Birmingham New Street to Cardiff Central Trains From €7.76*

Travelling from Birmingham to Cardiff by train is quick, easy and scenic, perfect for any journey. Direct CrossCountry services make the 88-mile journey in just 1 hour and 49 minutes, offering one of the simplest ways to get from the Midlands to the Welsh capital and on your way to enjoying your day.

Not long after leaving Birmingham, the views open up to rolling hills, rivers and historic towns, giving you a glimpse of the landscapes that define the Midlands and South Wales. As the train pulls into Cardiff, the atmosphere shifts, and you’ll step straight into the heart of the city, with landmarks like the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay just a short walk away.

CrossCountry is known for connecting Birmingham with cities such as Cardiff, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh. Their direct service makes the Birmingham to Cardiff journey smooth, reliable and comfortable.

Departing from Birmingham New Street

Birmingham New Street is the city’s main railway station, located in the heart of Birmingham city centre. It’s easily accessible by car, bus or tram, and the station sits above the city’s main shopping district, with direct connections to Birmingham Moor Street and Snow Hill stations via local transport.

As you might expect from a busy station, Birmingham New Street offers frequent services to destinations across the country. You can travel to Cardiff, London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Bristol on one of the many trains departing throughout the day. The station also offers regional connections including services to Coventry, Wolverhampton and other towns in the West Midlands.

The main train operators serving Birmingham New Street include CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Railway and Transport for Wales. This gives you a wide choice of routes, services and ticket options.

Main stops

Travelling from Birmingham New Street to Cardiff Central on a direct CrossCountry service includes key stops along the way. The train calls at Cheltenham Spa and Bristol Parkway before continuing to Newport and finally arriving at Cardiff Central.

Arriving at Cardiff Central

When your train pulls into Cardiff Central, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Wales’ capital. Located on Central Square, and just a short walk from the River Taff and the Principality Stadium, the station is perfectly placed for both commuters and visitors.

Cardiff Central is the largest and busiest railway station in Wales, offering extensive rail connections. From here, you can continue your journey with services to destinations including London Paddington, Bristol, Swansea, Manchester and Birmingham. It’s also where you can catch the Valleys lines serving South Wales towns. The station is also well linked to Cardiff Queen Street.

You’ll find some of Cardiff’s most recognisable landmarks just outside the station. The Principality Stadium, home to Welsh rugby and major concerts, is only minutes away on foot. The city centre is also easy to get to. For a touch of history, Cardiff Castle and Bute Park are less than a 15 minute walk, while the Millennium Centre and Cardiff Bay are easily reached by train or bus.

CrossCountry train classes

Standard Class

You can travel in Standard Class throughout the journey, and there are often options to buy cheap train tickets if you book in advance and use a railcard. CrossCountry offers comfortable seating, free wifi, power sockets, and dedicated luggage racks for suitcases, making it easy to relax, work, or stay connected as you travel from A to B. With a valid railcard, you can reduce the price of your journey by up to a third.

First Class

If you prefer a little extra comfort when you travel, consider travelling from Birmingham New Street to Cardiff Central in First Class. CrossCountry provides wider seats, extra legroom, a quieter carriage, and complimentary light refreshments on selected routes.

CrossCountry train travel advice

We’ve taken a look at everything CrossCountry has to offer, to ensure you’re fully prepared for your trip.

• Luggage - CrossCountry recommends one medium suitcase and a smaller bag
• Bicycles - Bikes are allowed on CrossCountry trains, but spaces are limited and not guaranteed. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during busy periods.
• Children - Children under 5 travel for free on CrossCountry services, though they aren’t guaranteed a seat. Kids aged between 5 and 15 can travel for half the adult fare with GWR, or you can save with a Family & Friends Railcard on either operator. 
• Pets - CrossCountry allows up to two small pets per passenger free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a carrier. 
• Passenger Assist - CrossCountry is part of the national Passenger Assist scheme. Whether you need support boarding, help with luggage or extra assistance due to a disability,  CrossCountry lets you pre-book help to make your journey easier.