dining Hall - 301 E Gregory Dr is also a commonly used station, and is 7 miles from the city center.

Airports near Champaign

PIAGreater Peoria
CMIChampaign University-Willard
BMIBloomington-Normal

Airlines serving Champaign

Lufthansa
Good (7,409 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,386 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,367 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,961 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,925 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,468 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,339 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,622 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,559 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,140 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,696 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,533 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (907 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (664 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (505 reviews)
WestJet
Good (3,095 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,026 reviews)
Allegiant Air
Good (699 reviews)
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Find flights to Champaign

Where to stay in Champaign

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Candlewood Suites Champaign-Urbana Univ Area and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Champaign.

Most popular hotel in Champaign by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Champaign

Most booked hotels in Champaign

See all
I Hotel And Conference Center
4 stars
Excellent (9.3, 578 reviews)
$90+
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Drury Inn & Suites Champaign
3 stars
Excellent (9.1, 812 reviews)
$130+
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Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/ Urbana
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 358 reviews)
$132+
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Comfort Suites Urbana Champaign, University Area
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 452 reviews)
$110+
View
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Champaign North
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 1120 reviews)
$103+
View
Best Western Plus Champaign/Urbana Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 728 reviews)
$121+
View

Renting a car in Champaign

Renting a car in Champaign costs $64 per day, on average, or $128 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 19% cheaper than airport locations in Champaign.

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93. Compact (Jeep Compass or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Champaign, while also 50% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Champaign costs $64 per day, on average, or $128 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 19% cheaper than airport locations in Champaign.

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93. Compact (Jeep Compass or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Champaign, while also 50% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Champaign

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$34/day

Intermediate

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$38/day

Economy
Find car rentals in Champaign

Champaign Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Champaign city guide for the best Champaign travel tips. To help you organize your Champaign trip ideas, this Champaign visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.