- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major museum and gallery with fine art, local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in the city centre.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Runcorn to Birmingham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£13
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£16
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 16 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 26 m
Trains on 18 Sept
4
Distance
111 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Runcorn to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Runcorn to Birmingham will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 4 trains from Runcorn to Birmingham, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 111 km distance in an average of 1 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 16 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 29 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.
21:511h29Runcorn23:20Birmingham£131One-way0 changes- 8:511h29Runcorn10:20Birmingham£131One-way0 changes
- 7:321h16Runcorn8:48Birmingham£141One-way0 changes
- 7:511h29Runcorn9:20Birmingham£221One-way0 changes
- 7:321h16Runcorn8:48Birmingham£141One-way0 changes
- 21:511h29Runcorn23:20Birmingham£131One-way0 changes
- 7:511h29Runcorn9:20Birmingham£221One-way0 changes
- 8:511h29Runcorn10:20Birmingham£131One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Runcorn to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Runcorn to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £118 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £118, while a train costs an average of £118.
Distance: 111 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£118 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Runcorn to Birmingham is a train with an average price of £118.
The fastest way to travel from Runcorn to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 1h 21m.
Yes, you can take a train between Runcorn and Birmingham.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 15m sooner (1h 21m by train vs 1h 36m by car). Tickets start at around £118 compared to roughly £31 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with West Midlands Trains, West Midlands Trains.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Runcorn to Birmingham 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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24 Sept
Why should you book Runcorn to Birmingham trains with Omio?
West Midlands Trains as well as Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Runcorn to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Runcorn to Birmingham.
Why book with Omio vs West Midlands Trains?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for West Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Runcorn 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.
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 West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Runcorn to Birmingham.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Runcorn to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Runcorn to Birmingham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £113 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:58, the last at 22:37. The fastest train covers the 111 km distance in 1h 16m.
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
Distance 111 km |
Average train duration 1h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £113 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 16m |
First train 1:58 |
Last train 22:37 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 6 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
Train companies: West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Runcorn to Birmingham trainsWest Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Runcorn and Birmingham from £113. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 West Midlands Trains Duration
1h 16m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£8
West Midlands Trains frequency
5 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
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
1h 17m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£113
Avanti West Coast frequency
7 a day
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
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
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.
- Must visit
Digbeth
Creative district with street art, independent shops and converted industrial buildings, popular for urban walks and photography.
- Must visit
Jewellery Quarter
Historic quarter known for jewellery workshops, heritage trails, museums and distinctive Georgian and Victorian streetscapes.
- Recommended
Brindleyplace
Waterside district of canals, bars and cultural venues, ideal for strolling, boat trips and seeing Birmingham's industrial past.
Balti
A Birmingham-born curry with spiced meat in rich tomato gravy. It reflects the city’s famed Balti Triangle and its South Asian culinary heritage.
Black Country faggots and peas
A slow-cooked stew of beef, vegetables and stock topped with sliced potatoes. A Black Country classic closely associated with the Birmingham area.
Faggots
Pork offal sausage traditionally served with peas, mash and gravy. It is a long-standing working-class dish from the Black Country near Birmingham.
Simpsons
Elegant modern dining in Edgbaston with refined tasting menus and polished service in a calm, intimate setting.
Anderson & Hill
Popular Jewish-style deli and restaurant famous for piled-high sandwiches, baked treats and relaxed daytime dining.
Shababs
Lively Indian restaurant in the Balti Triangle, known for Balti dishes cooked in pressed-steel bowls and a bustling local atmosphere.
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.
TfWM
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £7.60
To the city centre
Birmingham New Street -> Bullring, Birmingham
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless and Swift Go are accepted on West Midlands Metro and on almost all buses in the West Midlands.
- Birmingham New Street is already central; many city-centre places are walkable, so check before buying a day ticket.
FAQs: Runcorn to Birmingham train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Runcorn 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Runcorn to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £113, while the average price tends to be around £118.
The train journey from Runcorn to Birmingham covers a distance of 111 km and takes approximately 1h 16m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Runcorn to Birmingham is 111 km.
The first train from Runcorn to Birmingham leaves at 1:58.
The last train from Runcorn to Birmingham departs at 22:37.
Trains from Runcorn to Birmingham run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Runcorn to Birmingham.
Yes, there is a direct train between Runcorn and Birmingham. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by West Midlands Trains, West Midlands Trains.
To travel from Runcorn to Birmingham, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Runcorn to Birmingham.
The train station in Runcorn that goes to Birmingham is Runcorn station (RUN), and it arrives at Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The cheapest way to get from Runcorn to Birmingham is by train, costing approximately £113.
Booking trains from Runcorn 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 Runcorn to Birmingham offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, passing through the Cheshire countryside and the industrial outskirts of the West Midlands, though it isn't known for being particularly scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Runcorn to Birmingham is feasible. The journey takes 1h 16m and covers 111 km. Trains run 3 times per day.
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 Runcorn to Birmingham.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Runcorn and Birmingham
Most Runcorn to Birmingham trains use the Runcorn to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham International. Use this guide to compare Runcorn and Birmingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Runcorn
Arrival train stations in Birmingham
Which Runcorn station do trains to Birmingham leave from?
Trains from Runcorn to Birmingham leave from Runcorn. The station is 1 km from Runcorn city centre at Runcorn station, Station Road, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 5UB.
RuncornRuncorn station, Station Road, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 5UB
City-centre transport
Getting to Runcorn from Runcorn city centre
Bus61, 79C, 82A · 1m · £2 · every ~22 min
Runcorn train station facilities and services
Runcorn has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Runcorn.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Runcorn. 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 Runcorn: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Runcorn: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Runcorn: 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 may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
Runcorn EastRuncorn East station, Barnfield Avenue, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 6EP+44 3333211202
City-centre transport
Getting to Runcorn East from Runcorn city centre
Runcorn East is 4 km from Runcorn city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus20A · 14m · £2
62A, 62 · 18m · every ~2 min
110, X4 · 23m · £2 · every ~6 min
200 · 54m · every ~3 min
Runcorn East train station facilities and services
Runcorn East has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Information Desk.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Runcorn East. 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 Runcorn East: Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Runcorn East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Chester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Manchester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Access between both platforms is via a footbridge, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Located outside the ticket office on the wall, 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: Yes.
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre
Bus16 · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min
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.
Birmingham InternationalBirmingham International station, Stationlink Road, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1PA
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham International from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRugeley Trent Valley - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - Coventry, Birmingham New Street - Northampton, Walsall - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Milton Keynes Central, Birmingham New Street - Rugby, Liverpool Lime Street - Coventry, Wolverhampton - Birmingham International, Liverpool Lime Street - Birmingham International · 9m · £4 · every ~8 min
BusX1 · 39m · £4 · every ~23 min
X1 · 40m · £4 · every ~23 min
17A · 53m · £4 · every ~19 min
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.
Birmingham Snow HillBirmingham Snow Hill station, Colmore Row, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 2BJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham Snow Hill from Birmingham city centre
Bus52 · 0m · £2 · every ~18 min
Birmingham Snow Hill train station facilities and services
Birmingham Snow Hill has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Snow Hill.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Snow Hill. 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 Birmingham Snow Hill: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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 available on the station concourse, by the Ticket Office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Runcorn
More options for your journey from Runcorn to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Birmingham and Runcorn
Most popular train connections to Birmingham
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