Edinburgh to Birmingham Trains From £27.50*

With CrossCountry, the journey from Edinburgh to Birmingham takes around five hours, making it one of the longer rail journeys in the UK.

On your trip, you’ll travel down the East Coast Mainline all the way to York. Passing through the Scottish Borders, Northumberland and Durham before arriving in North Yorkshire. From York, you’ll travel west and then slope down into South Yorkshire. Eventually, you’ll power on past the Peak District, heading straight for Birmingham.

CrossCountry provides a comprehensive railway network that connects various towns and cities throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. This facilitates quick and convenient travel to major British cities like Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham.

Departing from Edinburgh Waverley

Edinburgh Waverley station can be found right in the middle of the city, between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ towns. Its centrality makes it a great destination to depart from, as buses and Edinburgh’s tram network can drop you on Princes Street near the station. Taxis can also drop you off right at the station.

The station itself is an architectural jewel, dating back to 1847, although the current building was opened in 1896. It’s undoubtedly one of the UK’s more illustrious and scenic railway stations, snuggled in beside the Walter Scott Monument, the National Gallery of Scotland, and The Balmoral Hotel.

LNER, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail and Lumo all run from Edinburgh Waverley. Among them, LNER and Avanti West Coast can take you directly to Birmingham New Street.

Main stops

There are eleven stops from Edinburgh Waverley to Birmingham New Street via Cross Country.

• Berwick-upon-Tweed
• Morpeth
• Newcastle
• Durham
• Darlington
• York
• Leeds
• Wakefield Westgate
• Sheffield
• Derby
• Tamworth

Similarly, there are also eleven stops from Edinburgh Waverley to Birmingham New Street by Avanti West Coast:

• Haymarket
• Carlisle
• Penrith
• Lancaster
• Preston (Lancs)
• Wigan North Western
• Warrington Bank Quay
• Crewe
• Stafford
• Wolverhampton
• Sandwell & Dudley

However, it’s worth considering that these may change due to scheduling alterations, construction work, or poor weather. So, it’s best to check before you travel to avoid disappointment.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

Birmingham New Street is the largest and busiest railway station in the city. It’s also a central hub of the UK’s railway system, with services such as Avanti West Coast’s services to London Euston and CrossCountry services to Edinburgh Waverley. It’s also the thirteenth busiest station in the UK and the busiest outside of London.

The station’s main exits are on Stephenson Street, Smallbrook Queensway, Hill Street, and Navigation Street. You can also find public transport from these exits to get you around the city. Taxis are available at the Stephenson Street and Victoria Square exit, and there are bus stops along Smallbrook Queensway and Hill Street. There are also links to the Midland Metro tram network.

If you need to get to the airport, there’s a regular train service to Birmingham International Airport from Birmingham New Street, which takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes.

Once you’re in Birmingham, one of the UK’s biggest cities, there’s so much to do. If hitting the shops is more your thing, you’re in for a treat. Near the station, you’ll find the Bullring & Grand Central shopping mall, The Arcadian, and the Great Western Arcade. If you’re in the mood to savour up some culture after all that shopping, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is also close to the station.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
• First Class: A CrossCountry Edinburgh to Birmingham First Class ticket provides a more spacious and comfortable journey with larger seats and complimentary refreshments.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: A maximum of three items: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets are free of charge. They must be well-behaved and do not disturb other passengers. Two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bicycle reservations are required before travelling.
• Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.

Traveling with Avanti West Coast, the journey from Edinburgh to Birmingham typically takes around 4h 15m , offering a comfortable and efficient way to traverse the UK.

On your journey, you'll head south from Edinburgh, passing through scenic landscapes in Southern Scotland and Northern England. The route takes you through key stops such as Carlisle and Preston, before continuing through the heart of England towards Birmingham.

Avanti West Coast operates a high-speed rail service that connects major cities along the West Coast Mainline, including London, Glasgow, Manchester, and Birmingham. This service provides a reliable and swift connection between key urban centers, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Avanti West Coast train classes

• Standard Class: Avanti West Coast Standard Class offers walk-through carriages, air-conditioning, and charging plugs for your devices.
• First Class: An Edinburgh to Birmingham First Class ticket with Avanti West Coast gives you access to more legroom, reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, complimentary food and drink, and First Class lounge access.

Avanti West Coast train travel advice

• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. You must book a space for your bike before you travel.
• Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can benefit from discounted tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Assist with boarding and alighting trains, book wheelchair space and seating, offer comprehensive rail information, and help with animals or pets.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.