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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 Fri 05 Jun

  • £15.61󰄽
    Tue02 Jun
  • £43.60󰄽
    Wed03 Jun
  • £11.00󰄽
    Thu04 Jun
  • Fri05 Jun
  • £11.00󰄽
    Sat06 Jun
  • £11.00󰄽
    Sun07 Jun
  • £9.00󰄽
    Mon08 Jun

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.

DepartsArrivesOperator

20:16

London Euston
1h 32m, Direct

21:48

Birmingham New Street
Avanti West Coast
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20:19

London Euston
2h 25m, Direct

22:44

Birmingham New Street
LNR & WMR
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20:36

London Marylebone
1h 57m, Direct

22:33

Birmingham Moor Street
Chiltern Railways
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20:40

London Euston
1h 16m, Direct

21:56

Birmingham New Street
Avanti West Coast
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20:46

London Euston
1h 58m, 1 change

22:44

Birmingham New Street
LNR & WMR
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
Arrival station
Distance
101 miles (163km)
Journey time
1h 16m
First train
00:05
Last train
23:30
Frequency
142

Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, or West Midlands Trains: Which should you choose?

By Enrico Belcore | Updated March 25, 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

Value for money

Specious seat, wi-fi sockets and USB ports at every seat

West Midlands Trains

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. 
  • West Midlands Trains are 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 West Midlands 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

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

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 £9.00, 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.

What is the best way to travel from London to Birmingham by train?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. 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, 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

Check timetables and during the journey

How do I find London to Birmingham train timetables?

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?

Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.

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?

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

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?

Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.

Which train companies operate the London to Birmingham route?

The London to Birmingham route is operated by Avanti West Coast. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • 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.

  • 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

    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.

  • Pets

    You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.

  • 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

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

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
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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?

To claim compensation for a delay (Delay Repay): If your train was delayed, cancelled, or impacted by a strike, you can find live service updates and find out how to claim on our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page.

* 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.