- Must visit
Grosvenor Museum
An award-winning medical history attraction exploring disease, cures, and public health in a playful way. It is unusual, family-friendly, and increasingly popular.
Cheapest price on Sep 01
zł155
Average ticket price on Sep 01
zł229
Fastest journey on Sep 01
1 h 16 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
2 h 12 m
Trains on Sep 01
4
Distance
103 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Chester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Chester will cost around zł229 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only zł155.
On Tue, Sep 01, we found 4 trains from Birmingham to Chester, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 01 the direct trains cover the 103 km distance in an average of 2 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 16 m .
On Tue, Sep 01 the slowest trains will take 2 h 50 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.
W70185+
G39019
W34283
P69312 · C17921+
G38621
C17901+
G38619
W34283
C17901+
G38619
W70185+
G39019
P69312 · C17921+
G38621Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of zł56 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 3m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of zł56, while a train costs an average of zł165.
Distance: 64 miles (103 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
zł165 Average price | zł56 Average price Cheapest | zł148 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Chester:
A bus is zł110 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Chester costing on average zł165.
Other travel options to Chester take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 4m.
You'll arrive about 17m sooner (1h 33m by train vs 1h 50m by car). Tickets start at around zł165 compared to roughly zł148 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Chester trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34283 | 5:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h16 | 6:46 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17901+ G38619 | On time 5:34 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h10 | 7:44 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
W70185+ G39019 | 5:49 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h32 | 8:21 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
P69312 · C17921+ G38621 | On time 5:57 AM Birmingham Moor Street (BMO) | 2h50 | 8:47 AM Chester station (CTR) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Chester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at zł51 but you can travel from only zł41 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:28, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 64 miles (103 km) distance in 1h 11m.
Distance 64 miles (103 km) |
Average train duration 1h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price zł51 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 11m |
First train 1:28 AM |
Last train 10:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Chester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chester trip today.
An award-winning medical history attraction exploring disease, cures, and public health in a playful way. It is unusual, family-friendly, and increasingly popular.
A major museum on Roman Chester with archaeology, reconstructed rooms, and hands-on displays. It is the best place to understand the city’s ancient roots.
A richly furnished Georgian townhouse showing domestic life across centuries. Costumed interpretation and period interiors make it engaging and memorable.
A wide green expanse by the River Dee, popular for walks, picnics, and events. It offers classic views of the water and easy access to central sights.
A scenic trail following the old city defences with frequent viewpoints and easy access to landmarks. It is one of the best ways to see Chester efficiently.
One of Chester’s main shopping streets, lined with historic buildings and Rows. It captures the city’s distinctive mix of heritage and everyday life.
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and spice, long linked to Chester and nearby Cheshire baking traditions.
Crumbly, creamy cow's milk cheese from Cheshire, one of England's oldest named cheeses and a staple of local farming.
Traditional Cheshire cheese melted with beer, mustard and seasoning on toast; a classic pub and supper dish in the region.
Established city-centre bistro serving modern British food with local produce in a relaxed, smart setting.
Popular independent restaurant focused on seasonal small plates, natural wines and creative modern cooking.
Refined fine dining by chef Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor, known for polished tasting menus and formal service.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist areas raise prices. Buses are reasonable; central sights are walkable.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% at restaurants for good service. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Chester Railway Station -> Chester City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Chester trains use the Birmingham New Street to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Chester 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.
Selly Oak is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Selly Oak has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Selly Oak.
Ticket office support is available at Selly Oak. 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 Selly Oak: Parking, WC.
Available at Selly Oak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Selly Oak: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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 available in the Booking Hall and on Platform One, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
ATMs are available at Chester.
Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chester: Parking, WC.
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, 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.
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