Birmingham to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Thu 08 Jan
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 08 Jan

Cheapest price

£31

Average price

£63

Fastest journey

1 h 55 m

Average duration

1 h 56 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

142 km

Cheap tickets

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 travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Birmingham to Cardiff will cost around £63 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Birmingham for Cardiff every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 142 km distance in an average of 1 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 55 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 58 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.

CrossCountryC75248
09:301h55
Birmingham New Street (BHM)
11:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
£311One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC75246
08:301h55
Birmingham New Street (BHM)
10:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
£311One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC72652+Transport for WalesL65691
08:422h17
Birmingham New Street (BHM)
10:59Cardiff Central (CDF)
£481One-way
1 change
CrossCountryC72656+Great Western RailP22622
09:421h58
Birmingham New Street (BHM)
11:40Cardiff Central (CDF)
£861One-way
1 change
CrossCountryC75459+Great Western RailP22621
09:121h55
Birmingham New Street (BHM)
11:07Cardiff Central (CDF)
£901One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Birmingham to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. 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 coach costs an average of £9, and a train costs an average of £19.

Distance: 142 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£56

Average Price

£13

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 44m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 36m

Average total duration

3h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

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 tomorrow, Thursday 8 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 23:04
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
cross_countryC75133+great_westernP22619
On time
08:12 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h57
10:09 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
cross_countryC75246
On time
08:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
10:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC72652+transport_for_walesL65691
On time
08:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
10:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
cross_countryC75459+great_westernP22621
On time
09:12 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
11:07 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
cross_countryC75248
On time
09:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
11:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC72656+great_westernP22622
On time
09:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h58
11:40 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 to Cardiff by coach or train

Compare coach 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.

Thu
08 Jan
Fri
09 Jan
Sat
10 Jan
Sun
11 Jan
Mon
12 Jan
Tue
13 Jan
Wed
14 Jan
Thu
15 Jan
Fri
16 Jan
Sat
17 Jan
Sun
18 Jan
Mon
19 Jan
Tue
20 Jan
Wed
21 Jan
Thu
22 Jan
Fri
23 Jan
Sat
24 Jan
Sun
25 Jan
Mon
26 Jan
Tue
27 Jan
Wed
28 Jan

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Birmingham to Cardiff?

The best time to book your train from Birmingham to Cardiff is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Birmingham to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Birmingham to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Birmingham to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Birmingham to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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 £9 by coach.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:32, the last at 22:12. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 1h 49m.

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 £9
Distance
142 km
Average train duration
2h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
£19
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
1h 49m
First train
04:32
Last train
22:12
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 £9

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 £9. 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
1h 49m
Cheapest Price
£22
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

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 Duration
2h 17m
Cheapest Price
£34
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
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

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
£86
West Midlands Trains frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 50m
Cheapest Price
£83
Cross Country frequency
16 a day

Trains from Birmingham to Cardiff

There are around 70 trains a day between England's second largest city and the capital of Wales, from before dawn until well into the night. The journey lasts two hours on average, with only small variations in travel time between different types of service.

Which train companies travel from Birmingham to Cardiff?

The majority of services between Birmingham and Cardiff are operated by Cross Country, who offer a mixture of direct and indirect trains throughout the week. In addition, Arriva Trains provides a few late services from Monday to Friday and West Midlands also contributes at weekends.

How long is the train from Birmingham to Cardiff?

Non-stop trains between these two major cities generally take about one hour 56 minutes. Where a change is involved, passengers should expect another 10 minutes to be added to the journey. Travel times are more likely to be in the region of two hours 30 minutes in the case of a  few very early departures.

How many trains are there from Birmingham to Cardiff?

The first trains between Birmingham and Cardiff leave as early as 5:00 a.m., but it's at approximately 6:45 a.m. that the regular service really begins. From that point, there are around three departures an hour, with fast and slow trains alternating. This continues until about 8:30 p.m., with fewer services before the last train departs at 10:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Birmingham to Cardiff?

Departure train station: Birmingham New Street Train Station is located just opposite the Grand Central Shopping Centre and is linked by tram to other city landmarks. It has short and long stay car parks, covered bike racks, a baby care area, bureau de change, luggage trolleys, photo booths and WiFi. It's a destination in its own right with cafes, dining options and retail outlets.

Arrival train station: Convenient for shopping and sight-seeing, Cardiff Central Train Station is a few minutes' stroll from the Millennium Stadium, the Central Market, St David's Shopping Centre and Cardiff Castle. Its facilities include 24-hour parking, sheltered storage for bikes with CCTV monitoring, cash points, WiFi and a first class lounge with complimentary refreshments. There's also a newsagent, convenience store, cafe-diner and vending machines.

FAQs: Birmingham to Cardiff train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Birmingham to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £56.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
The train journey from Birmingham to Cardiff offers a blend of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the rolling hills of the Welsh countryside and glimpses of charming towns and villages along the way, making it a pleasantly scenic route.
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £9.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
The train distance from Birmingham to Cardiff is 142 km.
A day trip from Birmingham to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 49m. Trains run 8 times per day. The distance is 142 km.
The last train from Birmingham to Cardiff departs at 22:12.
Yes, there is a direct train between Birmingham and Cardiff. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
Booking trains from Birmingham to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Cardiff.
The train journey from Birmingham to Cardiff covers a distance of 142 km and takes approximately 1h 49m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Cardiff is Birmingham New Street (BHM), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The first train from Birmingham to Cardiff leaves at 4:32.
Trains from Birmingham to Cardiff run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Birmingham to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Cardiff.
To get from Birmingham to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Cardiff

Birmingham
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Birmingham is Birmingham New Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Birmingham New Street for your trip from Birmingham to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
  • Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud.
Lockers
Lockers
  • You can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street.
Shopping
Shopping
  • 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
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Short Stay Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • All Bar One
  • Leon
  • Caffè Nero
  • Five Guys
  • Krispy Kreme
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Upper Crust
  • Wasabi
  • Starbucks
  • Hotel Chocolat
Taxis
Taxis
  • 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
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
WC
WC
  • 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
Hotel
Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center
  • Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station)
  • Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham
Lounge
Lounge
  • 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
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
  • Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • In the middle of the station.
Public transport options for Birmingham New Street
  • 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.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:00 - 20:00 Saturday 08:00 - 19:00 Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Station is adjacent to public bike parking
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for University
  • 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.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:00 Saturday 06:15 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
12 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
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
WC
  • Toilets Location: The accessible toilets are located on the Concourse.
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Closed until further notice.
Bike Parking
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 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 transport 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.
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Birmingham to Cardiff train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone