Salford to Birmingham train with Cross Country

Thu, Jun 25
+ Add return
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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2,000+ travel companies
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Salford to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for Jun 25

Cheapest price

$53

Average price

$62

Fastest journey

2 h 3 m

Average duration

2 h 19 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

115 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Salford to Birmingham will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Salford for Birmingham on Thu, Jun 25, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Jun 25 the direct trains cover the 115 km distance in an average of 2 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 3 m .

On Thu, Jun 25 the slowest trains will take 2 h 34 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.

  • West Midlands Trains
    6:46 AM2h34
    Salford
    9:20 AMBirmingham
    $531One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    9:30 AM2h03
    Salford
    11:33 AMBirmingham
    $711One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Salford to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Salford to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $8, and a train costs an average of $30.

Distance: 71 miles (115 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$60

Average price

$13

Average price

Cheapest

$31

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 0m

Average total duration

2h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 49m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 47m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Salford to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $13 (€10).

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

A bus is $47 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salford to Birmingham costing on average $60 (€50).

The fastest way to travel from Salford to Birmingham is by bus with an average journey time of 2h 19m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 30m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Salford and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Salford to Birmingham among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $60 (€50) compared to roughly $31 (€25) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.19 (€-24.17). The journey takes 2h 30m versus 1h 47m 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.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Salford to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Salford to Birmingham trains for tomorrow, Thursday, June 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
West Midlands Trains6:46 AM Salford
2h34
9:20 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
CrossCountry9:30 AM Salford
2h03
11:33 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Salford 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.

Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Sun
Jun 28
Mon
Jun 29
Tue
Jun 30
Wed
Jul 01

Why should you book Salford to Birmingham trains with Omio?

Cross Country as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Salford to Birmingham.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Cross Country tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Cross Country?

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

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Salford to Birmingham?

The best time to book your train from Salford to Birmingham is 28 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Salford to Birmingham route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Salford to Birmingham per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Salford to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Salford to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Salford to Birmingham run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€25) but you can travel from only $8 (€7) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:22. The fastest train covers the 71 miles (115 km) distance in 2h 3m.

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 $8 (€7)
Distance
71 miles (115 km)
Average train duration
2h 30m
Cheapest ticket price
$30 (€25)
Trains per day
3
Fastest train
2h 3m
First train
5:30 AM
Last train
11:22 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
28 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 $8 (€7)

Train companies: Cross Country, Avanti West Coast from Salford to Birmingham trainsCross Country, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Salford and Birmingham from $8 (€7). 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
1h 34m
Cheapest Price
$121 (€100)
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 28m
Cheapest Price
$121 (€100)
Cross Country frequency
22 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 Salford to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salford 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 Salford to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $30 (€25), while the average price is around $60 (€50).
The train from Salford to Birmingham takes 2h 3m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from Salford to Birmingham leaves at 5:30 AM.
The distance by train from Salford to Birmingham is 71 miles (115 km).
The last train from Salford to Birmingham leaves at 11:22 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Salford to Birmingham.
Yes, there is a direct train from Salford to Birmingham. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Cross Country, Avanti West Coast.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Salford to Birmingham.
The train station in Salford that goes to Birmingham is Salford Central (SFD), which connects to Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The cheapest way to get from Salford to Birmingham is by bus, with a cost of around $8 (€7).
The train journey from Salford to Birmingham offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the English countryside, small towns, and industrial areas, providing a moderately scenic experience.
A day trip from Salford to Birmingham is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 3m. However, trains operate 2 times per day, and the distance is 71 miles (115 km).
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 Salford to Birmingham.
Since neither Salford 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Salford 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 Salford to Birmingham

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

Departure train stations in Salford
Arrival train stations in Birmingham

Which Salford station do trains to Birmingham leave from?

Trains from Salford to Birmingham leave from Salford Central. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Salford city centre at Salford Central station, New Bailey Street, Salford, Greater Manchester, M3 5ET.
Salford CentralSalford Central station, New Bailey Street, Salford, Greater Manchester, M3 5ETParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Salford Central from Salford city centre

Salford Central is 2 km from Salford city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus100, 67A, 67 · 9m · $2 · every ~28 min
50, 8, 36, 38, 37, 67, 100, 35, 67A · 13m · $2 · every ~118 min
38, 35, 37, 36 · 17m · $2 · every ~54 min

Salford Central train station facilities and services

Salford Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Salford Central.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Salford Central.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Salford Central: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Salford Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Salford Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - Ramped access to platforms and ticket office. We regret that wheelchair users cannot board or alight here, due to excessive wheelchair ramp gradients between the train and the very low-height platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Salford CrescentSalford Crescent station, University Road West, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4BRParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Salford Crescent from Salford city centre

Onward travel informationLocated on The Crescent for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Eccles and Bolton. Maximum distance 300 yards/274m. Busline 0871 200 2233
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up / Drop Off outside the station near to the roundabout.
MetroGMPTE 0161 228 7811

Salford Crescent train station facilities and services

Salford Crescent has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Salford Crescent.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Salford Crescent.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Salford Crescent: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Salford Crescent: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Salford Crescent: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, The station is accessed from the main road ( A6,THE CRESCENT) and the corner of University Road There is a lift available at the end of the overbridge (facing the steps of which there is 36 down onto the platform). The lift is available from first to last train, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Most popular train connections from Salford

More options for your journey from Salford to Birmingham

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