Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train with CrossCountry

Thu 17 Sept
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CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£18

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£41

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

2 h 21 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

2 h 21 m

Trains on 17 Sept

26

Distance

147 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.

Fast trains

To travel from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) you need to make at least one change.

  • CrossCountryG00858 · G01107
    11:412h44
    Birmingham International (BHI)
    14:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £181One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00861 · G01109
    12:412h44
    Birmingham International (BHI)
    15:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £181One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00875 · G01114
    14:412h45
    Birmingham International (BHI)
    17:26Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £211One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00879 · G01118
    15:412h48
    Birmingham International (BHI)
    18:29Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £211One-way
    1 change
  • West Midlands TrainsY80849+CrossCountryG01113
    14:042h21
    Birmingham International (BHI)
    16:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £221One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £34 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £34, while a train costs an average of £42.

Distance: 147 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£42

Average Price

£34

Average Price

Cheapest

£31

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 5m

Average total duration

3h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 18m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is a coach with an average price of £34.

This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF):

A coach is £8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average £42.

The fastest way to travel from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by train with an average journey time of 2h 23m.

Other travel options to Cardiff Central (CDF) take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 35m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham International (BHI) and Cardiff Central (CDF) including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £42 compared to roughly £31 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-11.30. The journey takes 2h 23m versus 2h 18m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times

The table below shows live departures for Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG01092+West Midlands TrainsY810705:42 Birmingham International (BHI)
3h43
9:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG01130+Transport for WalesG39585+West Midlands TrainsY810705:42 Birmingham International (BHI)
3h17
8:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
West Midlands TrainsP69491+CrossCountryG01130+Transport for WalesG395856:06 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h53
8:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG00995+Great Western RailwayW34855 · G149336:13 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h55
9:08 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG01092+West Midlands TrainsL050657:04 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h21
9:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG38352+CrossCountryW29847+Transport for WalesG395937:08 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h51
9:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG01095+West Midlands TrainsP695058:03 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h22
10:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34105+CrossCountryW29851+Transport for WalesG395948:16 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h43
10:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG01098+West Midlands TrainsY807949:04 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h21
11:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG01101+West Midlands TrainsY8080510:04 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h22
12:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34151+CrossCountryG01144+Transport for WalesG3960410:16 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h43
12:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG01102+West Midlands TrainsC1788311:04 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h21
13:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34246+CrossCountryW29866+Transport for WalesG3961111:16 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h45
14:01 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG00858 · G0110711:41 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h44
14:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG01107+West Midlands TrainsY8082612:04 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h21
14:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33924+CrossCountryW29871+Transport for WalesG3961212:16 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h43
14:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG00861 · G0110912:41 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h44
15:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG01109+West Midlands TrainsC1793113:04 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h21
15:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33919+CrossCountryW29877+Transport for WalesG3962213:16 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h44
16:00 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG01113+West Midlands TrainsY8084914:04 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h21
16:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34208+CrossCountryW29882+Transport for WalesG3962514:16 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h43
16:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG00875 · G01114
On time
14:41 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h45
17:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryG01114+West Midlands TrainsY8086215:04 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h22
17:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33962+CrossCountryG01150+Transport for WalesG3962815:16 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h43
17:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
CrossCountryG00879 · G0111815:41 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h48
18:29 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG01118+West Midlands TrainsY8087316:04 Birmingham International (BHI)
2h25
18:29 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and more offer trains services from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

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, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Journey information

Overview: Train from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:42, the last at 19:34. The fastest train covers the 147 km distance in 2h 44m.

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
Coach from £20
Distance
147 km
Average train duration
2h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
£31
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
2h 44m
First train
4:42
Last train
19:34
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Wed
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
Coach from £20

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Birmingham International (BHI) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £20. 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 CrossCountry Duration
2h 44m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£31
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

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
3h 12m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£83
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£161
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£139
Cross Country frequency
1 a day

West Midlands Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
2h 12m
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) covers a distance of 147 km and takes approximately 2h 44m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 147 km.
The first train from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 4:42.
The last train from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) departs at 19:34.
Trains from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
To get from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF), you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by coach, costing approximately £20.
Booking trains from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Birmingham International to Cardiff Central offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with highlights including the scenic landscape of the Welsh Borders and picturesque sections near the River Severn.
A day trip from Birmingham International to Cardiff Central is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 44m. However, trains run 9 times per day over a distance of 147 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham International (BHI) and Cardiff Central (CDF)

Most Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains use the Birmingham New Street to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham International (BHI) and Cardiff Central (CDF) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Birmingham
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Birmingham InternationalBirmingham International station, Stationlink Road, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1PAWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham International from Birmingham city centre

Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRugeley Trent Valley - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - Coventry, Birmingham New Street - Northampton, Walsall - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Milton Keynes Central, Birmingham New Street - Rugby, Liverpool Lime Street - Coventry, Wolverhampton - Birmingham International, Liverpool Lime Street - Birmingham International · 9m · £4 · every ~8 min
BusX1 · 39m · £4 · every ~23 min
X1 · 40m · £4 · every ~23 min
17A · 53m · £4 · every ~19 min

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.

More options for your journey from Birmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and Birmingham International (BHI)

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomBirmingham International (BHI) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train

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