- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
1 h 17 m
Average duration
1 h 23 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
111 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Runcorn to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Runcorn to Birmingham will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 2 trains that leave Runcorn for Birmingham on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 111 km distance in an average of 1 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 17 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 1 h 29 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 Runcorn to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $11.
Distance: 68 miles (111 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$27 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m 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 Runcorn to Birmingham:
A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Runcorn to Birmingham costing on average $27 (€22).
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 41m.
The journey is about 15m faster (1h 21m by train vs 1h 36m by car) and roughly $14 (€12) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($27 (€22) vs $41 (€34)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with West Midlands Trains, West Midlands Trains.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Runcorn to Birmingham trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:51 PM Runcorn | 1h29 | 11:20 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
![]() | 7:31 AM Runcorn | 1h17 | 8:48 AM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:51 AM Runcorn | 1h29 | 10:20 AM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Runcorn to Birmingham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:58, the last at 22:37. The fastest train covers the 68 miles (111 km) distance in 1h 16m.
Distance 68 miles (111 km) |
Average train duration 1h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 16m |
First train 1:58 AM |
Last train 10:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Family-friendly science museum with interactive galleries, a planetarium, and displays on industry and innovation.
Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions in a restored Victorian school building.
One of Birmingham's most photogenic canal hubs, popular for strolling, waterside views, and industrial heritage atmosphere.
Historic district known for independent workshops, heritage streetscapes, and a strong local creative identity.
Creative neighborhood famous for street art, warehouses, and a trendy atmosphere that is highly popular on social media.
Birmingham’s signature curry, cooked and served in a thin pressed-steel balti bowl. Developed by the city’s South Asian communities, it is one of the most iconic local dishes to try.
A traditional Black Country dish of seasoned meatballs, usually served with peas and gravy. It is a classic working-class meal closely associated with the Birmingham area.
Crunchy roasted pork rind snack long linked with pubs across the Black Country and Birmingham. Salty and rich, it is a very local bar snack.
Well-known casual spot celebrated for quality burgers, loaded fries, and craft beer in a lively, modern atmosphere.
Modern fine-dining restaurant known for creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation in a stylish city-centre setting.
Established upscale Indian restaurant serving refined North Indian dishes in elegant surroundings, popular for special occasions.
Moderate by UK standards. Chain cafes and pubs are affordable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Birmingham New Street, Birmingham -> Victoria Square, Birmingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Runcorn 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.

Most Runcorn to Birmingham trains use the Runcorn to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham International. Use this guide to compare Runcorn and Birmingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Runcorn has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Runcorn.
Ticket office support is available at Runcorn. 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 Runcorn: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Runcorn: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Runcorn: 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 may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
Runcorn East is 4 km from Runcorn city centre. Public transport options include:
Runcorn East has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Information Desk.
Ticket office support is available at Runcorn East. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Runcorn East: Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Runcorn East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Chester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Manchester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Access between both platforms is via a footbridge, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Located outside the ticket office on the wall, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
Birmingham Snow Hill has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Snow Hill.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Snow Hill. 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 Birmingham Snow Hill: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Snow Hill: 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: 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 on the station concourse, by the Ticket Office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need