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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) 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 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €10, and a train costs an average of €33.
Distance: 147 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€53 Average price | €17 Average price Cheapest |
2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) by train or bus
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €33 but you can travel from only €10 by bus.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €10
Distance 147 km |
Average train duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price €33 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 05:40 |
Last train 17:18 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €10
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Birmingham International (BHI) from €10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 22m
Cheapest Price
€33
CrossCountry frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 21m
Cheapest Price
€148
Cross Country frequency
9 a day
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 16m
Cheapest Price
€160
first_great_western frequency
16 a day
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)
FAQs: Travel by train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI).

Cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) can start from as little as €15 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) is €78; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time to Birmingham International (BHI) from Cardiff Central (CDF) is on average 2 h 22 min for the 147 km long journey, but the time it takes to go from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) leaves at 04: 14. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) leaves at 13: 45.
There are 8 trains a day from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) which require at least one change with CrossCountry or first_great_western. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI), you can count on CrossCountry or first_great_western for the best way to get you to Birmingham International (BHI). You can also check all possible train providers who offer a service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Birmingham International (BHI) from Cardiff Central (CDF) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 22 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) by train is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Birmingham International (BHI) including taking a train or coach.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)
Cardiff
Birmingham
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Birmingham.
Amenities at train station
information
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
The major train station for arrivals in Birmingham is Birmingham International. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Birmingham International for your journey to Birmingham from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
information
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:00 Saturday 06:15 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 21:00
Distance to city center
12 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The accessible toilets are located on the Concourse.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Closed until further notice.
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: 18 cycle stands plus a cycling compound with 27 spaces available at the front of the station (please see staff for more information)
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Birmingham International
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station opposite the entrance to the long stay car park.


