Stoke-On-Trent to Birmingham New Street Trains From €6.77*

While both operators run direct services from Stoke-on-Trent to Birmingham New Street, CrossCountry has the advantage in speed, price and frequency, while Avanti West Coast is the better choice for First Class comfort. Use our comparison below to find out more.

• CrossCountry: CrossCountry is the best choice for most travellers on this route, offering the fastest journey at around 52 minutes, the most frequent departures and the lowest advance fares from just £4.70. Voyager trains include free Wi-Fi and comfortable standard seating throughout.
• Avanti West Coast: For those who prefer a premium experience, Avanti West Coast runs intercity services in around one hour. On board, First Class passengers can benefit from more spacious seating, quieter carriages and complimentary refreshments, making it a worthwhile upgrade for business travellers or those looking for a more relaxed journey.

Heading south through the market towns and countryside of Staffordshire, the 45-mile journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Birmingham New Street arrives into the heart of the West Midlands in around 1 hour. And here are a few station tips and platform shortcuts to help your trip go smoothly at both ends.

Stoke-on-Trent: Getting to the Platform

A Victorian station with genuine character, Stoke-on-Trent retains its old-world charm, with a classic glazed roof built in 1893 that spans the platforms, a tiled subway and a passenger-operated lift that connects all three platforms. The booking hall has a staffed ticket office, ticket machines and a cashpoint. Local bus services stop at two points on Station Road, operated by First Potteries, D&G Bus, and Arriva. Routes connect to Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Keele University, and other destinations.

• The Platform Tip: Birmingham New Street services depart from Platform 1, the southbound platform, which can be accessed directly from the main booking hall at ground level. Check the departure boards before heading through, as platform allocations can occasionally vary.
• Pre-Departure: Platform 1 has a refreshment outlet for a coffee or a snack before boarding, as well as a waiting room, free Wi-Fi and secure bicycle storage. For eligible passengers, a First Class lounge is also available on the platform. 

Onboard trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Birmingham New Street

• The View Alert: Sit on the left-hand side heading south for the best views of the Staffordshire scenery. The historic industrial landscape around Stoke clears quickly, with market towns and open countryside coming into view as the train heads through Stafford and beyond.
• Key Landmarks: Cannock Chase, one of England's smallest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lies to the east of the route, its heathland and forest visible from the train as the line heads through mid-Staffordshire.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

• The Stephenson Street Exit: Use this exit for Grand Central, the city's main shopping and restaurant district. The West Midlands Metro stop is just outside, with trams running across Birmingham and west towards Wolverhampton.
• The Navigation Street Exit: Head this way for Birmingham's canal quarter and business district, with waterside bars, restaurants and modern office buildings lining the network of historic canals.
• Onward Travel: Birmingham's central attractions are compact and walkable from the station, with the Bullring and Victoria Square just a few minutes away on foot, and Birmingham Moor Street and Snow Hill stations within easy walking distance. Taxis and buses are both available outside both main exits.