Cambridgeshire Clanger
Cambridgeshire clanger is a baked suet pastry with savoury filling at one end and sweet jam or fruit at the other, created as a portable farm worker meal.
Cheapest price on Aug 30
$160
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$160
Fastest journey on Aug 30
2 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
2 h 30 m
Trains on Aug 30
10
Distance
147 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Ely is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Ely will cost around $160 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $160.
On Sun, Aug 30, we found 10 trains from Birmingham to Ely, including 10 direct services.
On Sun, Aug 30 the direct trains cover the 147 km distance in an average of 2 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 30 m .
On Sun, Aug 30 the slowest trains will take 2 h 30 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Ely among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $24 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 58m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $24, while a bus costs an average of $33.
Distance: 91 miles (147 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$24 Average price Cheapest | $33 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration 6h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Ely:
A train is $9 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Birmingham to Ely costing on average $33.
Other travel options to Ely take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 5m.
Tickets start at around $24 compared to roughly $38 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $14. The journey takes 2h 28m versus 2h 5m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Cross Country.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
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 Ely run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 but you can travel from only $13 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 21:17. The fastest train covers the 91 miles (147 km) distance in 2h 26m.
Distance 91 miles (147 km) |
Average train duration 2h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 26m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 9:17 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Ely — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ely trip today.
Cambridgeshire clanger is a baked suet pastry with savoury filling at one end and sweet jam or fruit at the other, created as a portable farm worker meal.
Ely plum bread is a lightly spiced fruit loaf long linked with nearby cathedral city baking traditions, usually sliced and served with butter.
Fenland celery is a historic local crop from the rich peat soils around Ely, prized for its crisp texture and strong flavour in salads and soups.
Well-regarded independent restaurant and deli focused on seasonal British ingredients, small plates and a cosy neighbourhood feel.
Riverside brasserie at Poets House known for polished British dishes, cocktails and a smart yet relaxed setting near Ely Cathedral.
Popular waterside pub on the Great Ouse serving hearty pub meals, fish dishes and drinks with relaxed marina views.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be limited and pricier in peak periods, but dining and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a service charge; if not, 10-12.5% is typical for good service. Taxi fares are usually rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Ely Railway Station -> Ely City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Ely 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 Ely, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Ely trains use the Birmingham New Street to Ely station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Ely 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.
Longbridge is 10 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Longbridge has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Longbridge.
Ticket office support is available at Longbridge. 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 Longbridge: Parking, WC.
Available at Longbridge: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Longbridge: 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 available in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: 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 taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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: No.
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