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London to Birmingham train ticket prices
€11.14
On Thu 8
London to Birmingham train timetable
Travelling from London to Birmingham, the fastest train takes 1h 16m with an average travel time of 1h 58m. With 196 daily trains, the first departs at 00:05 and the last at 23:30. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
21:46 London Euston | 1h 58m, 1 change | 23:44 Birmingham New Street | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
21:50 London Euston | 2h 33m, Direct | 00:23 Birmingham New Street | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
22:00 London Marylebone | 2h 4m, Direct | 00:04 Birmingham Moor Street | Chiltern Railways | Find tickets |
22:03 London Euston | 2h 20m, 1 change | 00:23 Birmingham New Street | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
22:37 London Marylebone | 1h 59m, Direct | 00:36 Birmingham Moor Street | Chiltern Railways | 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?
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 €11.14 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., Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, LNR & WMR 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
Taking the train from London to Birmingham is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can arrive at Birmingham in just 1h 16m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Birmingham?
The average ticket fare from London to Birmingham is about €11.14, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel 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?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
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 route from London to Birmingham are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
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?
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 route from London to Birmingham is operated by Avanti West Coast. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
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
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee 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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Your train was disrupted?
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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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