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Trip Summary
There are 20 daily trains from Cambridge to Birmingham. Traveling by train from Cambridge to Birmingham usually takes around 3 hours, but the fastest CrossCountry train can make the trip in 2 hours and 38 minutes.
| Distance | 87 mi (140 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 38m |
| Lowest price | £78.70 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Great Northern |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from Cambridge to Birmingham
See more detailsWhich train should you take from Cambridge to Birmingham?
There are 3 train lines with service from Cambridge to Birmingham. Great Northern is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 8 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 7 | 2h 52m | £75.89 |
| Great Northern | 8 | 3h 0m | £68.83 |
| Thameslink | 5 | 3h 14m | £98.42 |
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Cambridge to Birmingham usually takes about 2 hours and 52 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 7 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
Great Northern is a UK-based rail company that serves commuter towns north of London. The company is owned by Thameslink and offers a contemporary train fleet with complimentary WiFi. The company primarily serves towns such as Potters Bar, Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, and Hitchin While standard-class seats can be hard to secure due to high demand at peak hours, first-class compartments offer a quieter, more peaceful journey.
Thameslink services run 24 hours a day with trains usually every 20-30 minutes, and coverage between Kent, Surrey, Hertfordshire, and London. Thameslink has separate first-class cars, and standard-class seating may be standing room only during peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Cambridge to Birmingham on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Cambridge at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 20 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Birmingham. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Birmingham to Cambridge.
City Information
Birmingham
As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham effortlessly blends the city’s quaint vibe with modern-day high-rises. One of the top local attractions is St. Martin in the Bull Ring, the original parish church of Birmingham. Featuring remarkable Gothic Revival architecture standing in stark contrast with the futuristic-looking shopping centers, the church is a great spot for travelers looking for a bit of respite. As you stroll around the city, don’t forget to visit the famous Cadbury World, which details the long history of the brand, as well as all the products it produces. For culturally-inclined activities, head to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which offers over 40 exhibits.
If you wish to try out authentic Indian dishes with a local twist, head over to Pushkar. For those who wish to enjoy a more upscale dining experience, Bank offers a chic menu in an elegant setting.
The principal rail station is Birmingham New Street Station, which is the busiest train station in the UK. The Birmingham Coach Station offers coach services by National Express as far as London and Dublin. The city’s main airport is the Birmingham Airport, which is located 6 miles east of the city center.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cambridge?
Main departure station: Station Road
There is one train station in Cambridge.
All train stations in Cambridge:
Station Road
Where is the train station in Birmingham?
Main arrival station: Birmingham New St
Birmingham receives travelers from Cambridge at its two active train stations.
Train stations in Birmingham:
Birmingham New St
University (Birmingham)
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Need a return trip from Birmingham to Cambridge?
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