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London to Birmingham train ticket prices

Travelling from London to Birmingham by train? Find fares from as low as £9.00. 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

£9.00󰄽

On Sun 12 Jul

£11.00󰄽
Tue07 Jul
£11.00󰄽
Wed08 Jul
£11.00󰄽
Thu09 Jul
£12.00󰄽
Fri10 Jul
£12.60󰄽
Sat11 Jul
Sun12 Jul
£9.00󰄽
Mon13 Jul

London to Birmingham train timetable

Journey from London to Birmingham on the fastest train in 1h 16m, usually 1h 58m. Every day, 142 trains leave from London, starting at 00:05 and ending at 23:30. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.

Departs		Arrives	Operator
05:31 London Euston	2h 13m, 1 change	07:44 Birmingham New Street	Avanti West Coast	Find tickets
05:35 London Euston	2h 39m, Direct	08:14 Birmingham New Street	LNR & WMR	Find tickets
06:04 London Marylebone	2h 1m, Direct	08:05 Birmingham Moor Street	Chiltern Railways	Find tickets
06:08 London Euston	1h 38m, 1 change	07:46 Birmingham New Street	Avanti West Coast	Find tickets
06:16 London Euston	1h 32m, Direct	07:48 Birmingham New Street	Avanti West Coast	Find tickets

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London to Birmingham train tickets and times

Plan your journey from London to Birmingham 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 £9.00

Departure station

London

Arrival station

Birmingham

Distance

101 miles (163km)

Journey time

1h 16m

First train

00:05

Last train

23:30

Frequency

142

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry

Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, or London Northwestern Railway: Which should you choose?

By Enrico Belcore | Updated June 26, 2026

There are three train services connecting London to Birmingham. Services depart from London Euston and Marylebone, offering different journey times and fares. The table below makes it easy to compare speed, value, and convenience at a glance.

Train operators	Avg. duration	Departure station	Best for	Feature services
Avanti West Coast	1h 30m	London Euston	Fast travelling	3-class options, free bike reservation
Chiltern Railways	2h	London Marylebone	Value for money	Specious seat, wi-fi sockets and USB ports at every seat
London Northwestern Railway	2h 20m	London Euston	Travel on a budget	Luggage and storage facilities included, free wi-fi.

Avanti West Coast is the best option for travelling in full comfort and fast travel (especially when upgrading to First Class with tailored meals delivered at your seat).
Chiltern Railways offers a similar level of comfort to Avanti, but at a lower price. If seat space and modern carriages are important to you, and you want to still save some money on the trip, Chiltern's trains may be the best fit.
London Northwestern Railway is normally popular for shorter regional trains. They make some additional stops along the way, taking longer to arrive in Birmingham New Street. On the other hand, they are a good option for budget travellers.

Train travel from London to Birmingham

Reach Birmingham in just about 2 hours from London, travelling through the west across the English Midlands and Oxfordshire.

Getting to the Platform London Euston & Marylebone

London Euston is located in the Borough of Camden, in the northern part of central London. It’s on Euston Road, one of the city's main arterial roads. As you get through the main entrance, you’ll find the ticket offices and self-service machines next to you, and all platforms located at the far end. Euston is directly connected with the rest of the city through its built-in underground stop via the Victoria and Northern lines, making it reachable from virtually anywhere in central London in under 15 minutes.

Getting to your platform it's quite straightforward — all platforms are at the far end of the main concourse. Check the departure boards and, if you have any luggage to drop off, you can store it near the entrance to Platform 16.

London Marylebone is a smaller, calmer alternative located between Paddington and Euston in central London, with quick and easy transport links to the rest of the city. The station is on the Bakerloo underground line. Baker Street is approximately a four-minute walk away, connected to the Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee and Metropolitan line services.

Coffee shops, kiosks, pub/bar and food outlets are available within the station, but if you have the time, you can head to the nearby Baker Street or Regent's Park to treat yourself in one of the many independent cafés in the area.

Onboard trains from London to Birmingham

All trains serving the London-Birmingham line are modern and well-equipped. Free Wi-Fi and outlets are available with all companies in all class options. On Avanti trains, the route runs through the English Midlands via Coventry and Milton Keynes — a fast and straightforward route, while the Chiltern Railways and London Northwestern Railway route passes through small towns and beautiful parts of Oxfordshire.

The scenic side

On Chiltern Railways trains, shortly after leaving Marylebone, the train passes through the Chiltern Hills: rolling hills, storybook villages and open countryside stretching out on both sides.

Key landmarks

Look out for Warwick and Leamington Spa as the train approaches Birmingham — two of England's most elegant historic towns, visible from the window as you pass through.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

Birmingham New Street is one of Britain's most modern stations, redeveloped in 2015 with a fantastic atrium. Outside, a mirrored roof and media screens signal the main bus and tram stops.

The three exits

Grand Central Exit (Main Exit): The primary way out leads directly into the Grand Central shopping centre, with shops, cafés and restaurants immediately accessible. This is also the quickest route to the city centre and Victoria Square.
Bullring Exit (Southside): Head this way for the Bullring shopping centre and Smallbrook Queensway. Also the nearest exit to Caffè Nero.
Hill Street Exit: The British Transport Police station is located at the entrance off Hill Street — a quieter exit useful if heading south of the station.

Onward Travel

West Midlands Metro (Tram): The Metro connects Birmingham city centre to Wolverhampton, with trams every 8–10 minutes. The nearest tram stop is just outside the station.
Buses: Bus stops are located directly outside the station, serving routes across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
By foot to Moor Street: Birmingham Moor Street station is just 600 metres away — useful if continuing your journey on Chiltern Railways.

Walkability

Grand Central shopping centre sits directly above the station, making it one of the most convenient city centre arrivals in the UK. The Bullring, Selfridges and Birmingham city centre are all within a 5-minute walk.

London to Birmingham train travel guide

Travelling by train from London to Birmingham is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London, you can reach Birmingham in just 1h 16m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking

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

The average fare from London to Birmingham is approximately £9.00, 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 London to Birmingham by train?

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from London to Birmingham.

What is the fastest train from London to Birmingham?

The fastest train journey time from London to Birmingham is 1h 16m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.

Are there direct trains from London to Birmingham?

No, there are no direct trains from London to Birmingham. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip

Is it worth taking a train from London to Birmingham?

Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.

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

Are London to Birmingham trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

London to Birmingham trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.

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

It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.

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

Yes, most trains on the London to Birmingham 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

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

Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.

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?

Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone

Which train companies operate the London to Birmingham route?

The train from London to Birmingham is operated by Avanti West Coast. 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
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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 London to Birmingham train tickets

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

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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?

For information on claiming Delay Repay compensation due to a delayed, cancelled, or strike-affected service, consult our delays and disruptions page or our UK rail strike page. These pages also provide live service updates.

More train routes

Trains from London	Trains from Birmingham
London to Gatwick Airport	Birmingham to Wolverhampton
London to Manchester Piccadilly	Birmingham to London Euston
London to Birmingham	Birmingham to Liverpool
London to Edinburgh (Waverley)	Birmingham to Manchester
London to Manchester	Birmingham to Birmingham International

* 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.

London to Birmingham Trains From £9.00*

Save more on your travel: Book Advance tickets and use a Railcard