- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum and historic house in St Fagans showcasing Welsh buildings, crafts and galleries; a longer day trip but one of South Wales’ best museum visits.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Porthcawl
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£43
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£43
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
3 h 6 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
3 h 6 m
Trains on 20 Sept
1
Distance
166 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Porthcawl is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Porthcawl will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £43.
Fast trains
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 1 trains from Birmingham to Porthcawl, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 166 km distance in an average of 3 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 6 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 6 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.
11:123h06Birmingham14:18Porthcawl£431One-way0 changes
- 11:123h06Birmingham14:18Porthcawl£431One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Birmingham to Porthcawl
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Porthcawl among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a train costs an average of £47.
Distance: 166 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£47 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 59m Average total duration 4h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Birmingham to Porthcawl is a coach with an average price of £23.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Porthcawl:
A coach is £24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Porthcawl costing on average £47.
The fastest way to travel from Birmingham to Porthcawl is by train with an average journey time of 2h 22m.
Other travel options to Porthcawl take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 29m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Porthcawl including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 8m sooner (2h 22m by train vs 2h 30m by car). Tickets start at around £47 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Birmingham to Porthcawl train times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Porthcawl trains for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:12 Birmingham | 3h06 | 14:18 Porthcawl | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Porthcawl 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.
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Why should you book Birmingham to Porthcawl trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales offer trains services from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
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 to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
- 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 Porthcawl.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Porthcawl
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Birmingham to Porthcawl run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 20:30. The fastest train covers the 166 km distance in 2h 9m.
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 £12
Distance 166 km |
Average train duration 2h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 2h 9m |
First train 5:00 |
Last train 20:30 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £12
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales from Birmingham to Porthcawl trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Birmingham and Porthcawl from £12. 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 28m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£32
CrossCountry frequency
12 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 Transport for Wales Duration
2h 57m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£23
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
Complete guide to Porthcawl
Things to do in Porthcawl
Discover the best of Porthcawl — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Porthcawl trip today.
- Recommended
Porthcawl Museum
Compact local museum on the seafront with displays on Porthcawl’s maritime past, seaside holidays and community life, useful for understanding the town.
- Recommended
Bridgend Museum and Art Gallery
Regional museum and art gallery in Bridgend with local history, archaeology and changing art displays, suitable as an easy cultural trip from Porthcawl.
- Must visit
Rest Bay
Wide sandy beach and promenade popular for walks, paddling and sea views, with easy access to the harbour, pavilion and central seafront.
- Must visit
Porthcawl Promenade
Dramatic seafront walk from the town centre to the lighthouse, ideal for coastal views, storm watching and an easy introduction to Porthcawl.
- Recommended
Porthcawl Harbour
Harbour area with fishing heritage, sea air and views across the Bristol Channel, best visited with the adjoining breakwater and lighthouse.
- Vegetarian
Welsh Cakes
Traditional Welsh cakes griddled with currants and spice. A beloved teatime staple across South Wales, often eaten warm with butter or sugar.
- Gluten-free
Laverbread
Laverbread is seaweed cooked to a soft paste, often served at Welsh breakfast with cockles or bacon. It reflects the local coastal food tradition.
- Gluten-free
Cockles
Fresh cockles from the South Wales coast, commonly eaten plain with vinegar or as part of breakfast. They are a classic local seaside shellfish.
Beale's Fish and Chips
Popular waterfront fish and chip shop and restaurant known for fresh seafood and relaxed seaside dining near the harbour.
Watersports Bar & Grill
Stylish café-bar by Rest Bay serving brunch, coffee and modern casual plates. A popular stop before or after the beach.
The Waterfront
Established pub and restaurant overlooking the sea, serving British favourites, grills and drinks in a comfortable traditional setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Accommodation can rise in summer, but dining and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35-60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is polite if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Birmingham to Porthcawl train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Birmingham to Porthcawl can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £47.
The train journey from Birmingham to Porthcawl covers a distance of 166 km and takes approximately 2h 9m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from Birmingham to Porthcawl is 166 km.
The first train from Birmingham to Porthcawl leaves at 5:00.
The last train from Birmingham to Porthcawl departs at 20:30.
Trains from Birmingham to Porthcawl run approximately 12 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
To get from Birmingham to Porthcawl, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Porthcawl is Birmingham New Street (BHM), and it arrives at Bridgend station (BGN).
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Porthcawl is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Birmingham to Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through the picturesque landscapes of the Welsh countryside, with views of rolling hills and quaint towns along the way.
A day trip from Birmingham to Porthcawl is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 9m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit. Trains operate 18 times per day over a distance of 166 km.
For a relaxing visit, two to three days in Porthcawl should suffice to explore its beaches, enjoy coastal walks, and experience local attractions such as the Grand Pavilion and Porthcawl Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Porthcawl
Most Birmingham to Porthcawl trains use the Birmingham New Street to Bridgend station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
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.
Most popular train connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Porthcawl
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Porthcawl and Birmingham
Most popular train connections to Porthcawl
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