Getting to the University of Birmingham by Train

Your guide to train travel to universities in the UK with routes, discounts and student train tickets for the University of Birmingham.

Mark Wilshin

Published: July 23, 2025

Updated: September 3, 2026

Getting to the University of Birmingham by train

Located in Edgbaston, a couple of miles outside of Birmingham city centre, the University of Birmingham is a public university with a strong record in Life Sciences, Medicine, Arts and Humanities.

With a quick and easy change at Birmingham New Street, train travel to the University of Birmingham is a cost‑effective, stress‑free, and eco‑friendly way to reach the university for both students and visitors from all over the country. From student discounts and travel tips to arriving in Birmingham New Street, this guide covers everything you need to know before you travel.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

Birmingham New Street is the city’s main rail gateway and the primary station for visitors travelling to the University of Birmingham. Centrally located in the heart of the city, Birmingham New Street offers frequent and direct rail services to the University station, and the journey takes just over 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi or bus in about 20 minutes, or you can cover the 3-mile distance to campus on foot in just under an hour.

Served by leading train operators including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, West Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway, and Transport for Wales, Birmingham New Street provides excellent nationwide connectivity, with regular services to London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and other major cities. It’s also easily accessible via local trains, West Midlands Metro trams, buses, and taxis. Travellers will find a full range of amenities at the station, including ticket offices, self-service machines, information desks, toilets, luggage storage, cafés, restaurants, and convenience shops.

Popular train routes to the University of Birmingham

London to the University of Birmingham trains

Frequent trains run between London Euston and Birmingham New Street from 5:30 in the morning to 11:30 at night. The 120-mile journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, and from Birmingham New Street, it’s a quick 15-minute ride or taxi to University station. Services are run by Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway. First Class is only available on Avanti trains and includes lounge access and bigger seats, as well as complementary drinks and snacks. Key stops include Milton Keynes, Coventry, and Birmingham International.

Manchester to the University of Birmingham trains

There are frequent train services between Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street starting at around 5:00 a.m. and finishing around 10:00 p.m. The 85-mile journey takes about 1 hour 25 minutes, with then a quick 15-minute train or taxi ride to University station. Services are provided by both CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast. First Class is available on both services, featuring larger seats, free W-Fi and complementary drinks and snacks on board. Notable stops include Crewe and Wolverhampton.

Edinburgh to the University of Birmingham trains

Direct trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Birmingham New Street operate throughout the day, starting around 6:00 AM and concluding just before 7:00 PM for same-day arrivals. The 290-mile journey typically takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. Upon arriving at Birmingham New Street, the University is conveniently accessible with a quick 15-minute ride or taxi. These direct services are provided by Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry, both offering First Class options. First Class passengers enjoy benefits such as lounge access, larger seats, and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Common stops on this route include Stafford, Warrington, and Preston.

Please note: Specific times and services are subject to change. Always check the latest information before travelling.

Discover the University of Birmingham: What to do?

Located in leafy Edgbaston, just southwest of Birmingham city centre, the University of Birmingham was founded in 1900 and has played a pioneering role in campus design with its iconic red-brick buildings, including the Aston Webb Building and landmark Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, one of the tallest free-standing clock towers in the world.

A leading member of the Russell Group, the University of Birmingham is internationally recognised for its excellence in sport and exercise sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and the arts. It’s also known for its important research, global partnerships, and strong commitment to sustainability.

Visitors can explore cultural highlights such as the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, with works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso, as well as the Lapworth Museum of Geology, and the beautiful Winterbourne House and Botanic Garden. The campus is also dotted with public sculptures, perfect for a self-guided walking tour.

The University of Birmingham also boasts a distinguished academic heritage, with Nobel Prize laureates Sir Norman Haworth and Sir Peter Medawar among its former faculty as well as alumni that include two British Prime Ministers (Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain), Nobel Prize-winning biologist Sir Paul Nurse, and astronaut Rodolfo Neri Vela.

Student life is vibrant, with over 200 societies supported by the Guild of Students, including the world-famous Bad Film Society. Visitors can join student-led campus tours every Tuesday and Thursday or explore the campus at their own pace. Open days are typically held in October and November and require registration in advance.

Student train discounts

There are plenty of ways to find cheap train tickets for students heading to the University of Birmingham, and we’re here to make sure you get the best deals. Here are some smart ways to save on your tickets:

16-25 & 26-30 railcards: If you’re aged 16-25, or a full-time student over 25, the 16-25 Railcard gives you up to 1/3 off most rail fares. Older students aged 26-30 can enjoy the same discount with a 26-30 Railcard.

Advance bookings: To unlock big savings, especially for longer journeys, reserve your train to the University of Birmingham in advance via the TrainPal app or website. Advance fares are limited and cheaper the earlier you buy, so it pays to plan ahead.

GroupSave discounts: Travelling with friends? Groups of 3 to 9 people can get a 1/3 off on Off-Peak tickets when travelling together, ideal for open days and weekend getaways.

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak tickets: These tickets let you travel during quieter times, typically mid-mornings, afternoons, and evenings, and are even cheaper with a railcard, making a flexible and cost-effective alternative for many students.

Split ticketing: TrainPal checks if splitting your journey into multiple tickets is cheaper, even if you stay on the same train throughout. It’s an easy, hassle-free way to save.

Use the TrainPal app or website to compare train schedules to the University of Birmingham, and save with advance bookings, Split Tickets, and railcards.

FAQ

What is the closest train station to the University of Birmingham?

The University of Birmingham train station address is on campus, and can easily be reached from Birmingham New Street with the Cross City rail service.

How far is the university from the train station?

The university is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the University train station. It’s also just a 20-minute ride away from Birmingham New Street by bus or taxi.

Is there a direct train from London to the University?

Avanti West Coast runs direct services from London Euston to Birmingham New Street, and from there, it’s just a short ride to University station.

Are there luggage storage facilities at Birmingham New Street?

Yes, there are secure luggage lockers and left-luggage services available at the station.

Can I get student discounts on train tickets?

Absolutely. The 16-25 Railcard offers a 1/3 discount on standard rail fares and is available to anyone aged 16-25, as well as full-time students over the age of 25.