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London to Birmingham train ticket prices
€10.93
On Fri 15 May
London to Birmingham train timetable
Journey from London to Birmingham on the fastest train in 1h 16m, usually 1h 58m. Every day, 141 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:03 London Paddington | 2h 15m, 1 change | 17:18 Birmingham New Street | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:10 London Euston | 1h 17m, Direct | 16:27 Birmingham New Street | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
15:16 London Euston | 1h 32m, Direct | 16:48 Birmingham New Street | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
15:23 London Euston | 2h 22m, Direct | 17:45 Birmingham New Street | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
15:36 London Euston | 1h 20m, Direct | 16:56 Birmingham New Street | Avanti West Coast | 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 West Midlands Trains: Which should you choose?
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 |
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
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
Key landmarks
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.
- 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
- 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
How much does it cost for a train from London to Birmingham?
Ticket prices from London to Birmingham average around €10.93, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
What is the best way to travel from London to Birmingham by train?
What is the fastest train from London to Birmingham?
The fastest train journey time from London to Birmingham is 1h 16m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from London to Birmingham?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London to Birmingham. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most 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?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
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 disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find 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 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?
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 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
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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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 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.
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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
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
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
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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