- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price
£86
Average price
£86
Fastest journey
1 h 52 m
Average duration
1 h 53 m
Trains per day
17
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Cardiff will cost around £86 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £86.
Of the 17 trains that leave Birmingham for Cardiff every day 5 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 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 52 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 54 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.
G01110
G01158+
G39615
G01090
G01116
G01096
G01116
G01104
G01090
G01096
G01110Omio 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 coach with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 12m. 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 £7, and a train costs an average of £13.
Distance: 142 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£31 Average Price | £10 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration 3h 18m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01087 | On time 5:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h23 | 8:05 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01129+ G39586 | On time 6:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h18 | 9:00 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01129+ W34605 | On time 6:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 8:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01091 | On time 7:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 9:26 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29846+ W34609 | On time 7:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h54 | 9:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01094 | On time 8:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 10:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29850+ C42174 | On time 8:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 10:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01097 | On time 9:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 11:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01139+ W34615 | On time 9:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01100 | On time 10:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 12:26 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01143+ C42175 | On time 10:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 12:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01103 | On time 11:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 13:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29865+ W34621 | On time 11:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 13:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W29867+ W34623 | On time 12:12 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h05 | 14:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01106 | On time 12:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 14:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29870+ W34625 | On time 12:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01108 | On time 13:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 15:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29876+ G39617 | On time 13:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 15:59 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01112 | On time 14:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 16:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29881+ W34631 | On time 14:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 16:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01115 | 15:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 17:26 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01149+ W34635 | On time 15:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 17:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01151+ W34636 | On time 16:12 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 18:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01117 | 16:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 18:26 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29893+ W35420 | On time 16:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 18:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01156+ C42178 | On time 17:12 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 19:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01120 | On time 17:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 19:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01157+ G39634 | On time 17:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h16 | 19:58 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01162+ C42179 | On time 18:12 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 20:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01121 | On time 18:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h52 | 20:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29906+ C42180 | On time 18:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 20:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01164+ W34647 | On time 19:12 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h59 | 21:11 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01123 | On time 19:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h52 | 21:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01125 | On time 20:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h06 | 22:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01168+ C42278 | On time 21:12 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h43 | 23:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
Y80769+ W44829 | On time 21:20 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h52 | 0:12 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Birmingham to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.
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 54m.
Distance 142 km |
Average train duration 2h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 54m |
First train 4:25 |
Last train 22:23 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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 options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
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 storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Birmingham International.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
University is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
University has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at University.
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.
Available at University: Parking.
Available at University: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
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 options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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 options are available at Cathays.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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