Edinburgh (Waverley) to Birmingham New Street Trains From £16.25*

Get to the Midlands in just around 4 hours and 15 minutes on an Avanti West Coast train. Services run from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Birmingham New Street every two hours, passing the magnificent Scottish Uplands and Lowgill Viaduct on the left side of the train.

Avanti West Coast offers long-distance trains across Scotland, North West England, the West Midlands, North Wales and London. Destinations include Manchester, Coventry and Liverpool.

Departing from Edinburgh (Waverley)

Kick off your journey to Birmingham New Street from Edinburgh (Waverley). The station is on Princes Street, minutes from the city centre. Exit 1 is close to several Lothian bus routes. The nearest taxi ranks are on Waverley Bridge and Market Street.

In addition to Avanti West Coast services, trains are run by ScotRail, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), CrossCountry and Caledonian Sleeper. Direct trains call at cities and towns such as London, Plymouth and Aviemore.

Main stops

The Edinburgh to Birmingham train by Avanti West Coast could also stop at Lancaster, Wigan North Western and Wolverhampton. Stations served depend on the time, operating company and route. CrossCountry services may call at Newcastle, Leeds or Sheffield.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

Taking the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Birmingham New Street brings you within easy reach of the city centre and directly to shops and food outlets in the Grand Central shopping centre. A short walk leads to plenty of fun things to do. Kids will love the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s Mini Museum. For some fascinating local history, brave Waterstone Lane’s catacombs and secret vaults.

Several local buses stop by Birmingham New Street station, and taxis pick up passengers from Smallbrook Queensway. There is also a free Air-Rail Link service to Birmingham Airport.

All trains from Birmingham New Street are operated by either Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, London Northwestern Railway, West Midlands Railway and Transport for Wales (TfW). Routes serve stations including Gloucester, Shrewsbury and Nottingham.

Avanti West Coast train classes

• Standard Class: Travel in Standard Class includes free Wi-Fi in the comfort of your seat. Some window and table seats also have power sockets.
• Standard Premium Class: Some Avanti West Coast also offer Standard Premium Class with wider seats, more legroom and plugs at every window seat.
• First Class: Opt for Edinburgh to Birmingham First Class tickets and enjoy complimentary refreshments, a table at your seat, and access to Avanti West Coast First Class lounges. Birmingham New Street’s lounge is located in the blue zone. Lounges offer free Wi-Fi, charging points and light refreshments.

Avanti West Coast train travel advice

• Luggage: Store luggage above your seat or in the dedicated racks. Items should be no more than 30 x 70 x 90 centimetres.
• Bicycles: You must pre-book a bike space, and it’s free to do so. Bring a copy of your reservation on board.
• Children: Travel is free for under-5s and fares are 50% off for 5–15-year-olds. Most tickets are also half price for teens with a 16–17 Saver Railcard. The Family & Friends Railcard offers a 60% discount on child fares and 1/3 off adult tickets.
• Pets: Domestic animals are allowed so long as they’re in a carrier or on a lead. They should also stay off the seats.
• Passenger Assist: Request any help for your journey (e.g., getting from the platform to the train) up to two hours before you travel. Station staff can also assist you when you show up.

Frequent CrossCountry trains run from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Birmingham New Street, providing a convenient way to travel. Trains depart once an hour, taking around 5 hours and 9 minutes. The route is full of highlights, from views of Bass Rock on the left side of the trains to Durham’s magical city landscape.

CrossCountry’s network is centred around Birmingham New Street and spans the South of England (excluding London), North of England, Wales and Scotland. Stops include Stoke-on-Trent, Cardiff Central and Oxford.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: In Standard Class carriages, you’ll find comfortable seats and luggage storage areas. Passengers also get free Wi-Fi, and refreshments can be purchased on most trains between 06:00 and 20:00. Book up to 12 weeks in advance to buy cheap train tickets.
• First Class: Edinburgh to Birmingham First Class amenities include wider reclining seats, additional table space and complimentary food and drinks.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: Each passenger can bring a small piece of luggage, one medium-sized bag and a larger suitcase measuring less than 90 x 70 x 30 centimetres.
• Bicycles: CrossCountry recommends booking a bike space. E-scooters aren’t permitted, and any e-bikes should not exceed 250 watts.
• Children: Travel is free for kids under 5 who are with a fare-paying adult. 5–15-year-olds get most tickets half price. The 16–17 Saver Railcard and Family and Friends Railcard offer discounts for older teens and groups of up to four children and four adults.
• Pets: Two pets are allowed when on a lead or in a secure carrier. They shouldn’t occupy seats at any part of the journey.
• Passenger Assist: To get assistance for your trip, like using ramps, make a request online, by phone or using Transreport’s app or webform.

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