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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Birkenhead
Showing times and prices for 15 Nov
Cheapest price
£52
Average price
£73
Fastest journey
3 h 38 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
213 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Birkenhead is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Birkenhead will cost around £73 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Cardiff for Birkenhead every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 213 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 38 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 14 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.
04:253h38
Cardiff08:03Birkenhead
£521One-way
0 changes
04:243h39
Cardiff08:03Birkenhead
£581One-way
0 changes
04:494h14
Cardiff09:03Birkenhead
£1101One-way
0 changes
04:253h38
Cardiff08:03Birkenhead
£521One-way
0 changes
04:243h39
Cardiff08:03Birkenhead
£581One-way
0 changes
04:494h14
Cardiff09:03Birkenhead
£1101One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Cardiff to Birkenhead
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Birkenhead among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, and a train costs an average of £37.
Distance: 213 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£64 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 3h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 55m Average total duration 6h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Birkenhead train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Birkenhead trains for tomorrow, Saturday 15 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 10:03
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:24 Cardiff | 3h39 | 08:03 Birkenhead | 0 changesdirect | |
| 04:25 Cardiff | 3h38 | 08:03 Birkenhead | 0 changesdirect | |
| 04:49 Cardiff | 4h14 | 09:03 Birkenhead | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Birkenhead by train
Compare 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.
Sat
15 Nov
15 Nov
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16 Nov
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Birkenhead
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Birkenhead run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £30 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 213 km distance in 3h 37m.
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 £30
Distance 213 km |
Average train duration 3h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 14 |
Fastest train 3h 37m |
First train 00:08 |
Last train 21:20 |
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 £30
Train companies: Transport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cardiff to Birkenhead trainsTransport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Birkenhead from £30. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
3h 30m
Cheapest Price
£37
Transport for Wales frequency
10 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 57m
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 48m
first_great_western frequency
7 a day
FAQs: Cardiff to Birkenhead train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Birkenhead 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 Birkenhead, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Birkenhead in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Birkenhead can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £64.
The train journey from Cardiff to Birkenhead covers a distance of 213 km and takes approximately 3h 37m. Trains run 14 per day.
To travel from Cardiff to Birkenhead, you can take a train.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Birkenhead is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Birkenhead Hamilton Square (BKQ).
To explore Birkenhead's main attractions such as Birkenhead Park, Williamson Art Gallery, and the historic shipyard, a visit of 1-2 days is generally sufficient.
The first train from Cardiff to Birkenhead leaves at 0:08.
Trains from Cardiff to Birkenhead run approximately 14 times per day.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Birkenhead is by coach, costing approximately £30.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Birkenhead.
The train distance from Cardiff to Birkenhead is 213 km.
The last train from Cardiff to Birkenhead departs at 21:20.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Birkenhead.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Birkenhead.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Birkenhead.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Birkenhead
Cardiff
Birkenhead
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cathays. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cathays for your trip from Cardiff to Birkenhead.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATM
TaxisAccessibility
WCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Ninian Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
The major train station for arrivals in Birkenhead is Birkenhead Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Birkenhead Central for your journey to Birkenhead from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 05:32 - 00:07 Sunday 07:34 - 00:07 Station staffing times may vary, please visit Merseyrail.org for up-to-date times.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform.” Lifts can be used to access platforms
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Liverpool bound platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Birkenhead Central
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Argyle Street, Birkenhead
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingATMAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 05:30 - 00:20 Sunday 07:36 - 00:20 Station staffing times may vary, please visit Merseyrail.org for up-to-date times.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform.” Lifts can be used to access platforms.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Birkenhead Hamilton Square
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Hamilton Square, Hamilton Street, Birkenhead CH41
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 05:49 - 00:17 Sunday 07:49 - 00:17 Station staffing times may vary, please visit Merseyrail.org for up-to-date times.
Distance to city center
3 kmAccessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform.” All platforms can be accessed via lift.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Birkenhead North
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station Road, Birkenhead
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 05:51 - 00:15 Sunday 07:51 - 00:15 Station staffing times may vary, please visit Merseyrail.org for up-to-date times.
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C: “This station does not have step-free access to any platform.” Ticket office is step free. Access to platform is via stepped ramps only.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Birkenhead Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Duke Street, Birkenhead
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 05:54 - 00:12 Sunday 07:54 - 00:12 Station staffing times may vary, please visit Merseyrail.org for up-to-date times.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” Lifts can be used to access platforms.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: ajacent to booking office
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Conway Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Europa Boulevard
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 05:32 - 00:10 Sunday 07:32 - 00:10 Station staffing times may vary, please visit Merseyrail.org for up-to-date times.
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C: “This station does not have step-free access to any platform.” The nearest station with access is Birkenhead Central.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible toilets: No
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: adjacent to booking office
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Green Lane
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Green Lane, Birkenhead
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 05:29 - 00:12 Sunday 07:29 - 00:12 Station staffing times may vary, please visit Merseyrail.org for up-to-date times.
Distance to city center
2 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B: "This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details" Car park and ticket office are step free and wheelchair access is available on the Liverpool bound platform only. The Ellesmere Port/ Chester platform has no disabled access.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets can be electronically opened by staff in the Booking Office.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: On platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Rock Ferry
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Clyde Street, Birkenhead CH42
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Birkenhead
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Birkenhead and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Birkenhead
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