The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Birmingham
Cheapest price
£12
Average price
£49
Fastest journey
1 h 17 m
Average duration
1 h 17 m
Trains per day
43
Distance
138 km
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 £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £12.
Of the 43 trains that leave Watford for Birmingham every day 11 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 1 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 17 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 17 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.
Y8084311:382h06Watford Junction (WFJ)13:44Birmingham New Street (BHM)£121One-way0 changes
Y8085612:382h07Watford Junction (WFJ)14:45Birmingham New Street (BHM)£121One-way0 changes
Y8083210:382h07Watford Junction (WFJ)12:45Birmingham New Street (BHM)£121One-way0 changes
C178009:382h06Watford Junction (WFJ)11:44Birmingham New Street (BHM)£171One-way0 changes
C17800 · C17878 · C178009:382h06Watford Junction (WFJ)11:44Birmingham New Street (BHM)£171One-way2 changes
W3421413:311h17Watford Junction (WFJ)14:48Birmingham New Street (BHM)£281One-way0 changes
W342608:311h17Watford Junction (WFJ)9:48Birmingham New Street (BHM)£821One-way0 changes
W340779:311h17Watford Junction (WFJ)10:48Birmingham New Street (BHM)£591One-way0 changes
W3394411:311h17Watford Junction (WFJ)12:48Birmingham New Street (BHM)£281One-way0 changes
W3423812:311h17Watford Junction (WFJ)13:48Birmingham New Street (BHM)£281One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Watford to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 47m. 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 £12, and a train costs an average of £10.
Distance: 138 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£19 Average Price | £17 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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
Watford to Birmingham train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Birmingham trains for tomorrow, Thursday 9 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C34116+ W34260 | 8:12 Watford High Street (WFH) | 1h36 | 9:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
Y80809+ C34122 | 8:29 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h15 | 10:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
Y80809 · C17848+ G00956+ C34122 | 8:29 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h09 | 10:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3 changes | |
W34260 | 8:31 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1h17 | 9:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y80809 · C17848 · Y80809 | 8:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h06 | 10:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
Y80809 | 8:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h06 | 10:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y80809 · C17848+ G00956 | 8:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h00 | 10:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
W34077+ C34142 | 9:14 Watford High Street (WFH) | 1h34 | 10:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
C17800+ C34148 | 9:29 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h15 | 11:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
C17800 · C17878+ G00959+ C34148 | 9:29 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h09 | 11:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3 changes | |
W34077 | 9:31 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1h17 | 10:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
C17800 | 9:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h06 | 11:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
C17800 · C17878+ G00959 | 9:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h00 | 11:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
C17800 · C17878 · C17800 | 9:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h06 | 11:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
W33964+ C34168 | 10:14 Watford High Street (WFH) | 1h34 | 11:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
Y80832+ C34175 | 10:28 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h17 | 12:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
Y80832 · C17873+ G00960+ C34175 | 10:28 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h10 | 12:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3 changes | |
W33964 | 10:30 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1h18 | 11:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y80832 | 10:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h07 | 12:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y80832 · C17873 · Y80832 | 10:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h07 | 12:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
Y80832 · C17873+ G00960 | 10:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h00 | 12:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
W33944+ C34196 | 11:13 Watford High Street (WFH) | 1h35 | 12:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
Y80843 · C17792+ G00964+ C34203 | 11:28 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h10 | 13:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3 changes | |
Y80843+ C34203 | 11:28 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h16 | 13:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
W33944 | 11:31 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1h17 | 12:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y80843 · C17792 · Y80843 | 11:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h06 | 13:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
Y80843 | 11:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h06 | 13:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y80843 · C17792+ G00964 | 11:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h00 | 13:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
W34238+ C34224 | 12:13 Watford High Street (WFH) | 1h35 | 13:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
Y80856 · C17897+ G00966+ C34231 | 12:28 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h10 | 14:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3 changes | |
Y80856+ C34231 | 12:28 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h17 | 14:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
W34238 | 12:31 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1h17 | 13:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y80856 · C17897+ G00966 | 12:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h00 | 14:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
Y80856 | 12:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h07 | 14:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y80856 · C17897 · Y80856 | 12:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h07 | 14:45 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
W34214+ C34242 | 13:13 Watford High Street (WFH) | 1h35 | 14:48 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
Y80867+ C34245 | 13:28 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h16 | 15:44 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
Y80867 · C17941+ G00969+ C34245 | 13:28 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h10 | 15:38 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 3 changes | |
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 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 Watford to Birmingham trains with Omio?
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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare West Midlands Trains with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Watford 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 West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Birmingham.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Watford to Birmingham.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford to Birmingham
Trains from Watford to Birmingham run on average 24 times per day, taking around 1h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 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.
Distance 138 km |
Average train duration 1h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
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 Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
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 £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
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.

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.
Which Watford station do trains to Birmingham leave from?
Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre
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.
Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre
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.
Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
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 Stechford from Birmingham city centre
Stechford is 5 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Stechford train station facilities and services
Stechford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stechford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stechford. 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 Stechford: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Stechford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stechford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Watford to Birmingham
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