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Luton to Birmingham train times and prices
Plan your journey from Luton 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 €23.42
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
2h 12m
Distance
75 miles (121km)
First/last train
00:06 / 23:36
Frequency
30
Train operators
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
Travelling from Luton to Birmingham by train? Find fares from as low as €23.42. 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
€23.42
On Sun 15
Live timetable and departures
Travelling from Luton to Birmingham, the fastest train takes 2h 12m with an average travel time of 3h 34m. 30 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 00:06 and the last at 23:36. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
21:02 Luton Airport Parkway | 3h 21m, 2 change | 00:23 Birmingham New Street | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
22:02 Luton Airport Parkway | 3h 43m, 3 change | 01:45 Birmingham New Street | Thameslink | Find tickets |
22:06 Luton Airport Parkway | 8h 9m, 3 change | 06:15 Birmingham New Street | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
22:46 Luton Airport Parkway | 8h 17m, 3 change | 07:03 Birmingham Moor Street | Chiltern Railways | Find tickets |
23:30 Luton Airport Parkway | 7h 45m, 1 change | 07:15 Birmingham New Street | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Compare train operators from Luton to Birmingham
- Thameslink
- Avanti West Coast
Thameslink is the go-to national rail company for travel across the Capital, connecting counties like Cambridge with southern destinations like Brighton via central London. Whatever time of the day you’re travelling, its 24-hour service can take you to airports like Gatwick and Luton or on short hops across central London.
Standard
‘Ironing board’ seats with limited seat-back tables
Tight legroom, especially at window seats
No seat reservations
Equipped with air conditioning
Luggage
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Accessibility
First Class
Ideal for business travellers, remote workers, comfort seekers
Larger seats with tables
More space, quieter carriage and a guaranteed table
No seat reservations
Sockets in most carriages
Equipped with air conditioning
Luggage
Seat Types
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"The rear carriage on Thameslink trains are declassified First Class carriages, so anyone can sit in the larger, more spacious seats there. On some local routes you might also find that both First Class carriages are declassified. You can check on the screen in the carriage itself as it will usually indicate whether Standard Class ticket holders may sit there."
"Thameslink trains can suffer from delays that can easily compound due to the complex network and high-density of its departures. Check the status of your service on a live tracker before setting out."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- 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 when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- 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 provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Arriving in Birmingham
Top Things to Do:
Explore Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery for major collections covering art, local history and the city’s iconic industrial past.
Wander through Digbeth for colourful street art, independent shops and some of Birmingham’s best creative spaces and modern flair.
Visit the Bullring and Grand Central for seriously major high-street brands, fantastic restaurants and some of the city’s best shopping.
Discover the Jewellery Quarter for historic & independent jewellers and more than 200 years of craftsmanship.
Head to the Balti Triangle to try the style of curry Birmingham helped make famous.
Popular Areas in Birmingham:
Broad Street, Brindleyplace, Bournville, Chinatown, Southside, Colmore Row, Edgbaston, Eastside
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Birmingham: Head to the Library of Birmingham and take the lift up to the upper floors. You’ll find outdoor terraces and some of the best views across the whole city centre. Birmingham is also surprisingly easy to explore on foot for how huge it is. The Bullring, Digbeth, Broad Street and the canals are all actually pretty close together. The tram is perfect for reaching the Jewellery Quarter without adding too much walking."
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Luton to Birmingham
Apply for Thameslink Delay Repay
If your Thameslink train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 25% of the affected portion of a return ticket or 25% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 50% of the affected portion of a return ticket or 50% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
120+ minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 100% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket return journey (a full day’s travel). (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for Avanti West Coast Delay Repay
If your Avanti West Coast train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket and 25% of a Season ticket.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of a season ticket.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of a season ticket.
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single, return or Season ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from Luton to Birmingham?
Tickets from Luton to Birmingham typically cost €88.09, but can be as cheap as €23.42 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Luton to Birmingham?
The journey should take, on average, 3h 34m, though it can be as quick as 2h 12m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Luton to Birmingham?
There is no direct service between Luton and Birmingham. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Luton to Birmingham?
You can typically book tickets from Luton to Birmingham up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Luton to Birmingham trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Luton to Birmingham are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Luton from Birmingham?
The distance between Luton and Birmingham is approximately 75 miles (121km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Luton to Birmingham?
There is 30 train running from Luton to Birmingham per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Luton to Birmingham?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my 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 and Off-Peak 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.
More train routes
* 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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