4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Birmingham
Cheapest price
£15
Average price
£40
Fastest journey
1 h 55 m
Average duration
1 h 58 m
Trains per day
33
Distance
142 km
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 £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.
Of the 33 trains that leave Cardiff for Birmingham every day 16 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 1 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 55 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 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.
G6681519:502h04Cardiff Central (CDF)21:54Birmingham New Street (BHM)£151One-way0 changes- G0093120:452h00Cardiff Central (CDF)22:45Birmingham New Street (BHM)£151One-way0 changes
- G0093521:452h17Cardiff Central (CDF)0:02Birmingham New Street (BHM)£151One-way0 changes
- G6681318:452h01Cardiff Central (CDF)20:46Birmingham New Street (BHM)£151One-way0 changes
- G008446:402h05Cardiff Central (CDF)8:45Birmingham New Street (BHM)£151One-way0 changes
G15040+G667166:241h55Cardiff Central (CDF)8:19Birmingham New Street (BHM)£901One-way1 change- W35167+G667217:231h57Cardiff Central (CDF)9:20Birmingham New Street (BHM)£901One-way1 change
- W35198+G6677917:182h00Cardiff Central (CDF)19:18Birmingham New Street (BHM)£491One-way1 change
- G0093120:452h00Cardiff Central (CDF)22:45Birmingham New Street (BHM)£151One-way0 changes
- G009387:452h00Cardiff Central (CDF)9:45Birmingham New Street (BHM)£151One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the train 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 14m. 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 £13.
Distance: 142 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£39 Average Price | £12 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  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 14 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 W45135+G66716 | 6:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h09 | 8:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G15040+G66716 | On time 6:24 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h55 | 8:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G00844 | 6:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h05 | 8:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y61953+G66721 | 7:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h10 | 9:20 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| W35167+G66721 | 7:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h57 | 9:20 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G00938 | 7:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 9:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G39597+G00854 | 8:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h14 | 10:24 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G15041+G00854 | 8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h06 | 10:24 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G66712 | 8:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 10:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y61973+G66730 | 9:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h09 | 11:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| W35432+G66730 | 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 11:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G01067 | 9:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h04 | 11:49 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y61994+G66735 | 10:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h09 | 12:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| W35178+G66735 | 10:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h01 | 12:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G00941 | 10:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 12:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y61971+G00865 | 11:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h09 | 13:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G15045+G00865 | 11:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h01 | 13:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G00900 | 11:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 13:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15046+G00872 | 12:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h01 | 14:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G00947 | 12:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 14:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W35434+G00876 | 13:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h07 | 15:25 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G00905 | 13:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 15:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W35188+G00883 | 14:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h06 | 16:24 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G00946 | 14:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 16:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15049+G00888 | 15:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h06 | 17:24 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G66797 | 15:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 17:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G39639+G00908 | 18:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h19 | 20:29 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G15050+G00908 | 18:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h11 | 20:29 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| G66813 | 18:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h01 | 20:46 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G66815 | 19:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h04 | 21:54 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G00931 | 20:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 22:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y63482+G66829 | 21:09 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h45 | 23:54 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.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Birmingham trains with Omio?
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, Great Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Birmingham.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Birmingham.
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, Great Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Birmingham.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Birmingham.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Birmingham?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Birmingham run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:25, the last at 22:12. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 1h 54m.
Distance 142 km |
Average train duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 54m |
First train 2:25 |
Last train 22:12 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 3 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) 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
Transport for Wales
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Birmingham
Most Cardiff to Birmingham trains use the Cardiff Central to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham International. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Birmingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, 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 Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre
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.
Getting to Birmingham International from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to University from Birmingham city centre
University is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Birmingham and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Birmingham
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