The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$100
Fastest journey
2 h 25 m
Average duration
2 h 29 m
Trains per day
21
Distance
147 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) will cost around $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) without transferring at least once.
W35220+
G00884+
G385592:20 PM2h34Cardiff Central (CDF)4:54 PMBirmingham International (BHI)$651One-way2 transfers
W35438+
G00871+
G3855512:20 PM2h32Cardiff Central (CDF)2:52 PMBirmingham International (BHI)$651One-way2 transfers
W35445+
G66777+
W452255:20 PM2h32Cardiff Central (CDF)7:52 PMBirmingham International (BHI)$651One-way2 transfers
W35442+
G00940+
W451943:15 PM2h37Cardiff Central (CDF)5:52 PMBirmingham International (BHI)$651One-way2 transfers
W35246+
G00907+
G385696:20 PM2h32Cardiff Central (CDF)8:52 PMBirmingham International (BHI)$651One-way2 transfers
W35233+
G00724+
S866034:50 PM2h25Cardiff Central (CDF)7:15 PMBirmingham International (BHI)$1141One-way2 transfers
G00898+
S8661311:45 AM2h30Cardiff Central (CDF)2:15 PMBirmingham International (BHI)$1141One-way1 transfer
G66783+
S866091:45 PM2h30Cardiff Central (CDF)4:15 PMBirmingham International (BHI)$1141One-way1 transfer
G66798+
S866053:45 PM2h30Cardiff Central (CDF)6:15 PMBirmingham International (BHI)$1141One-way1 transfer
G66836+
S866015:45 PM2h30Cardiff Central (CDF)8:15 PMBirmingham International (BHI)$1141One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) 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 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $37.
Distance: 91 miles (147 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $13 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 11m 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 Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI):
A bus is $69 (€56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) costing on average $82 (€67).
Other travel options to Birmingham International (BHI) take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 25m.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (2h 1m by train vs 2h 11m by car). Tickets start at around $82 (€67) compared to roughly $42 (€34) 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.
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.
Live departures
Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G39587+ G01066+ S86618 | 8:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h52 | 11:15 AM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
G38942+ C17024 · W11519 | 8:42 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h26 | 12:08 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
C00165+ W29776+ S86616 | 9:35 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h40 | 12:15 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
Y61968+ G01071+ S86615 | 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h45 | 1:15 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
G38969+ C17026 · W11525 | 10:43 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h25 | 2:08 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
G00898+ S86613 | On time 11:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h30 | 2:15 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 1 transfer | |
W35438+ G00871+ G38555 | 12:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 2:52 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
Y62006+ G01077+ S86611 | 12:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h46 | 3:15 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
W35439+ G00878+ W45245 | 1:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h31 | 3:51 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
G66783+ S86609 | On time 1:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h30 | 4:15 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 1 transfer | |
W35220+ G00884+ G38559 | 2:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h34 | 4:54 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
Y61969+ W29792+ S86607 | 2:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h46 | 5:15 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
W35442+ G00940+ W45194 | 3:15 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h37 | 5:52 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
G66798+ S86605 | 3:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h30 | 6:15 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 1 transfer | |
W35233+ G00724+ S86603 | 4:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h25 | 7:15 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
W35445+ G66777+ W45225 | 5:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 7:52 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
G66836+ S86601 | 5:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h30 | 8:15 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 1 transfer | |
W35246+ G00907+ G38569 | 6:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 8:52 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
Y61964+ G00734+ S86599 | 6:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h51 | 9:20 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
C00139+ G66806+ W45253 | 7:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h31 | 9:51 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 2 transfers | |
G00930+ S86597 | 7:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h35 | 10:20 PM Birmingham International (BHI) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) by bus or train
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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) trains with Omio?
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 Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI).
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 19:50. The fastest train covers the 91 miles (147 km) distance in 2h 22m.
Distance 91 miles (147 km) |
Average train duration 2h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 22m |
First train 4:54 AM |
Last train 7:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Birmingham International (BHI) from $12 (€10). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) 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 International (BHI), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)
Most Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) trains use the Cardiff Central to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham International. Use this guide to compare Cardiff Central (CDF) and Birmingham International (BHI) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham New Street 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 and drink
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
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.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Getting to Birmingham International from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham International train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham International.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to University from Birmingham city centre
University is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
University train station facilities and services
University has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at University.
Tickets and information
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.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at University: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at University: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff Central (CDF)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)
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