Derby to Birmingham New Street Trains From £8.40*

Whether you’re travelling for work or play, rail services are on hand around the clock to whisk you from Derby to Birmingham. The smooth journey between these historic industrial powerhouses takes roughly 41 minutes. CrossCountry operates trains up to four times an hour from Derby to Birmingham New Street, offering glimpses of this deeply rooted heritage and rural countryside.

Centring its network around Birmingham New Street, CrossCountry serves stations across the South and North of England, Wales and Scotland. Passengers can head as far north as Aberdeen or venture to the Cornish coast on a train to Penzance.

Departing from Derby

Getting from Derby to Birmingham New Street couldn’t be easier. Derby railway station (also known as Derby Midland) is just a short 20-minute walk from the city centre near the River Derwent’s west bank. If you’re bringing luggage or are travelling from further afield, local buses and cabs can drop you right by the station.

Derby station is the busiest in the county, offering frequent services to cities like London, Nottingham and Sheffield. Trains are operated by CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway (EMR).

Main stops

Trains from Derby to Birmingham New Street may stop at Willington, Burton-on-Trent or Tamworth. Stations on the journey differ according to the operator, route and time.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

Not many rail journeys take you straight to a major shopping and dining spot. The Derby to Birmingham train stops at Birmingham New Street station, located in the Grand Central shopping centre. Elsewhere, Birmingham New Street has top-notch attractions right on its doorstep. Discover Digbeth’s street art by day and spend the evening in Theatreland for a musical or stand-up comedy.

Trains run throughout the day between Birmingham New Street and Coventry, Newport, Aberystwyth and other destinations. The station is also served by many bus routes and Birmingham Airport’s free Air-Rail Link shuttle. CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway are the main operators.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: All Standard Class carriages provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll also find dedicated racks for your luggage and a café to purchase hot and cold refreshments (open between 06:00 and 20:00). You can easily buy cheap train tickets when you book early.
• First Class: Derby to Birmingham First Class amenities are available on certain routes. These carriages include complimentary food and drink served at your seat, quieter carriages, spacious reclining seats and additional table space.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: Passengers are allowed one small bag, one medium bag and one large suitcase (90 x 70 x 30 centimetres max.).
• Bicycles: CrossCountry advises reserving a bike space. E-bikes cannot exceed 250 watts, and e-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Under-5s get free travel when with an adult. For 5–15-year-olds, most fares are half price. 16–17 Saver Railcard holders also receive 50% discounts. Savings for groups of adults and children are on offer with the Family and Friends Railcard.
• Pets: It’s free to take two pets on board. They must be kept on a lead or in a secure carrier and off the seats.
• Passenger Assist: Book assistance for your journey (e.g., moving around stations) by phone or using the text relay service or Transreport’s app or form.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.