Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) train

Sun, Sep 20
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

€94

Average ticket price on Sep 20

€94

Fastest journey on Sep 20

2 h 49 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

3 h 11 m

Trains on Sep 20

3

Distance

147 km

Cheap tickets

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 €94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €94.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Great Western RailwayW35211 · C01232 · W34876+CrossCountryG00863
    9:21 AM3h18
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:39 PMBirmingham International (BHI)
    941One-way
    3 transfers
  • West Midlands TrainsC17024 · W11519+Transport for WalesG38940
    8:42 AM3h26
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:08 PMBirmingham International (BHI)
    941One-way
    2 transfers
  • Transport for WalesG39589+CrossCountryG01066 · G01011
    8:23 AM2h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:12 AMBirmingham International (BHI)
    941One-way
    2 transfers

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 an average ticket price of €18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 36m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, while a train costs an average of €46.

Distance: 91 miles (147 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€46

Average price

€18

Average price

Cheapest

€35

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 2m

Average total duration

3h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 11m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) is a bus with an average price of €18.

This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI):

A bus is €28 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) costing on average €46.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) is by train with an average journey time of 2h 6m.

Other travel options to Birmingham International (BHI) take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 32m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Birmingham International (BHI) including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 5m sooner (2h 6m by train vs 2h 11m by car). Tickets start at around €46 compared to roughly €35 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.

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.

Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI).

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)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €26 but you can travel from only €11 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:14, the last at 16:45. The fastest train covers the 91 miles (147 km) distance in 1h 53m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €11
Distance
91 miles (147 km)
Average train duration
2h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
€26
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
1h 53m
First train
4:14 AM
Last train
4:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €11

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €26, while the average price is around €46.
The train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) takes 1h 53m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) leaves at 4:14 AM.
The distance by train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) is 91 miles (147 km).
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) leaves at 4:45 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI).
There is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) is by bus, with a cost of around €11.
The train journey from Cardiff Central to Birmingham International passes through picturesque countryside, offering views of rolling hills and lush landscapes, making it a relatively scenic route.
A day trip from Cardiff Central to Birmingham International is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 53m. Trains run 7 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI).
Since neither Cardiff Central (CDF) nor Birmingham International (BHI) are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Birmingham International (BHI) include London, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Leamington Spa, Redditch.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

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. 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.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Birmingham
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · €2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

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.

More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI)

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

Most popular trains to and from Birmingham International (BHI) and Cardiff Central (CDF)

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomCardiff Central (CDF) to Birmingham International (BHI) train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone