The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Birmingham
Cheapest price
€30
Average price
€63
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h 1 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
142 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham will cost around €63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €30.
Of the 6 trains that leave Cardiff for Birmingham on Thu, Jan 01, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jan 01 the direct trains cover the 142 km distance in an average of 2 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h .
On Thu, Jan 01 the slowest trains will take 2 h 4 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.
C74997
C74968
C75008
P22799+
C74907
P22795+
C74903
C74997
C74968
P22797+
C74905
P22799+
C74907
C75008Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Birmingham 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 23m. 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 €18.
Distance: 142 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€59 Average price | €15 Average price Cheapest |
2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration 3h 24m 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
Cardiff to Birmingham train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Birmingham trains for today, Wednesday, December 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C74994 | On time 7:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 9:45 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C74968 | On time 8:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 10:45 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C75008 | On time 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h04 | 11:49 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C74997 | On time 10:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 12:45 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C74972 | On time 11:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 1:45 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Birmingham by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jan 01
Jan 02
Jan 03
Jan 04
Jan 05
Jan 06
Jan 07
Jan 08
Jan 09
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Jan 13
Jan 14
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Birmingham?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Birmingham
Trains from Cardiff to Birmingham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 but you can travel from only €10 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:34, the last at 22:12. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 142 km |
Average train duration 2h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 55m |
First train 04:34 |
Last train 22:12 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cardiff to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Birmingham from €10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
first_great_western
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Birmingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cardiff Central, which is located around 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Birmingham New Street, located 1.7 miles (2.7 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Birmingham
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- 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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- 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
- 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)
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud.
- You can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street.
- Type of shops available: Boots located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier Camden Food located beyond the ticket barrier Costa located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 5b escalator Funky Pigeon located beyond the ticket barrier between Platform escalators 9-10 M&S Food located on the main concourse Mi Casa Burritos located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 9 escalator The Pasty Shop located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 7 escalator W H Smith located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier
- Car Park: Short Stay Car Park
- All Bar One
- Leon
- Caffè Nero
- Five Guys
- Krispy Kreme
- The Pasty Shop
- Upper Crust
- Wasabi
- Starbucks
- Hotel Chocolat
- Taxi: Taxis drop off with the 'drop & go' in the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). For more information visit Traintaxi
- Accessible taxis: Taxis drop off within the 'drop & go' off the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). All taxis are accessible with manual wheelchairs, most are accessible with electric wheelchairs. For more information visit Traintaxi
- Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
- Toilets Location: Male, Female, Accessible and Baby Change facilities are available in all parts of the station. These are located between: Platforms 2 - 3a (Blue Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11a (Yellow Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11b (Red Lounge)
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Close to Platforms 1A and 12A and Platforms 10 and 11B
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets
- Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center
- Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station)
- Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham
- Waiting rooms location: There are two large seating areas beyond the ticket barrier between the escalators to platforms 5b and 8b. All platforms have waiting areas with seating
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- In the middle of the station.
- Bus lines: N5, N6, N8, 4, 9, 23, 45, 50, 61, X51, X70
- Train lines: West Midlands, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales
- Onward travel information: There are nearby bus stops on Smallbrook Queensway and Hill Street Most buses are wheelchair accessible. ********************************************************************************************************** For information go to the local travel information office by the Stephenson Street entrance. Alternatively, visit Transport for West Midlands, or call 0121 214 7214.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:00 - 20:00 Saturday 08:00 - 19:00 Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Station is adjacent to public bike parking
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect you from: For services towards Selly Oak / Longbridge / Redditch - the public bus stop QE (Vincent Drive) on the near side of New Fosse Way outside the station. For services towards Birmingham - the public bus stop QD (Vincent Drive) on the far side of New Fosse Way, opposite the station.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:00 Saturday 06:15 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 21:00
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: The accessible toilets are located on the Concourse.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Closed until further notice.
- 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 available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- 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.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
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