Cardiff to Birmingham train with CrossCountry

Wed 14 Jan
+ Add return
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
1,000+ 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 Cardiff to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for 14 Jan

Cheapest price

£31

Average price

£70

Fastest journey

2 h

Average duration

2 h 2 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

142 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham will cost around £70 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Cardiff for Birmingham every day 2 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 2 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h .

The slowest trains will take 2 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.

CrossCountryC74968
08:452h00
Cardiff Central (CDF)
10:45Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£311One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC75008
09:452h04
Cardiff Central (CDF)
11:49Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£361One-way
0 changes
Great Western RailP22798+CrossCountryC75323_C75008
09:492h06
Cardiff Central (CDF)
11:55Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£861One-way
1 change
Great Western RailP22799+CrossCountryC74907
10:182h01
Cardiff Central (CDF)
12:19Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£861One-way
1 change
Great Western RailP22795+CrossCountryC74903
08:182h06
Cardiff Central (CDF)
10:24Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£901One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 23m. 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 £9, and a train costs an average of £17.

Distance: 142 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£54

Average Price

£13

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 54m

Average total duration

3h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Cardiff to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Birmingham trains for today, Tuesday 13 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 10:36
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
cross_country16:18 Cardiff
2h00
18:18 Birmingham0 changesdirect
Wednesday 14 January
great_westernP22795+cross_countryC74903
On time
08:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h06
10:24 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
cross_countryC74968
On time
08:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h00
10:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22797+cross_countryC74905
On time
09:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h00
11:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
cross_countryC75008
On time
09:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h04
11:49 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22798+cross_countryC75323_C75008
On time
09:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h06
11:55 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
great_westernP22799+cross_countryC74907
On time
10:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h01
12:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Birmingham 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.

Wed
14 Jan
Thu
15 Jan
Fri
16 Jan
Sat
17 Jan
Sun
18 Jan
Mon
19 Jan
Tue
20 Jan
Wed
21 Jan
Thu
22 Jan
Fri
23 Jan
Sat
24 Jan
Sun
25 Jan
Mon
26 Jan
Tue
27 Jan

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Birmingham?

The best time to book your train from Cardiff to Birmingham is 3 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cardiff to Birmingham route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cardiff to Birmingham 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 Cardiff to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Birmingham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:34, the last at 22:12. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 1h 55m.

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 23m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
1h 55m
First train
04:34
Last train
22:12
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, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cardiff to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Birmingham 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 55m
Cheapest Price
£16
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

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 53m
Cheapest Price
£46
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 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

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 10m
Cheapest Price
£49
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

Great Western Rail

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 48m
Cheapest Price
£32
Great Western Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest Price
£115
Cross Country frequency
9 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 55m
Cheapest Price
£125
first_great_western frequency
15 a day

Trains from Cardiff to Birmingham

Trains from Cardiff to Birmingham are provided by CrossCountry and London Midlands. There are several services throughout the day and evening, with some direct services that take around two hours. Services with one change last slightly longer and generally change at Bristol Parkway. Trains start early in the morning, leaving before 6:00 a.m., and continue leaving every 15-30 minutes until the evening. The last train leaves before 10:00 p.m. Trains leave from Cardiff Central Train Station on Saunders Road, and arrive at Birmingham's New Street Station. Both stations are conveniently centrally located and a few minutes' walk from the main shopping areas of both cities.

FAQs: Cardiff to Birmingham train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £54.
The train journey from Cardiff to Birmingham covers a distance of 142 km and takes approximately 1h 55m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Birmingham is 142 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Birmingham leaves at 4:34.
The last train from Cardiff to Birmingham departs at 22:12.
Trains from Cardiff to Birmingham run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Birmingham.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Birmingham. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
To get from Cardiff to Birmingham, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Birmingham.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Birmingham is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Birmingham is by coach, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Birmingham in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Birmingham offers views of rolling countryside, charming villages, and glimpses of the River Severn, making it moderately scenic, especially between Cardiff and Newport.
A day trip from Cardiff to Birmingham is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 55m. However, there are 7 trains per day covering the 142 km route.
In Birmingham, you can explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, take a canal boat tour, visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, and enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Discover the city's history at the Birmingham Back to Backs. Don't miss the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Symphony Hall, and The Bullring for shopping and dining.
To explore Birmingham's key attractions like the Bullring, Cadbury World, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, 2-3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Birmingham.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Birmingham

Cardiff
Birmingham
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Birmingham.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
Dining
  • Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret a Manger
  • Tesco Express
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
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
Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
  • Cardiff Marriott Hotel
  • Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
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
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
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
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Information Desk
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
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: to the right of the station front
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
  • Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Birmingham

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Birmingham Cardiff to Birmingham train

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