Birmingham to Watford train with West Midlands Trains

Sun 20 Sept
+ Add return
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ 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 Watford

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept

Cheapest price on 20 Sept

£15

Average ticket price on 20 Sept

£31

Fastest journey on 20 Sept

1 h 18 m

Average journey duration on 20 Sept

1 h 23 m

Trains on 20 Sept

17

Distance

138 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Watford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Birmingham to Watford will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.

Fast trains

On Sun 20 Sept, we found 17 trains from Birmingham to Watford, including 3 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 138 km distance in an average of 1 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 18 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 28 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.

  • West Midlands TrainsY80890 · W70414
    19:063h02
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    22:08Bushey (BSH)
    £151One-way
    1 change
  • West Midlands TrainsY80884
    18:332h01
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    20:34Watford Junction (WFJ)
    £151One-way
    0 changes
  • West Midlands TrainsY80890 · W70579
    19:062h55
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    22:01Bushey (BSH)
    £151One-way
    1 change
  • West Midlands TrainsY80890 · W70403
    19:062h16
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    21:22Watford Junction (WFJ)
    £151One-way
    1 change
  • West Midlands TrainsY80876 · W70390
    18:062h33
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    20:39Bushey (BSH)
    £151One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Birmingham to Watford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 14m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, while a train costs an average of £29.

Distance: 138 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£29

Average Price

£20

Average Price

Cheapest

£36

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 45m

Average total duration

2h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 53m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

West Midlands Trains

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Birmingham to Watford is a coach with an average price of £20.

This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Watford:

A coach is £9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Watford costing on average £29.

The fastest way to travel from Birmingham to Watford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 44m.

Other travel options to Watford take longer:

Coach takes on average 2h 15m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Watford including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 9m faster (1h 44m by train vs 1h 53m by car) and roughly £8 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£29 vs £36). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Birmingham to Watford train times

The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Watford trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
West Midlands Trains7:36 Birmingham
1h57
9:33 Watford0 changesdirect
West Midlands Trains8:36 Birmingham
2h42
11:18 Watford0 changesdirect
Avanti West Coast12:21 Birmingham
1h27
13:48 Watford0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Watford 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.

Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept

Why should you book Birmingham to Watford trains with Omio?

West Midlands Trains as well as Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Birmingham to Watford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Watford.

Why book with Omio vs West Midlands Trains?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for West Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Watford.
  • 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 West Midlands Trains with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Watford.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Birmingham to Watford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Birmingham to Watford run on average 21 times per day, taking around 1h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:39, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 138 km distance in 1h 17m.

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
Distance
138 km
Average train duration
1h 44m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Trains per day
21
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
1h 17m
First train
0:39
Last train
23:47
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
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

Train companies: West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Birmingham to Watford trainsWest Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Birmingham and Watford from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 West Midlands Trains Duration
1h 57m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£14
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

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
1h 17m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£16
Avanti West Coast frequency
13 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

Complete guide to Watford

Things to do in Watford

Discover the best of Watford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Watford trip today.

  • Must visit

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

A visitor attraction and working studio where tours reveal how Harry Potter films were made, with original sets and props.

  • Recommended

Watford Museum

Watford's local museum in a historic house, with exhibitions on the town's people, industry and changing streets.

Watford Palace Theatre

An arts centre with galleries, performances and cinema, making it a useful stop for contemporary local visual culture.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for southern England. Hotels can be pricey on London commuter routes, but dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than central London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, 10% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

FAQs: Birmingham to Watford train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Watford 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 Watford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Birmingham to Watford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £29.
The train journey from Birmingham to Watford covers a distance of 138 km and takes approximately 1h 17m. Trains run 21 per day.
The train distance from Birmingham to Watford is 138 km.
The first train from Birmingham to Watford leaves at 0:39.
The last train from Birmingham to Watford departs at 23:47.
Trains from Birmingham to Watford run approximately 21 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Birmingham to Watford.
Yes, there is a direct train between Birmingham and Watford. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains.
To get from Birmingham to Watford, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Watford.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Watford is Birmingham New Street (BHM), and it arrives at Watford Junction (WFJ).
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Watford is by train, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Birmingham to Watford 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 Watford offers glimpses of the English countryside, with views of rolling hills and fields, though it predominantly passes through urban and suburban areas.
Yes, a day trip from Birmingham to Watford is feasible. The journey takes 1h 17m and covers a distance of 138 km. There are 17 trains available per day.
In Watford, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as attending performances at the Watford Palace Theatre or exploring the shops and dining options at Intu Watford. For entertainment, try Topgolf Watford, or attend community arts events at The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Rickmansworth Aquadrome for walking and cycling, or explore Cassiobury Park and its nature reserve. Don't miss the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London for a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter films. Additionally, Watford Museum offers insights into the town's history, while Cheslyn House and Gardens provide a tranquil escape. For luxury, The Grove features beautiful gardens, a golf course, and spa facilities.
To fully explore Watford's attractions, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, Cassiobury Park, and Watford Palace Theatre, a two to three-day visit is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Watford.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Watford

Most Birmingham to Watford trains use the Birmingham New Street to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Watford High Street. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Watford 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 Watford
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 · £5 · 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.

LongbridgeLongbridge station, Longbridge Lane, Birmingham, West Midlands, B31 2TWParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Longbridge from Birmingham city centre

Longbridge is 10 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainFour Oaks - Redditch, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Bromsgrove, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Redditch, Birmingham New Street - Bromsgrove, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Longbridge, Birmingham New Street - Redditch · 21m · £4 · every ~8 min
Bus63 · 41m · £4 · every ~26 min

Longbridge train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Longbridge.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Longbridge. 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 Longbridge: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Longbridge: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Longbridge: 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 available in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Birmingham to Watford

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

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