- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.
Cheapest price
$21
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
1 h 53 m
Trains per day
39
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 $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
Of the 39 trains that leave Birmingham for Cardiff on Tue, Jun 16, 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 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 Tue, Jun 16 the slowest trains will take 1 h 55 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.
G01119
G01127
G01124
G01107
G01109
W29909+
W34646
G01153+
W35419
W29847+
G14934
G01161
G01135+
G14937Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 14m. 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 bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 88 miles (142 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$51 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Cardiff:
A bus is $34 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Cardiff costing on average $51 (€42).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 23m.
The journey is about 2m faster (2h 14m by train vs 2h 16m by car) and roughly $0.40 (€0.32) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($51 (€42) vs $52 (€42)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Cardiff trains for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01153+ W35419 | On time 4:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h54 | 6:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01118 | On time 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 | On time 5:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 7:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01119 | On time 5:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 7:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01159+ G39636 | 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+ G39638 | On time 6:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 8:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
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 | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
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 | |
P69312+ W35358 · G15488+ G39594 | 5:57 AM Birmingham Moor Street (BMO) | 5h02 | 10:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
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+ G39592 | 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 | |
G01135+ G14937 | 9:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 11:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01098 | 9:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 11:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01138+ G14938 | 9:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01140+ W34617 | 10:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01101 | 10:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 12:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01144+ G39604 | 10:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h17 | 12:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01144+ W34618 | 10:42 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29862+ G14939 | 11:12 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h04 | 1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01102 | 11:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29868+ W34622 | 12:12 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h56 | 2:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01107 | 12:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 2:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29871+ W34624 | 12:42 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h55 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and 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.
Trains from Birmingham to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) 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 53m.
Distance 88 miles (142 km) |
Average train duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 53m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 10:23 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Major national museum with art, natural history, and archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.
Open-air museum showing Welsh historic buildings, crafts, and daily life. One of Wales's most celebrated cultural attractions.
Local history museum covering Cardiff's growth from small town to capital city, with interactive displays and social history exhibits.
Waterfront district with modern public spaces, harbourside walks, major landmarks, and a lively atmosphere.
Large riverside park beside the castle, ideal for walking, cycling, and relaxing near the city centre.
Network of elegant Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, famous for architecture and independent businesses.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’s best-known comfort dishes.
A classic Welsh dish of toasted bread topped with a savory cheese sauce, often seasoned with mustard or ale. It is a staple in pubs and cafes across Cardiff.
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is especially associated with South Wales.
Well-known steakhouse in central Cardiff, praised for quality Welsh beef, polished service, and a lively modern atmosphere.
Highly regarded fine-dining venue serving well-presented British dishes in a unique and memorable setting.
Long-running Portuguese restaurant popular for grilled meat, seafood, and generous portions in a warm, traditional setting.
Moderate by UK standards. Dining and transport are manageable, while central hotels and nightlife cost more on busy weekends.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxis. Not expected in pubs or cafés, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central, Cardiff -> Cardiff City Centre, 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.

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