Cardiff to Birmingham train with CrossCountry

Tue, 29 Sept
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CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Birmingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Sept

Cheapest price on 29 Sept

781Kč

Average ticket price on 29 Sept

1179Kč

Fastest journey on 29 Sept

2 h

Average journey duration on 29 Sept

2 h 4 m

Trains on 29 Sept

6

Distance

142 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham will cost around 1179Kč if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 781Kč.

Fast trains

On Tue, 29 Sept, we found 6 trains from Cardiff to Birmingham, including 3 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 142 km distance in an average of 2 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 9 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.

  • CrossCountryG66712
    8:45 AM2h00
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    10:45 AMBirmingham New Street (BHM)
    781 Kč1One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00941
    10:45 AM2h00
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:45 PMBirmingham New Street (BHM)
    781 Kč1One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01067
    9:45 AM2h04
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:49 AMBirmingham New Street (BHM)
    1327 Kč1One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesY61994+CrossCountryG66735
    10:10 AM2h09
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:19 PMBirmingham New Street (BHM)
    1395 Kč1One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesY61973+CrossCountryG66730
    9:10 AM2h09
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:19 AMBirmingham New Street (BHM)
    1395 Kč1One-way
    1 change

Live departures

Cardiff to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Birmingham trains for today, Monday, 28 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transport for WalesG39598+CrossCountryG00854
On time
8:10 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h14
10:24 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
CrossCountryG66712
On time
8:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h00
10:45 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY61973+CrossCountryG66730
On time
9:10 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h09
11:19 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
CrossCountryG01067
On time
9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h04
11:49 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY61994+CrossCountryG66735
On time
10:10 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h09
12:19 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
CrossCountryG00941
On time
10:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h00
12:45 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY61971+CrossCountryG00865
On time
11:10 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h09
1:19 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
CrossCountryG00900
On time
11:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h00
1:45 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY62071+CrossCountryG00872
On time
12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h09
2:19 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
CrossCountryG00947
On time
12:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h00
2:45 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY62070+CrossCountryG00876
On time
1:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h15
3:25 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
CrossCountryG00905
On time
1:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h00
3:45 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesW44760+CrossCountryG00883
On time
2:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h14
4:24 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
CrossCountryG00946
On time
2:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h00
4:45 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY62022+CrossCountryG00888
On time
3:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h14
5:24 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 change
CrossCountryG66797
On time
3:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h00
5:45 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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.

Tue
29 Sept
Wed
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09 Oct
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Why should you book Cardiff to Birmingham trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway and more offer trains services from Cardiff to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Birmingham run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 361Kč but you can travel from only 194Kč by coach.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:25, the last at 22:12. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 1h 40m.

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 194Kč
Distance
142 km
Average train duration
1h 55m
Cheapest ticket price
361Kč
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
1h 40m
First train
2:25 AM
Last train
10:12 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
21 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 194Kč

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains, Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Birmingham from 194Kč. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
1h 40m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
361Kč
CrossCountry frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
1h 53m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
587Kč
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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
2h 23m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
1062Kč
West Midlands Trains frequency
2 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

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
2h 21m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
1225Kč
Great Western Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

FAQs: Cardiff to Birmingham train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Birmingham can start from as little as 361Kč when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff to Birmingham is 1380Kč; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cardiff to Birmingham is 1h 40m to travel the 142 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cardiff to Birmingham leaves at 2:25 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Cardiff to Birmingham leaves at 10:12 pm.
Yes, there are 3 direct trains a day from Cardiff to Birmingham with CrossCountry. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cardiff to Birmingham, you can count on CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A day trip to Birmingham from Cardiff is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Birmingham including taking a train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Birmingham

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

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Birmingham
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · 52Kč · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central train station facilities and services

Cardiff Central 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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · 26Kč · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cathays train station facilities and services

Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cathays.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cathays: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · 52Kč · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. 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 Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

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