Watford Junction to Birmingham New Street Trains From £4.50*

If you’re heading from Watford Junction to Birmingham New Street, Avanti West Coast’s direct trains are the quickest way to go. The 85-mile journey takes just 1 hour and 17 minutes, so you can get from the edge of London to the centre of the Midlands in no time.

As the train leaves Watford, the scenery quickly shifts from suburban London to open stretches of countryside. You’ll pass through towns, rivers and rolling fields, with the occasional glimpse of historic buildings and more industrial backdrops, before pulling into the lively hub of Birmingham.

With frequent departures and only a handful of stops, Avanti West Coast makes the trip simple, reliable and stress-free. It’s a fast and comfortable option, whether you’re travelling for work, a weekend away, or just visiting friends and family.

Departing from Watford Junction

Located in Hertfordshire and slightly outside of London, Watford Junction is where your journey to Birmingham New Street will begin. The station is easily accessible by local buses, taxis and walking routes, and it also connects to the London Underground via Watford Underground station nearby.

Watford Junction serves as a key hub for trains heading to Birmingham, London Euston and Milton Keynes, with services operated by Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and London Northwestern Railway. The station itself offers a variety of facilities, including lifts, step-free access, accessible toilets, baby changing, seating and waiting areas, refreshments and shops.

Main stops

If you choose Avanti West Coast as your train operator for your Watford Junction to Birmingham New Street journey, you’ll stop at various places along the way. This includes Milton Keynes Central, Rugby, Coventry and Birmingham International.

West Midlands Trains run a longer route, stopping at more stations between Watford and Birmingham. This includes Leighton Buzzard, Bletchley, Milton Keynes Central, Wolverton, Northampton, Long Buckby, Rugby, Coventry, Canley, Tile Hill, Berkswell, Hampton-in-Arden and Birmingham International.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

Birmingham New Street is the city’s main railway station, located in the heart of Birmingham city centre. The station is a short walk from the shopping districts, restaurants and cultural attractions, and is well connected to local transport including buses, taxis and the West Midlands Metro.

Birmingham New Street is served by multiple operators, including Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry and London Northwestern Railway, providing direct connections to destinations such as London, Manchester, Liverpool and Coventry and further afield.

Avanti West Coast train classes

• Standard Class: Travelling from Watford Junction to Birmingham New Street in Standard Class with Avanti West Coast enables you to buy cheap train tickets. Most services offer onboard wifi, comfortable seating and space for luggage. If you have a railcard, you can reduce your fare by up to a third.
• Standard Premium: If you’d like a little bit more comfort, Avanti West Coast’s Standard Premium services provide wider seats, additional legroom and a guaranteed table. Window seats are equipped with plug sockets, so you can keep your devices charged while travelling.
• First Class: Watford Junction to Birmingham New Street First Class offers spacious reclining seats, extra legroom and quieter carriages. Selected services also provide complimentary snacks and drinks, while you’ll benefit from a more relaxed environment to work or unwind.

Avanti West Coast train travel advice

Get ready for your journey from Watford to Birmingham by checking out what Avanti West Coast has to offer:

• Luggage - You can bring up to three items of luggage with you free of charge, including suitcases, backpacks and laptops.
• Bicycles - Bikes are allowed on board Watford to Birmingham services at no extra cost, but advance booking is required due to limited spaces.
• Children - Children under 5 travel for free with a paying adult, and those aged 5 to 15 can take advantage of reduced fares. Using a 16-17 Railcard is also an option for young people, providing additional savings of up to a third.
• Pets - You can travel with up to two small pets, such as dogs or cats, for free when safely secured on a lead or in a carrier.
• Passenger Assist - Avanti West Coast offers an impressive range of support for passengers with accessibility needs. Pre-booking is recommended, though not mandatory.

West Midlands Trains offers a slightly longer route between Watford Junction and Birmingham New Street. Taking 2 hours and 6 minutes, the service is reliable and frequent, stopping at various towns between the two.

The views offer a mix of city backdrops and beautiful scenery, before arriving in the heart of Birmingham.

West Midlands Trains train classes

• Standard Class: Getting the train from Watford to Birmingham with West Midlands Trains is a straightforward and affordable journey, even in Standard Class. You can enjoy spacious, comfortable seating and free wifi on many services. Booking in advance and using a railcard helps to keep travel costs low.
• First Class: There are no Watford Junction to Birmingham New Street First Class services with West Midlands Trains. All passengers travel in Standard Class, which is designed to provide a comfortable and reliable service for everyone.

West Midlands Trains train travel advice

Here’s what you can expect when you choose West Midlands Trains to take you from Watford to Birmingham:

• Luggage - You can bring up to three items of luggage free of charge on West Midlands Trains services. Space is provided for larger suitcases and bags, but it’s recommended that you travel light.
• Bicycles - Bikes are welcome on board West Midlands Trains services without prior reservation, though space is limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.
• Children - Children under 5 travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Kids aged 5 to 15 are eligible for 50% off most fares, and 16 to 17 year olds can take advantage of the 16-17 Railcard to reduce ticket costs.
• Pets - Take two small pets on West Midlands Trains for free. Dogs should be kept on a lead, while smaller animals need to be kept in a carrier.
• Passenger Assist - West Midlands Trains offers pre-bookable support for passengers who need extra help, including assistance with boarding, luggage and changing trains.