Watford to Birmingham train with West Midlands Trains

Sun 23 Aug
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West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for 23 Aug

Cheapest price

£16

Average price

£26

Fastest journey

2 h

Average duration

2 h 25 m

Trains per day

7

Distance

138 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Watford to Birmingham will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.

Fast trains

Of the 7 trains that leave Watford for Birmingham every day 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 138 km distance in an average of 2 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 39 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.

  • Avanti West Coast
    8:032h00
    Watford
    10:03Birmingham
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • West Midlands Trains
    8:072h36
    Watford
    10:43Birmingham
    £191One-way
    0 changes
  • West Midlands Trains
    8:052h41
    Watford
    10:46Birmingham
    £211One-way
    0 changes
  • West Midlands Trains
    9:452h20
    Watford
    12:05Birmingham
    £221One-way
    0 changes
  • West Midlands Trains
    10:142h29
    Watford
    12:43Birmingham
    £221One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

Watford to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Watford to Birmingham trains for tomorrow, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Avanti West Coast8:03 Watford
2h00
10:03 Birmingham0 changesdirect
West Midlands Trains8:04 Watford
2h39
10:43 Birmingham0 changesdirect
West Midlands Trains8:05 Watford
2h41
10:46 Birmingham0 changesdirect
West Midlands Trains8:07 Watford
2h36
10:43 Birmingham0 changesdirect
Chiltern Railways9:20 Watford
4h16
13:36 Birmingham0 changesdirect
West Midlands Trains9:45 Watford
2h20
12:05 Birmingham0 changesdirect
West Midlands Trains10:14 Watford
2h29
12:43 Birmingham0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Watford 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.

Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug

Why should you book Watford to Birmingham trains with Omio?

West Midlands Trains as well as Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Watford to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford 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 Watford 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 Watford to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Watford to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Watford to Birmingham run on average 24 times per day, taking around 1h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:39, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 138 km distance in 1h 17m.

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
138 km
Average train duration
1h 46m
Cheapest ticket price
£8
Trains per day
24
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
1h 17m
First train
0:39
Last train
23:47
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
14 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 Watford to Birmingham trainsWest Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Watford and Birmingham from £8. 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 Duration
2h 6m
Cheapest Price
£8
West Midlands Trains frequency
11 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 Duration
1h 17m
Cheapest Price
£16
Avanti West Coast frequency
13 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

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.

Trains from Watford to Birmingham

Taking the train is by far the easiest and quickest way to travel from Watford to Birmingham. Trains depart several times an hour, seven days a week, so travellers have plenty of options around the clock. For those planning a trip abroad, Birmingham International Airport may be just as convenient to reach from Watford as the major London airports.

Which train companies travel from Watford to Birmingham?

Virgin Trains and West Midlands Railway both offer many direct trains from Watford to Birmingham every day, at all times of day. West Midlands Railway provides the most frequent journeys and is the least expensive option, but Virgin Trains tend to be slightly faster. Both companies also offer indirect services in the early morning before 6 a.m. and in the late evening.

How long is the train from Watford to Birmingham?

When travelling directly with Virgin Trains, the journey to Birmingham from Watford takes just one hour six minutes at the quickest. On average, a West Midlands Railway service takes around 30-40 minutes longer than a Virgin Trains service. The longest advertised journey is an early morning indirect service that departs just before 1:00 a.m. and takes five hours 21 minutes.

How many trains are there from Watford to Birmingham?

Travellers can expect to find over 40 direct trains per day along this route, up to around 48. There will also usually be an additional three to six indirect trains each day. In total, this works out to around three trains per hour every hour, including at weekends. One of these will be a Virgin Trains service and one to two will be West Midlands Railway services. The first regular, direct service of the day departs just before 6:00 a.m. and the last departs at 10:45 p.m.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Watford to Birmingham?

Departure train station: Watford Junction is a centrally-located station and is a bus transport hub for the local area. Regular coach services run to Heathrow and Luton Airports, and it's possible to reach central London in just 16 minutes by train.

Arrival train station: Birmingham New Street has been recently revamped and is home to more restaurants, bars and shops than ever. The station is a major transport hub, not only for the local area but for the UK as a whole. Fast, direct trains depart for Birmingham International Airport every few minutes.

FAQs: Watford to Birmingham train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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 Watford to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £18.
The train journey from Watford to Birmingham covers a distance of 138 km and takes approximately 1h 17m. Trains run 24 per day.
The train distance from Watford to Birmingham is 138 km.
The first train from Watford to Birmingham leaves at 0:39.
The last train from Watford to Birmingham departs at 23:47.
Trains from Watford to Birmingham run approximately 24 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Watford to Birmingham.
Yes, there is a direct train between Watford and Birmingham. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains.
To travel from Watford to Birmingham, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Watford to Birmingham.
The train station in Watford that goes to Birmingham is Watford Junction (WFJ), and it arrives at Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The cheapest way to get from Watford to Birmingham is by train, costing approximately £8.
Booking trains from Watford 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 Watford to Birmingham offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the English countryside, small towns, and sections of the Grand Union Canal, providing a pleasant and varied visual experience.
Yes, a day trip from Watford to Birmingham is feasible as the journey takes 1h 17m and covers a distance of 138 km. There are 19 trains per day for this 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 Watford to Birmingham.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Birmingham

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

Departure train stations in Watford
Arrival train stations in Birmingham

Which Watford station do trains to Birmingham leave from?

Trains from Watford to Birmingham leave from Watford Junction. The station is 1 km from Watford city centre at Watford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU.
Watford JunctionWatford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU+44 3301235247ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre

TrainLondon Euston - Watford Junction, Kilburn High Road - Watford Junction, Willesden Junction Low Level - Watford Junction · 5m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
BusW20 · 5m · £2 · every ~1 min
635 · 7m · £4 · every ~2 min
322 · 20m · £2 · every ~6 min

Watford Junction train station facilities and services

Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Watford Junction.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: 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 public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Watford High StreetWatford High Street station, 182 Watford High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2NW+44 343 222 1234WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre

Bus321 · 3m · £4 · every ~10 min
306 · 6m · every ~4 min

Watford High Street train station facilities and services

Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Watford High Street: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

BusheyBushey station, Pinner Road, Watford, Greater London, WD19 4EA+44 343 222 1234WifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre

Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainWatford Junction - London Euston, Watford Junction - Willesden Junction Low Level, Watford Junction - Kilburn High Road · 2m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
Bus306, 832 · 9m · £4 · every ~4 min
602 · 11m · £2 · every ~5 min
885 · 14m

Bushey train station facilities and services

Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bushey.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bushey: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Watford to Birmingham

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Birmingham Watford to Birmingham train

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