Tamworth to Birmingham New Street Trains From £5.13*

CrossCountry operates a frequent direct service between Tamworth and Birmingham New Street, covering approximately 14 miles in as little as 16 minutes, with most journeys taking 16-24 minutes. Up to 75 trains run daily on this route, providing around two departures per hour throughout much of the day.

Is CrossCountry First Class worth it?

For passengers who value comfort and a quieter atmosphere, First Class can be a worthwhile upgrade. You will benefit from larger seats with extra legroom, power sockets at your seat, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a more relaxed environment compared with Standard Class.

What is the onboard food and drink experience?

CrossCountry trains operate a trolley service offering hot drinks, cold beverages, snacks, and light refreshments. First Class passengers may receive complimentary refreshments where available.

As the journey between Tamworth and Birmingham New Street is exceptionally short, the trolley may not reach every carriage before arrival. If you need a substantial meal, purchasing food before boarding is the most practical option.

How much luggage space is available on board?

CrossCountry trains provide dedicated luggage racks near carriage entrances for larger suitcases, overhead shelves for smaller bags, and under-seat space for personal belongings.

Although the route is relatively short, services can become busy during peak commuting periods due to strong demand between Staffordshire and Birmingham. Boarding early gives you the best chance of securing convenient luggage storage close to your seat.

Travelling between Tamworth and Birmingham New Street is straightforward thanks to frequent direct CrossCountry services and excellent transport links at both ends of the route.

Departure from Tamworth

Tamworth station serves both the CrossCountry network and the West Coast Main Line, making it an important interchange point within Staffordshire.

Specific transport links

• Arriva Midlands Route 110: Provides regular services between Tamworth town centre and the station.
• Diamond Bus services: Several regional routes stop near the station entrance.
• Local taxi services: A dedicated taxi pick-up point is located directly outside the station building.

Station layout

• High Level Platform 4: CrossCountry services to Birmingham New Street commonly depart from this platform.
• High Level Platform 3: Primarily used by services travelling in the opposite direction towards Derby and the North East.
• Low-Level Platforms 1 and 2: Serve West Coast Main Line operators and are located beneath the high-level section of the station.

Pre-departure essentials

The station includes a cafe kiosk where passengers can purchase coffee, tea, snacks, and light refreshments before boarding. For a larger breakfast or lunch option, The Kitchen Cafe on Marmion Street is only a short walk from the station entrance.

Onboard trains from Tamworth to Birmingham New Street

Covering approximately 14 miles in as little as 16 minutes, this journey passes through a changing landscape of Staffordshire countryside and Birmingham's industrial outskirts.

The scenic side

• Sit on the left-hand side for views across sections of the Tame Valley, with open green spaces and rural scenery visible shortly after departing Tamworth.
• Sit on the right-hand side for a closer look at railway infrastructure, freight lines, and the increasingly urban landscape as the train approaches Birmingham.

Key landmarks

• Tame Valley landscape: Offers pleasant views of green fields and waterways before the route enters more densely developed areas.
• Industrial Midlands corridor: A reminder of the region's manufacturing heritage, with warehouses, rail yards, and engineering sites visible from the train.
• Industrial Midlands corridor: Pass through the heart of the region's historic manufacturing hub, with expansive warehouses and rail yards visible as the train approaches Birmingham.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

The correct exit

• Stephenson Street exit: The best choice for Birmingham city centre, shopping districts, business areas, and pedestrian routes.
• Southside exit: Ideal for passengers heading towards Chinatown, the Hippodrome Theatre, or the station taxi rank.
• Grand Central access: Leads directly into the shopping centre without requiring passengers to leave the station building.
• Navigation signs: Clear wayfinding throughout the station helps direct passengers towards exits, taxis, buses, and connecting rail services.

Onward travel

• West Midlands Metro: Accessible near the Stephenson Street entrance, providing tram services across Birmingham and towards Wolverhampton.
• Birmingham Moor Street station: Around five minutes away on foot, offering connections with Chiltern Railways and regional services.
• Local bus network: Services operate from nearby stops on Smallbrook Queensway and surrounding city-centre streets.
• Taxi services: Available from the Southside exit, providing direct onward transport across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.

Walkability

Birmingham city centre is exceptionally easy to explore on foot from Birmingham New Street. Major attractions, including the Bullring, Victoria Square, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the commercial district, are within roughly 5 to 10 minutes' walk.