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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 08 May

  • £11.00󰄽
    Tue05 May
  • £11.00󰄽
    Wed06 May
  • £11.00󰄽
    Thu07 May
  • Fri08 May
  • £9.00󰄽
    Sat09 May
  • £13.00󰄽
    Sun10 May

London to Birmingham train timetable

Journey from London to Birmingham on the fastest train in 1h 37m, usually 2h 1m. Every day, 125 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

14:54

London Euston
2h 20m, Direct

17:14

Birmingham New Street
LNR & WMR
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14:58

London Euston
1h 49m, Direct

16:47

Birmingham New Street
Avanti West Coast
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15:02

London Marylebone
2h 3m, Direct

17:05

Birmingham Moor Street
Chiltern Railways
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15:03

London Paddington
2h 15m, 1 change

17:18

Birmingham New Street
Great Western Railway
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15:18

London Euston
2h 27m, Direct

17:45

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 37m
First train
00:05
Last train
23:30
Frequency
125

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

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

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 37m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

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

Ticket prices from London to Birmingham average around £9.00, 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.

How do I find the best train route from London to Birmingham?

Use TrainPal Train Journey Planner to enter your departure and destination points for routes, schedules, and prices. Compare London to Birmingham train prices for the best deals and book in advance for discounts. The TrainPal app offers real-time updates and ticket booking options. Explore the TrainPal app and start planning your journey!

What is the fastest train from London to Birmingham?

The fastest train journey time from London to Birmingham is 1h 37m. 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, 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?

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 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?

Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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, in the UK, students and seniors can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value for frequent travellers

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific 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 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

  • Luggage

    Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.

  • 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.

  • 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

    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.

  • 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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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?

For step-by-step guidance on amending your journey or applying for a refund, please access our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page.

Your train was disrupted?

If your journey was affected by a delay, cancellation, or strike, please visit our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page. There, you will find live service information and instructions on how to claim Delay Repay compensation.

* 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.