Trains to Birmingham
A lively cosmopolitan city set in the heart of England
Packed full of culture, energy, and diversity, Britain’s second-largest city is simply buzzing. Hop on a train to Birmingham New Street and explore waterside attractions, world-class entertainment, inspiring museums and galleries that sit alongside an explosion of gourmet restaurants, trendy bars and craft breweries.
Birmingham is an amazing place to spend a day, a weekend, or even a week. Book a train to Birmingham and lose yourself in the many districts that make up this vibrant city.
Popular routes to Birmingham
There are countless things to do in Birmingham, making it a popular destination and many people choose to visit via train. CrossCountry runs direct trains to Birmingham from all over the UK - below we’ve highlighted some of our most popular routes.
Plymouth to Birmingham
Newcastle to Birmingham
Cardiff to Birmingham
FAQ
How many train stations are there in Birmingham?
There are three stations in Birmingham city centre that provide frequent services to and from stations all over the UK:
How far is the city centre?
All three stations are centrally located, providing a gateway to the city. Birmingham New Street Station and Moor Street are very close to each other and are located right in the heart of the city. Snow Hill is located slightly further north but still in close proximity to countless amenities. All three stations offer the perfect place to kick start your adventures in Birmingham.
How do I get to Birmingham International Airport?
There is a direct train service from New Street Station that takes you to Birmingham International in as little as 8-minutes. There are also bus options available, as well as taxis and airport transfers.
How can I get cheap tickets to Birmingham?
There are plenty of ways to get cheap tickets to Birmingham. We recommend booking in advance where possible, but there are other options that mean you can save money on your tickets. Getting cheap ticket alerts, investing in a railcard or looking at student options (if eligible) can help you purchase a ticket for a fraction of the price. Take a look at our cheap tickets page for more helpful tips.
More questions?
For further information about stations in Birmingham, check out our station guide.
Shopping in Birmingham
When you arrive in Birmingham you have a range of shopping options at your fingertips – Birmingham New Street station is even under the same roof as Grand Central and a convenient 3-minute walk from the Bullring. Known as one of the best shopping centres in Europe and one of Birmingham’s biggest attractions, the Bullring allows you to shop till you drop! Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is the UK’s centre for jewellery, so why not treat yourself? As well as sparkling diamonds, the Quarter reveals a sense of history, fine food and lively bars to keep you entertained. For local and independent options, explore the little shops tucked away down arcades – explore the beautiful architecture of the Great Western Arcade and Piccadilly Arcade’s hand painted ceilings.
Whatever your style, whatever your budget, Birmingham’s got your back.
Food & Drink in Birmingham
A truly multi-cultural city, Birmingham has a thriving food scene. Pick up a curry in Birmingham’s Balti Triangle, or check out the Chinese Quarter to find some of the best Dim Sum restaurants in the Midlands, as well as some of the best karaoke venues. You will also find plenty of American, Greek, Italian, Jamaican and Ethiopian restaurants to choose from. If Michelin-starred is more your thing, then Birmingham’s got a handful of those too! For something a little different (we’re talking top-secret passwords and intimate dining experiences), why not check out Birmingham’s secret bars!
Culture in Birmingham
Birmingham’s cultural scene is booming and offers loads of activities for its visitors, including a variety of museums, galleries and landmarks. The Theatreland area of the city is a great choice to experience Birmingham’s culture – you can find the UK’s busiest theatre, amazing comedy clubs, and the country’s oldest working cinema. For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to Cadbury World is a must; here you will learn how chocolate is made and get to do lots of tasting. A Brummie night out completes a grownup trip to Birmingham, so head to Broad Street or Southside to check out the bars, pubs and clubs and get in on the action.
Catching a train to Birmingham
We want to help you travel cheaply, so as long as you buy your ticket 15 minutes before departure via our website or app, you can still enjoy great savings! To get the very best out of your train travel, read our top tips to find the best train tickets and about our exclusive benefits offered to registered customers.
If you want to explore Birmingham and all it has to offer, you’ll want to stay longer than a day! So, make sure you book a great value hotel in Birmingham before you arrive.
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