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London to Birmingham train ticket prices
€9.14
On Tue 01 Sep
London to Birmingham train timetable
From London to Birmingham, take the fastest train in 1h 16m, typically 1h 58m. Daily, 209 trains depart from London, with the first at 00:08 and the last at 23:30. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
12:23 London Euston | 2h 21m, Direct | 14:44 Birmingham New Street | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
12:36 London Marylebone | 2h 15m, 1 change | 14:51 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
12:40 London Euston | 1h 16m, Direct | 13:56 Birmingham New Street | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
12:46 London Euston | 1h 52m, 1 change | 14:38 Birmingham New Street | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
12:46 London Euston | 1h 58m, 1 change | 14:44 Birmingham New Street | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
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.
Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, or London Northwestern Railway: Which should you choose?
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 | 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
Getting to the Platform London Euston & Marylebone
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
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.
Related travel guides
Why book London to Birmingham trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from London to Birmingham start from just €9.14 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., Chiltern Railways, LNR & WMR, Avanti West Coast on the London to Birmingham route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
London to Birmingham train travel guide
The train journey from London to Birmingham combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Birmingham in just 1h 16m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Birmingham?
The average fare from London to Birmingham is approximately €9.14, 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.
How do I find 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, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London to Birmingham. 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 London to Birmingham?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
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?
While London to Birmingham trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from London to Birmingham is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover 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 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?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
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 Chiltern Railways. 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
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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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.
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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.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap London to Birmingham train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* 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.
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