4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Cardiff
Cheapest price
€30
Average price
€73
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
1 h 53 m
Trains per day
34
Distance
142 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Cardiff will cost around €73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €30.
Of the 34 trains that leave Birmingham for Cardiff on Fri, Aug 14, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 14 the direct trains cover the 142 km distance in an average of 1 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
On Fri, Aug 14 the slowest trains will take 1 h 55 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.
G010989:30 AM1h55Birmingham New Street (BHM)11:25 AMCardiff Central (CDF)€301One-way0 transfers- G010958:30 AM1h55Birmingham New Street (BHM)10:25 AMCardiff Central (CDF)€301One-way0 transfers
- G0110110:30 AM1h56Birmingham New Street (BHM)12:26 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€301One-way0 transfers
- G0110712:30 PM1h55Birmingham New Street (BHM)2:25 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€301One-way0 transfers
- G010855:00 AM2h25Birmingham New Street (BHM)7:25 AMCardiff Central (CDF)€301One-way0 transfers
- W29909+
W346467:12 PM1h50Birmingham New Street (BHM)9:02 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€961One-way1 transfer - G011616:12 PM1h54Birmingham New Street (BHM)8:06 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€861One-way0 transfers
- G01153+W354194:12 PM1h54Birmingham New Street (BHM)6:06 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€961One-way1 transfer
- W29847+G149347:42 AM1h54Birmingham New Street (BHM)9:36 AMCardiff Central (CDF)€1001One-way1 transfer
- G010989:30 AM1h55Birmingham New Street (BHM)11:25 AMCardiff Central (CDF)€301One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Birmingham to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €10, and a train costs an average of €19.
Distance: 142 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€42 Average price | €14 Average price Cheapest |
2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Birmingham to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Cardiff trains for today, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G01085 | On time 5:00 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h25 | 7:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G01130+W35415 | On time 6:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h57 | 8:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01092 | On time 7:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 9:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W29847+G14934 | On time 7:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h54 | 9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01133+G14935 | On time 8:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h00 | 10:12 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29851+ G39594 | On time 8:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 10:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01135+G14937 | On time 9:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 11:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01138+G14938 | On time 9:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01140+W34617 | On time 10:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01101 | On time 10:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 12:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G01144+W34618 | On time 10:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W29862+G14939 | On time 11:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h04 | 1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01102 | On time 11:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W29866+G39610 | On time 11:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 1:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W29868+W34622 | On time 12:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 2:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01107 | On time 12:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 2:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W29871+W34624 | On time 12:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W29873+G14940 | On time 1:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 3:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01109 | On time 1:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 3:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W29877+G39619 | On time 1:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 3:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01148+W34629 | On time 2:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h54 | 4:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01113 | 2:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 4:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W29882+G39625 | On time 2:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 4:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W29884+W34632 | On time 3:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h57 | 5:09 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01114 | 3:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 5:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G01150+G39627 | On time 3:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 5:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01153+W35419 | On time 4:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h54 | 6:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W29895+G39630 | On time 4:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h19 | 7:01 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01154+G14941 | 5:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 7:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01159+G39636 | On time 5:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 7:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01161 | On time 6:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h54 | 8:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 Y80761+G38890 | On time 6:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h34 | 8:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W29908+G39638 | On time 6:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 8:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W29908+G14944 | On time 6:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W29909+W34646 | On time 7:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h50 | 9:02 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Cardiff by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Aug 14
Aug 15
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Aug 22
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Sep 01
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Why should you book Birmingham to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Cardiff.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Cardiff.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Birmingham to Cardiff?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Birmingham to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 but you can travel from only €10 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 22:23. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 1h 53m.
Distance 142 km |
Average train duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 53m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 10:23 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country from Birmingham to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Birmingham and Cardiff from €10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
FAQs: Trains from Birmingham to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Birmingham to Cardiff
Most Birmingham to Cardiff trains use the Birmingham New Street to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham New Street train station facilities and services
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Getting to Birmingham International from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham International train station facilities and services
Birmingham International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham International.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to University from Birmingham city centre
University is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
University train station facilities and services
University has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at University.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at University. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at University: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at University: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at University: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is located in the Booking Hall, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Most popular train connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Birmingham
Most popular train connections to Cardiff
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