Birmingham to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Thu 09 Jul
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CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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  • CrossCountryG01102
    11:301h55
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    13:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £181One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01107
    12:301h55
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    14:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £181One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01113
    14:301h55
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    16:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £271One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01109
    13:301h55
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    15:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £271One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01114
    15:301h56
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    17:26Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £271One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Birmingham to Cardiff

The cheapest option from Birmingham to Cardiff is coach, with an average price of £12. Omio recommends booking the train, as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Cardiff among Omio users. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg.

Distance: 142 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£37

Average Price

£12

Average Price

Cheapest option

2h 44m

Average total duration

Fastest option

2h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 53m

Average total duration

3h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

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 today, Wednesday 8 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG01085
On time
5:00 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h25
7:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01088
On time
5:36 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h22
7:58 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01130+Great Western RailwayW354156:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h57
8:39 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG01130+Transport for WalesG395856:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
8:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG010927:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
9:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29847+Great Western RailwayG149347:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h54
9:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryW29847+Transport for WalesG395927:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
9:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG010958:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
10:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29851+Transport for WalesG395948:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
10:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG010989:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
11:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01138+Great Western RailwayG149389:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h58
11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG01138+Transport for WalesG396019:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
11:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG0110110:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h56
12:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01144+Great Western RailwayW3461810:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG01144+Transport for WalesG3960410:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
12:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG0110211:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
13:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29866+Transport for WalesG3961011:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
13:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG0110712:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
14:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29871+Great Western RailwayW3462412:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryW29871+Transport for WalesG3961212:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
14:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG0110913:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
15:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29877+Transport for WalesG3961913:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
15:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG0111314:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
16:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29882+Transport for WalesG3962514:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
16:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG0111415:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h56
17:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01150+Transport for WalesG3962715:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
17:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG0111816:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h59
18:29 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29895+Transport for WalesG3963016:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h19
19:01 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG0111917:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h56
19:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01159+Transport for WalesG3963617:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
19:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG0116118:12 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h54
20:06 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29908+Great Western RailwayG1494418:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h55
20:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryW29908+Transport for WalesG3963818:42 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h17
20:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG0112419:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h56
21:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG0112720:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h05
22:35 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01169+Great Western RailwayW3542621:12 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h34
23:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG01170+Transport for WalesG3964722:12 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h30
0:42 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

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Why should you book Birmingham to Cardiff trains with Omio?

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

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, West Midlands Trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Cardiff.
  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

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

Typically, there are 8 trains per day from Birmingham to Cardiff, including 3 direct trains, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 22:23. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 1h 53m.

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
Lowest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
1h 53m
First train
4:25
Last train
22:23
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
70 days
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 53m
Cheapest Price
£17
CrossCountry frequency
7 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
£17
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
£85
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 52m
Cheapest Price
£85
Cross Country frequency
25 a day

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 train distance from Birmingham to Cardiff is 142 km.
The first train from Birmingham to Cardiff leaves at 4:25.
The last train from Birmingham to Cardiff departs at 22:23.
Trains from Birmingham to Cardiff run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Birmingham to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train between Birmingham and Cardiff. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
To get from Birmingham to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Cardiff.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Cardiff is Birmingham New Street (BHM), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Cardiff

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.

Departure train stations in Birmingham
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre

Bus16 · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min

Birmingham New Street 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 and drink

Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

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.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.

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.

UniversityUniversity station, University Road West, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2FB+44 333 311 0039ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to University from Birmingham city centre

University is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainFour Oaks - Redditch, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Bromsgrove, Birmingham New Street - Hereford, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Redditch, Birmingham New Street - Worcester Shrub Hill, Birmingham New Street - Bromsgrove, Birmingham New Street - Worcester Foregate Street, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Longbridge, Birmingham New Street - Redditch, Birmingham New Street - Great Malvern · 7m · £2 · every ~10 min
BusX21, X22, X20 · 18m · £2 · every ~51 min

University train station facilities and services

University has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at University.

Tickets and information

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.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at University: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at University: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Birmingham to Cardiff train

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