No booking fees on the app

No booking fees on the app

Best Price Promise

Best Price Promise

Delay Repay

Delay Repay

24/7 customer support

24/7 customer support

  1. Home
  2. Train Journey
  3. Birmingham to Cardiff

Birmingham to Cardiff train ticket prices

Travelling from Birmingham to Cardiff by train? Find fares from as low as £16.90. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest

£16.90󰄽

On Thu 21 May

  • £30.90󰄽
    Sat16 May
  • £76.90󰄽
    Sun17 May
  • £23.10󰄽
    Mon18 May
  • £18.30󰄽
    Wed20 May
  • Thu21 May

Birmingham to Cardiff train timetable

Travelling from Birmingham to Cardiff, the fastest train takes 1h 50m with an average travel time of 1h 57m. 42 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:00 and the last at 22:12. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

DepartsArrivesOperator

11:12

Birmingham New Street
2h 4m, 1 change

13:16

Cardiff Central
CrossCountry
Find tickets

11:30

Birmingham New Street
1h 55m, Direct

13:25

Cardiff Central
CrossCountry
Find tickets

11:42

Birmingham New Street
2h 17m, 1 change

13:59

Cardiff Central
CrossCountry
Find tickets

12:12

Birmingham New Street
1h 56m, 1 change

14:08

Cardiff Central
CrossCountry
Find tickets

12:30

Birmingham New Street
1h 55m, Direct

14:25

Cardiff Central
CrossCountry
Find tickets
View More Trains

Birmingham to Cardiff train tickets and times

Plan your journey from Birmingham to Cardiff with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.

Price
From £16.90
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
88 miles (142km)
Journey time
1h 50m
First train
05:00
Last train
22:12
Frequency
42

Travelling with CrossCountry: Onboard experience

For a direct journey from Birmingham to Cardiff, you’ll travel with CrossCountry. Board at Birmingham New Street, and arrive in the Welsh capital in less than two hours.

How regular are trains from Birmingham to Cardiff?

CrossCountry has one of the UK’s most extensive networks. Generally seen as a reliable operator, CrossCountry runs routes between the UK’s major cities like Edinburgh, Cardiff, Leeds, and Newcastle. Expect two direct trains an hour from Birmingham to Cardiff.

Is CrossCountry First Class worth it?

The value of a First Class upgrade depends on your travel priorities and budget. In any case, the First Class experience with CrossCountry is popular: think larger seats, more table space, and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks served throughout your journey.

How much luggage can I bring on CrossCountry trains?

On CrossCountry trains, bring up to three pieces of luggage onboard, with the largest item no larger than 30 x 70 x 90 cm. Store large items safely at the ends of aisles.

Can I access free Wi-Fi on CrossCountry?

Yes! Connect to complimentary Wi-Fi through a simple sign-up form. On moving trains, connectivity may be stronger or weaker at various points during the journey, so be patient!

Train travel from Birmingham to Cardiff

Travelling from Birmingham to Cardiff by train? Our local station secrets can help you get the most out of every step of the trip.

Birmingham New Street: Getting to the Platform

Birmingham New Street lies below the Grand Central shopping centre, and next door to the Bullring, in the heart of the Midlands’ most dynamic city.
  • Metro speed: Get to New Street via tram or train for the quickest access from around Birmingham. Choose between local buses and the West Midlands Metro tram.
  • Cycle storage: Cyclists can park bikes safely in one of 120 racks at New Street Station, or take their bike with them on the CrossCountry train.
  • Books and coffee: Browse books in Foyles to find a great read for your train. If you need your coffee fix, head to Costa, Starbucks, Pret, Caffe Nero, or Upper Crus in the station.

Onboard trains from Birmingham to Cardiff

On the train from Birmingham to Cardiff, you’ll have a comfortable onboard experience – and some great views to stay entertained.

  • Key Landmarks: Pass through Cheltenham, a scenic town spa, and Gloucester, a charming cathedral city. Before you reach Cardiff, look out for Chepstow Castle.
  • The View Alert: Sit on the Left-Hand Side of the carriage (facing South) for the best views of the River Severn.

Arriving at Cardiff Central

Cardiff recently reopened after a £7.9m upgrade. The station is located close to Piccadilly Gardens in the southeast of the city.

  • Water refill: If you’re thirsty upon arrival in Cardiff, refill your bottle at free water fountains. Or buy a coffee or juice from big-name brands, Costa or Marks & Spencer.
  • North or south?: Cardiff Central has two main exits. Leave through the main north exit to get to Central Square and city-centre shopping. Or head to the southern exit at the rear of the station for faster access to Cardiff Bay.
  • Local transport: Cardiff Bus runs fast, convenient services from the train station to Cardiff city centre. Board numbers 21, 23, or 27 from the Cardiff Bus Interchange directly opposite the train station on Great Western Lane.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

Birmingham to Cardiff train travel guide

The train journey from Birmingham to Cardiff combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Birmingham, you can get to Cardiff in just 1h 50m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from Birmingham to Cardiff?

The average fare from Birmingham to Cardiff is approximately £16.90, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.

What is the best way to travel from Birmingham to Cardiff by train?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from Birmingham to Cardiff.

What is the fastest train from Birmingham to Cardiff?

The fastest train journey time from Birmingham to Cardiff is 1h 50m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.

Are there direct trains from Birmingham to Cardiff?

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Birmingham to Cardiff. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.

Is it worth taking a train from Birmingham to Cardiff?

Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.

How far in advance can I book my train ticket?

You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

How do I find Birmingham to Cardiff train timetables?

Birmingham to Cardiff trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.

How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?

Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.

Do Birmingham to Cardiff trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the Birmingham to Cardiff route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.

How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?

Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.

Other things you might be interested

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value for frequent travellers

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.

Which train companies operate the Birmingham to Cardiff route?

The train from Birmingham to Cardiff is operated by CrossCountry. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.

  • Bicycle

    You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.

  • Children

    Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.

  • Pets

    Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.

  • Passenger assistance

    Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.

How to buy cheap Birmingham to Cardiff train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.
󰄶

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
󰄽

Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

To change your journey or request a refund, please visit our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page for step-by-step instructions.

Your train was disrupted?

If your journey was affected by a delay, cancellation, or strike, please visit our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page. There, you will find live service information and instructions on how to claim Delay Repay compensation.

* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.