Trains to Coventry - Tickets & train times

Trains to Coventry

Well worth a visit for its lively university, bustling town centre and atmospheric cathedral, Coventry is easy to get to from around the UK thanks to its good transport links. The town's main station is a major hub with regular departures to London and the north-west, plus indirect services going as far afield as Bournemouth and Glasgow. The town also has a second station serving the suburb of Canley.

Which is the main train station in Coventry?

Located on Station Square a 12 minute walk from the West Orchards shopping centre, Coventry's main railway station has a cafe, diner and shops, Wi-Fi, a nappy changing area, a first class lounge with complimentary refreshments and executive work spaces with office equipment. There are buses to the university and town centre. Convenient for the A45 ring road, Canley is a small, westerly station with two platforms and a footbridge. It operates two trains an hour, reaching Northampton and Birmingham New Street in about 30 minutes.

Which train companies offer trains to Coventry?

For travellers from the south, Virgin Trains' fast service from London Euston reaches Coventry railway station in just under an hour, and there's also a slow train covering the same route courtesy of West Midlands railways. For passengers from the north-west, CrossCountry and West Midlands services from Birmingham take 20 minutes to half an hour. Meanwhile London Midland operates all services at the Canley station.

Why travel by train to Coventry?

Travelling to Coventry by train is generally fast and can also be very affordable. For example, a train ticket from Birmingham is the same price as a National Express coach, but takes half the time or less. There are also some very inexpensive tickets from London available from the likes of West Midlands, and even the slow train is about an hour quicker than taking the bus.

Before you travel to Coventry by train - good to know!

Before heading to Coventry, it's a good idea to invest in a PlusBus ticket. This offers unlimited bus and tram travel not only in Coventry but throughout a large part of the West Midlands, making it extremely handy for sightseeing or day trips. Tickets can be purchased online beforehand from the relevant rail operator websites. It's also well worth looking out for special summer offers and railcard discounts.

How to get to Coventry by Train

Coventry, in the English Midlands, is one of the major links between London, with four trains per hour to Euston, and to Birmingham, with seven trains per hour. The information service is open for 24 hours per day, seven days per week. A first class lounge, with business areas, fax machines, photocopiers, and phone points is open at the station. ATMs, toilets, baby changing areas, refreshment areas and WiFi are all available. The station operates on the West Coast Main Line and is run by Virgin Trains, with some assistance from CrossCountry. Buses 8, 8a, 9, 9a, 11 and 12 run from the station to the university and the city centre.

Coventry

The area dates back to the Bronze age and relics can be seen around the town. A historic attraction here are the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, destroyed during World War 2. Visitors to the Cathedral will also enjoy the War Memorial Park. If you prefer more ancient history, visit the site where Lady Godiva rode through the city to protest taxes imposed by her husband, and check out the effigy of Peeping Tom. St Mary's Hall was built in the 14th century although it is possible that parts of the Hall date back to the 12th century. For a more restful walk visit Lady Herbert's Gardens which lie between the Gates of Swanswell and Cook Street.