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Trip Summary
You can pick from 5 daily train trips between Canterbury and Birmingham. The average train journey from Canterbury to Birmingham takes 3 hours and 29 minutes, but some Southeastern train trips are as short as 3 hours and 19 minutes.
| Distance | 152 mi (244 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 19m |
| Lowest price | $45.62 |
| Most frequent service | Southeastern |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Canterbury to Birmingham?
Southeastern is the one and only train line which connects Canterbury to Birmingham. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern | 5 | 3h 30m | $58.79 |
Southeastern is a rail franchise that operates passenger train services between central London and southeast England. The company's fleet of over 300 trains stops at 180 stations across London, Kent, and East Sussex, and standard and first-class fares are available. First-class passengers enjoy dedicated areas, larger seats, more legroom, and a quieter travel experience. Onboard restrooms are available for all passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Canterbury and Birmingham is approximately 152 miles, or 244 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 19 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Canterbury to Birmingham are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Canterbury at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. 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 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Birmingham to Canterbury.
City Information
Canterbury
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Roman-era walls surround Canterbury's medieval city center, so you know visiting will be like a blast from the past. Start by exploring the cathedrals and castles that represent the city's history, like the Canterbury Cathedral. Also, don't miss the medieval Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint, which combines education and big adventures in its historically-themed escape rooms.
If you're ready to enjoy the city's great outdoors, then head to the Barham and Adisham Walk, Beacon Hill Herne Bay, Belmont House and Gardens, or the Bigbury Camp. Wine connoisseurs will love swishing their wine glasses at several vineyards, breweries, and distilleries. You can drive to the scenic Chartham Vineyard or simply join a group brewery and distillery tour.
Canterbury is a very compact city, and most destinations within the city walls can be easily reached via a short walk. To travel to Canterbury, you can take a Southeastern train or a National Express bus.
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 Canterbury?
Image credit: Joshua Brown
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Canterbury West
Canterbury West Railway Station is a small train station northwest of Canterbury Cathedral and most of the town's attractions and services. However, there are several restaurants, a supermarket, and plentiful parking right next to the station. You will find the main station buildings on the side of Platform 1, housing a café and public toilets. Platforms 1 and 2 both have waiting rooms. Southeastern trains on the Ashford to Ramsgate and the London to Ashford lines stop in Canterbury and connect to a robust rail network throughout the United Kingdom.
All train stations in Canterbury:
Canterbury West
Where is the train station in Birmingham?
Main arrival station: Birmingham New St
Birmingham has one train station.
All train stations in Birmingham:
Birmingham New St
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Need a return trip from Birmingham to Canterbury?
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