Folkestone to Birmingham train with Avanti West Coast

Sun, Jun 21
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
Southeastern
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
Southeastern
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Folkestone to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

Cheapest price

$0.00

Average price

$210

Fastest journey

2 h 29 m

Average duration

2 h 30 m

Trains per day

15

Distance

263 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Folkestone to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Folkestone to Birmingham without transferring at least once.

  • Southeastern
    7:58 PM3h42
    Folkestone
    11:40 PMBirmingham
    Find prices
    1 transfer
  • Southeastern
    7:58 PM3h17
    Folkestone
    11:15 PMBirmingham
    $1911One-way
    2 transfers
  • Southeastern
    8:56 AM3h52
    Folkestone
    12:48 PMBirmingham
    $2271One-way
    1 transfer
  • Southeastern
    9:56 AM3h30
    Folkestone
    1:26 PMBirmingham
    $2271One-way
    1 transfer
  • Southeastern
    10:56 AM3h00
    Folkestone
    1:56 PMBirmingham
    $2271One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Folkestone to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Folkestone to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $50.

Distance: 163 miles (263 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$84

Average price

$29

Average price

Cheapest

$71

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 18m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 41m

Average total duration

6h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 33m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Folkestone to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $29 (€24).

This is compared to other travel options from Folkestone to Birmingham:

A bus is $55 (€45) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Folkestone to Birmingham costing on average $84 (€69).

The fastest way to travel from Folkestone to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 48m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 11m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Folkestone and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Folkestone to Birmingham 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 45m sooner (2h 48m by train vs 3h 33m by car). Tickets start at around $84 (€69) compared to roughly $71 (€58) 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

Folkestone to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Folkestone to Birmingham trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Southeastern8:56 AM Folkestone
3h52
12:48 PM Birmingham1 transfer
Southeastern9:56 AM Folkestone
3h30
1:26 PM Birmingham1 transfer
Southeastern10:56 AM Folkestone
3h00
1:56 PM Birmingham1 transfer
Southeastern11:56 AM Folkestone
2h31
2:27 PM Birmingham1 transfer
Southeastern12:56 PM Folkestone
2h31
3:27 PM Birmingham1 transfer
Southeastern1:58 PM Folkestone
2h29
4:27 PM Birmingham1 transfer
Southeastern2:58 PM Folkestone
2h29
5:27 PM Birmingham1 transfer
Southeastern3:56 PM Folkestone
2h31
6:27 PM Birmingham1 transfer
Southeastern4:56 PM Folkestone
2h31
7:27 PM Birmingham1 transfer
Southeastern5:56 PM Folkestone
2h31
8:27 PM Birmingham1 transfer
Southeastern6:56 PM Folkestone
2h31
9:27 PM Birmingham1 transfer
Southeastern7:58 PM Folkestone
3h17
11:15 PM Birmingham2 transfers
Southeastern7:58 PM Folkestone
3h42
11:40 PM Birmingham1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Folkestone to Birmingham by train or bus

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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

Why should you book Folkestone to Birmingham trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Chiltern Railways or Southeastern offer trains services from Folkestone to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Folkestone to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Chiltern Railways or Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Folkestone to Birmingham.
  • 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Folkestone to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Chiltern Railways or Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Folkestone to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Folkestone to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Folkestone to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Folkestone to Birmingham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 (€41) but you can travel from only $20 (€17) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:38, the last at 21:15. The fastest train covers the 163 miles (263 km) distance in 2h 58m.

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 $20 (€17)
Distance
163 miles (263 km)
Average train duration
2h 48m
Cheapest ticket price
$50 (€41)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 58m
First train
4:38 AM
Last train
9:15 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
7 days
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 $20 (€17)

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Southeastern from Folkestone to Birmingham trainsAvanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Southeastern trains will get you between Folkestone and Birmingham from $20 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 58m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€41)
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Chiltern Railways

About
Chiltern Railways is a regional train company in the United Kingdom which is owned by Arriva Trains and has operated since 1996. Check the different ticket types for your next #[+travelMode] #[+journey]: Duo, Anytime, Season, Super Off Peak, Off Peak and Advance. syn p Chiltern Railways is a train company based in the United Kingdom with trains #[+journey]. It operates services from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, Banbury, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Stratford-upon-Avon. It also runs services from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon. Chiltern Railways offers a range of train types, including InterCity 125, Class 165 and Class 168 trains. These trains are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The company offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, a shop, and a quiet coach. The most popular routes for Chiltern Railways are London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, and High Wycombe.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 7m
Cheapest Price
$102 (€83)
Chiltern Railways frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for £3. Free for Advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs allowed with lead
Quiet zone

Southeastern

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 28m
Cheapest Price
$191 (€156)
Southeastern frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to Birmingham

Things to do in Birmingham

Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.

