- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Cheapest price on Oct 30
$37
Average ticket price on Oct 30
$87
Fastest journey on Oct 30
1 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Oct 30
1 h 53 m
Trains on Oct 30
43
Distance
142 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Cardiff will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
On Fri, Oct 30, we found 43 trains from Birmingham to Cardiff, including 16 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 30 the direct trains cover the 142 km distance in an average of 1 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
On Fri, Oct 30 the slowest trains will take 1 h 54 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.
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Trains from Birmingham to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€17) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 22:23. The fastest train covers the 88 miles (142 km) distance in 1h 38m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Birmingham to Cardiff.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Cardiff trains for today, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01135+ G14937 | On time 9:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 11:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01098 | On time 9:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 11:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01138+ G14938 | On time 9:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01140+ W34617 | On time 10:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01101 | On time 10:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 12:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01144+ W34618 | On time 10:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29862+ G14939 | On time 11:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h04 | 1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01102 | On time 11:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29866+ G39611 | On time 11:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h19 | 2:01 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29868+ W34622 | On time 12:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 2:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01107 | On time 12:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 2:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29871+ W34624 | On time 12:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29871+ G39612 | On time 12:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 2:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29873+ G14940 | On time 1:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 3:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01109 | On time 1:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 3:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29877+ G39622 | On time 1:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h18 | 4:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01148+ W34629 | On time 2:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h54 | 4:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01113 | 2:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 4:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29882+ G39625 | On time 2:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 4:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29884+ W34632 | On time 3:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h57 | 5:09 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01114 | 3:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 5:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01150+ G39628 | 3:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 5:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01153+ W35419 | On time 4:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h54 | 6:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01118 | 4:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h59 | 6:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29895+ G39630 | On time 4:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h19 | 7:01 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01154+ G14941 | 5:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 7:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01119 | 5:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 7:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01159+ G39635 | On time 5:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 7:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01161 | On time 6:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h54 | 8:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29908+ G14944 | On time 6:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29909+ W34646 | On time 7:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h50 | 9:02 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01124 | On time 7:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 9:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01127 | On time 8:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h05 | 10:35 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01169+ W35426 | On time 9:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h34 | 11:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01170+ G39647 | On time 10:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h23 | 12:35 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01085 | 5:00 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h25 | 7:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01088 | 5:36 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h22 | 7:58 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01130+ W35415 | 6:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h57 | 8:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01130+ G39585 | 6:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 8:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01092 | 7:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 9:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29847+ G39593 | 7:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 9:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29847+ G14934 | 7:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h54 | 9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01133+ G14935 | 8:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h00 | 10:12 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01095 | 8:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 10:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29851+ G39594 | 8:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 10:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from Birmingham to Cardiff with CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, and West Midlands Trains. Regional trains available on this route with Transport for Wales and West Midlands Trains. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Cardiff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Cardiff trains use the Birmingham New Street to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
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 storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Birmingham International.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
University is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
University has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at University.
Ticket office support is available at University. 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.
Available at University: Parking.
Available at University: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at University: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, 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 located in the Booking Hall, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
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 options are available at Cathays.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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 options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Check train stations information for Birmingham and Cardiff, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.