Why go
- Metropolitan Statistical Area in Illinois, United States.
- Served by University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI).
History
The Champaign–Urbana metropolitan area, also known as Champaign–Urbana and Urbana–Champaign as well as Chambana (colloquially), is a metropolitan area in east-central Illinois. As defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the metropolitan area has a population of 239,979 as of the 2025 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, which ranks it as the 201st largest metropolitan statistical area in the U.S. The area is anchored by the principal cities of Champaign and Urbana, and is home to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system.
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 2 airlines, 2 direct destinations
- American Airlines AA (ERJ-145, ERD) · 2 routes: Chicago*, Dallas-Fort Worth*
- US Airways US (ERJ-145, ERD) · 2 routes: Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI); 22 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: CMI has direct flights to 2 destinations on 2 airlines (incl. Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.