  • Must visit

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark civic building.

  • Recommended

Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

Family-friendly science museum with interactive galleries, a planetarium, and displays on industry and innovation.

  • Recommended

Ikon Gallery

Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions in a restored Victorian school building.

Pound sterling

Moderate by UK standards. Chain cafes and pubs are affordable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
GBP 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service charge may be added in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxis. Tipping in pubs and cafes is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Folkestone to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Folkestone to Birmingham 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Folkestone to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $50 (€41), while the average price is around $84 (€69).
The train from Folkestone to Birmingham takes 2h 58m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Folkestone to Birmingham leaves at 4:38 AM.
The distance by train from Folkestone to Birmingham is 163 miles (263 km).
The last train from Folkestone to Birmingham leaves at 9:15 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Folkestone to Birmingham.
There is no direct train service currently available from Folkestone to Birmingham.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Folkestone to Birmingham.
The train station in Folkestone that goes to Birmingham is Folkestone West (FKW), which connects to Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The cheapest way to get from Folkestone to Birmingham is by bus, with a cost of around $20 (€17).
The journey from Folkestone to Birmingham by train offers some scenic views, particularly as it travels through the picturesque Kent countryside and parts of the Chiltern Hills, providing a mix of rural landscapes and charming towns.
A day trip from Folkestone to Birmingham is not feasible, as the travel duration is 2h 58m and the distance is 163 miles (263 km). Trains operate 4 times per day.
In Birmingham, you can explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, take a canal boat tour, and visit the National SEA LIFE Centre. Enjoy performances at the Birmingham Hippodrome and discover history at the Birmingham Back to Backs. Must-see sights include the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Symphony Hall, and The Bullring shopping center.
Two to three days are generally sufficient to explore Birmingham's key attractions, including its museums, culinary scene, and shopping areas.
Yes, you can take the train from Folkestone to Birmingham.
Since neither Folkestone nor Birmingham 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 include Leicester, Leamington Spa, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Derby.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Folkestone to Birmingham 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.
In Birmingham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like shopping districts and public transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, keep valuables secure, and remain alert in crowded places to avoid these risks.
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 Folkestone to Birmingham

Most Folkestone to Birmingham trains use the Folkestone West to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham Moor Street. Use this guide to compare Folkestone and Birmingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Folkestone
Arrival train stations in Birmingham

Which Folkestone station do trains to Birmingham leave from?

Trains from Folkestone to Birmingham leave from Folkestone West. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Folkestone city centre at Folkestone West station, Station Approach, off Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3PA.
Folkestone WestFolkestone West station, Station Approach, off Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3PA+44 3303339232ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Folkestone West from Folkestone city centre

Folkestone West is 2 km from Folkestone city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRamsgate - St Pancras International, Faversham - St Pancras International, Margate - Ashford International, Ramsgate - London Charing Cross, Dover Priory - London Charing Cross, Ramsgate - Ashford International, Dover Priory - Ashford International, Folkestone Central - London Victoria, Dover Priory - London Cannon Street, Faversham - London Charing Cross, Dover Priory - St Pancras International, Sandwich - St Pancras International, Folkestone Central - St Pancras International, Folkestone Central - London Charing Cross, Folkestone Central - Ashford International, Dover Priory - London Bridge, Ramsgate - London Bridge, Faversham - London Bridge, Dover Priory - Tonbridge, Deal - St Pancras International, Deal - Ashford International · 2m · $1 · every ~5 min
Bus10, 17, 71, 71A · 4m · $4 · every ~21 min

Folkestone West train station facilities and services

Folkestone West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Folkestone West.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Folkestone West. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Folkestone West: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Folkestone West: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Folkestone West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B2. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step Free access to Platform 1 via main entrance off Shorncliffe Road. Step free access to platform 2 via side entrance off Station Road. Step access between platforms via station subway. Step free Interchange between platforms via steep roads is in excess of 500 metres, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: by entrance to platform 1, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Folkestone CentralFolkestone Central station, Station Approach, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5HB+44 3303339232ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Folkestone Central from Folkestone city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBus stop outside of the station (exit station, walk down the slope and turn right. Bus stop is just beyond the bridge)

Folkestone Central train station facilities and services

Folkestone Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Folkestone Central.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Folkestone Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Folkestone Central: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Folkestone Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Folkestone Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access via lift or steep ramps from main entrance, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: In the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Most popular train connections from Folkestone

More options for your journey from Folkestone to Birmingham

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