Plymouth to Birmingham New Street Trains From £12.55*

Heading from Plymouth on the Devon coast to the heart of the Midlands in Birmingham is simple with CrossCountry. Trains from Plymouth to Birmingham New Street take just 3 hours and 28 minutes, with hourly departures from early morning until late at night. Covering 174 miles, the route blends convenience with scenic variety, perfect whether you’re travelling for business, visiting friends or exploring a new city.

CrossCountry is the premier train company running services between Plymouth and Birmingham New Street, making the 174 mile stretch a breeze.

Catching the train from Plymouth to Birmingham New Street takes you on a scenic journey across England. The train goes through hills and countryside, passing towns and villages along the way, even giving you glimpses of historic cities such as Exeter. As the train gets closer to Birmingham, the view changes to reflect the busy urban areas of the Midlands.

As one of the largest train operators out there, there's no denying the popularity of CrossCountry, a company that's backed by an impressive rail network. It's a train provider known for connecting regions across the country with services linking the South West, the Midlands, the North and Scotland.

Departing from Plymouth

Leaving from Plymouth Railway Station puts you right at the heart of the city, with modern facilities designed to make your journey as comfortable as possible. There's no shortage of things to keep you busy before your train.

Plymouth is a key hub in the South West, served by multiple train operators, so there’s no shortage of transport options. CrossCountry runs direct services to Birmingham New Street, Manchester and other destinations, while Great Western Railway provides high speed connections to London Paddington and Exeter.

If you have time to explore the local area before you head from Plymouth to Birmingham, you're within easy reach of nearby attractions such as Plymouth Hoe, the scenic waterfront, and the local shops and restaurants.

Main stops

Between Plymouth and Birmingham New Street, CrossCountry trains stop at a number of other stations. You can expect to stop at Totnes, Newton Abbot, Exeter St Davids, Tiverton Parkway, Taunton, Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway, Cheltenham Spa and Worcestershire Parkway, before arriving at Birmingham New Street.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

When you arrive at Birmingham New Street Station, you’ll find yourself in the heart of one of the busiest, liveliest and most exciting cities in the UK. The station is modern, offering a wide range of facilities, all of which are designed to create the perfect end to your journey. The Grand Central concourse adds a bright, spacious feel and easy access to a variety of restaurants, bars and high street shops. Whether Birmingham is your end destination or you’re heading elsewhere, arriving at Birmingham New Street is something to look forward to.

As the main station for the city, Birmingham New Street is served by multiple operators, including CrossCountry and West Midlands Trains. With various train companies using the station, there are frequent connections to destinations across the UK. From the station, onward travel is simple, with buses, trams and taxis all right outside.

Highlights nearby include the Bullring Shopping Centre, the historic Jewellery Quarter, and the vibrant canals of Brindleyplace. You’ll be able to step straight into the most exciting aspects of Birmingham as soon as you arrive.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: If you’re travelling from Plymouth to Birmingham New Street and you want to buy cheap train tickets, consider CrossCountry’s Standard Class services. With everything you need for a smooth journey, you can sit back and settle into comfortable seating with generous luggage space. You’ll even find plug sockets and wifi on most trains, so you can stay connected along the way. For the best value, book your tickets early or use a railcard, which can reduce the cost of your ticket by up to a third.
• First Class: If you’re interested in making your journey from Plymouth to Birmingham New Street extra special, CrossCountry’s First Class seats could be exactly what you’re looking for. When you choose a Plymouth to Birmingham New Street First Class service, you’ll enjoy wider seats, extra legroom and a quieter environment. Some First Class services also include complimentary snacks and drinks to make your trip that little bit more enjoyable.

CrossCountry train travel advice

We’ve pulled together everything you need to know about CrossCountry services from Plymouth to Birmingham New Street, setting you up for journey success.

• Luggage - With limited storage on board, CrossCountry recommends bringing one medium case, rather than large, bulky suitcases. Small bags that can be tucked under your seat or stored overhead are best.
• Bicycles - If you’re planning to explore Birmingham by bike, you’ll be pleased to know that you can bring yours along, but spaces are limited. Each train only has a handful of bookable bike slots, so be sure to book ahead.
• Children - Kids under 5 travel free on CrossCountry services, though seats aren’t guaranteed. Families with children aged 5 to 15 can buy cheap train tickets with a Family & Friends Railcard, which gives you 33% off adult fares and 60% off children’s fares.
• Pets - If you’re heading to Birmingham with your four-legged friend, you can bring them on a CrossCountry service to get there. You can travel with two small pets at no extra cost.
• Passenger Assist - If you need extra help at the station or during your journey from Plymouth to Birmingham, CrossCountry is on hand to help. This includes mobility support, help with luggage or guidance for hidden disabilities.