Croydon to Birmingham train with Chiltern Railways

Wed 09 Sept
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Avanti West Coast
Thameslink
Great Western Railway
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2,000+ travel companies
Chiltern Railways
Avanti West Coast
Thameslink
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Croydon to Birmingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Sept

Cheapest price on 09 Sept

£83

Average ticket price on 09 Sept

£83

Fastest journey on 09 Sept

3 h 11 m

Average journey duration on 09 Sept

3 h 18 m

Trains on 09 Sept

2

Distance

174 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Croydon to Birmingham will cost around £83 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £83.

Fast trains

To travel from Croydon to Birmingham you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Chiltern RailwaysL37401+SouthernG26149+TubeTube from London Victoria to London Marylebone
    5:543h11
    East Croydon (ECR)
    9:05Birmingham Moor Street (BMO)
    £831One-way
    2 changes
  • Chiltern RailwaysL37392+TubeTube from London Bridge to London Marylebone+ThameslinkW32953
    5:103h25
    East Croydon (ECR)
    8:35Birmingham Moor Street (BMO)
    £831One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Croydon to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Croydon to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £10 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £10, while a train costs an average of £47.

Distance: 174 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Driving

£47

Average Price

£10

Average Price

Cheapest

£55

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 50m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 21m

Average total duration

2h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 0m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Chiltern Railways

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Croydon to Birmingham is a coach with an average price of £10.

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

A coach is £37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Croydon to Birmingham costing on average £47.

The fastest way to travel from Croydon to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 20m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Coach takes on average 2h 51m.

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

The journey is about 40m faster (2h 20m by train vs 3h 0m by car) and roughly £9 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£47 vs £55). 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.

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

Live departures

Croydon to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Croydon to Birmingham trains for today, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Chiltern RailwaysL37392+ThameslinkW32953+TubeTube from London Bridge to London Marylebone
Delayed
5:31 5:10East Croydon (ECR)
3h25
8:35 Birmingham Moor Street (BMO)
2 changes
Chiltern RailwaysL37401+SouthernG26149+TubeTube from London Victoria to London Marylebone
Delayed
6:07 5:54East Croydon (ECR)
3h11
9:05 Birmingham Moor Street (BMO)
2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Croydon 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
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept

Why should you book Croydon to Birmingham trains with Omio?

Chiltern Railways as well as Avanti West Coast or Thameslink offer trains services from Croydon to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Croydon to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs Chiltern Railways?

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

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 Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Croydon to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Croydon to Birmingham.

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

The best time to book your train from Croydon to Birmingham is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Croydon to Birmingham route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Croydon 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 Croydon to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Croydon to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Croydon to Birmingham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £41 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:33, the last at 23:11. The fastest train covers the 174 km distance in 2h 15m.

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
174 km
Average train duration
2h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
£41
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 15m
First train
4:33
Last train
23:11
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
35 days
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: Chiltern Railways, Avanti West Coast, Thameslink from Croydon to Birmingham trainsChiltern Railways, Avanti West Coast, Thameslink trains will get you between Croydon and Birmingham from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Chiltern Railways

About
Chiltern Railways is a regional train company in the United Kingdom. Check the different ticket types for your next journey: Duo, Anytime, Season, Super Off Peak, Off Peak and Advance. It operates services from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, Banbury, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Stratford-upon-Avon. It also runs services from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon. Chiltern Railways offers a range of train types, including InterCity 125, Class 165 and Class 168 trains. These trains are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The company offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, a shop, and a quiet coach. The most popular routes for Chiltern Railways are London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, and High Wycombe.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Chiltern Railways Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Chiltern Railways Price
£41
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
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
Optional seat reservation for £3. Free for Advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs allowed with lead
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
2h 15m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£53
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

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
1h 53m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£103
Thameslink frequency
25 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Birmingham

Things to do in Birmingham

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

  • Must visit

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Major museum and gallery with fine art, local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in the city centre.

  • Must visit

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Science museum with interactive galleries on industry, transport and invention, making it a strong family-friendly visit.

  • Recommended

Pen Museum

Independent museum in a converted factory, exploring Birmingham's pen trade with demonstrations and hands-on exhibits.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining sit below London, while local transport and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

FAQs: Croydon to Birmingham train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Croydon 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 Croydon to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £41, while the average price tends to be around £47.
The train journey from Croydon to Birmingham covers a distance of 174 km and takes approximately 2h 15m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Croydon to Birmingham is 174 km.
The first train from Croydon to Birmingham leaves at 4:33.
The last train from Croydon to Birmingham departs at 23:11.
Trains from Croydon to Birmingham run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Croydon to Birmingham.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Croydon to Birmingham.
To get from Croydon to Birmingham, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Croydon to Birmingham.
The train station in Croydon that goes to Birmingham is East Croydon (ECR), and it arrives at Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The cheapest way to get from Croydon to Birmingham is by coach, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Croydon 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 Croydon to Birmingham offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with glimpses of traditional towns and green landscapes, particularly as you pass through areas like the Chiltern Hills.
A day trip from Croydon to Birmingham is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 15m. However, there are 4 trains per day covering the distance of 174 km.
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 Croydon to Birmingham.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Croydon and Birmingham

Most Croydon to Birmingham trains use the East Croydon to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham Moor Street. Use this guide to compare Croydon and Birmingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Croydon
Arrival train stations in Birmingham

Which Croydon station do trains to Birmingham leave from?

Trains from Croydon to Birmingham leave from East Croydon. The station is 1 km from Croydon city centre at East Croydon station, Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LF.
East CroydonEast Croydon station, Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LFWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to East Croydon from Croydon city centre

East Croydon is 1 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:

BusN68 · 11m · £2 · every ~2 min

East Croydon train station facilities and services

East Croydon 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 and drink options are available at East Croydon.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at East Croydon. ATMs are available at East Croydon.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at East Croydon.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at East Croydon: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at East Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at East Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free access to all platforms. Lifts to overbridge from all platforms and side entrance. Long steep ramps to platforms from main entrance. (over 1:10 gradient). Assistance Meeting Point is the Information Point on station concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

West CroydonWest Croydon station, London Road, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 2TAWifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to West Croydon from Croydon city centre

Bus289 · 4m · £2 · every ~20 min
450 · 5m · £2 · every ~22 min
157 · 7m · £2 · every ~20 min

West Croydon train station facilities and services

West Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at West Croydon.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at West Croydon.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at West Croydon.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at West Croydon: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at West Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at West Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: B2 station category. Step free access available for platform 1 and 3 using the London Road car park entrance . This side gate is kept locked but has help buttons to request use. Step-free access via separate entrance to platform 4 (to Sutton), Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

PurleyPurley station, Station Approach, Whytecliffe Road, Purley, London, CR2 2APWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Purley from Croydon city centre

Purley is 5 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Bridge - Caterham, London Victoria - Reigate, Tulse Hill - Caterham, London Bridge - Tattenham Corner, London Victoria - Brighton, London Victoria - Three Bridges, London Victoria - Ore, London Victoria - Horsham, London Bridge - Purley, London Victoria - Redhill, East Croydon - Caterham, London Victoria - Bognor Regis, London Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour · 8m · £2 · every ~9 min
Bus407, N68 · 19m · £2 · every ~21 min
60 · 20m · £2 · every ~24 min
439 · 22m · £2 · every ~6 min
289 · 47m · £2 · every ~20 min

Purley train station facilities and services

Purley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Purley.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Purley. ATMs are available at Purley.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Purley.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Purley: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Purley: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Purley: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is on platform 6 above the waiting room, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from Croydon to Birmingham

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Birmingham Croydon to Birmingham train

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