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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Glasgow to Birmingham by train

It takes an average of 4h 50m to travel from Glasgow to Birmingham by train, over a distance of around 252 miles (406 km). There are normally 17 trains per day travelling from Glasgow to Birmingham and tickets for this journey start from £22 when you book in advance.

First train

04:06

Last train

18:40

Departure station

Glasgow

Arrival station

Birmingham

Journey time

From 4h 6m

Distance

252 miles (406 km)

Frequency

17 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £22

Train operators

CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast

Travel from Glasgow to Birmingham by train in 4 hours and 6 minutes

Want to know more about the journey from Glasgow to Birmingham by train? You’ve come to the right place!

The average journey time from Glasgow to Birmingham by train is 4 hours and 49 minutes, although it can take just 4 hours and 6 minutes on the fastest services. There are around 6 trains travelling 252 miles (406 km) between these two destinations every day. Most services are direct too, so you won’t need to make any changes along the way.

When taking the train to Birmingham from Glasgow, you’ll be travelling with either Avanti West Coast or CrossCountry as these are the main rail operators on this route. No matter who you decide to travel with, you’ll get to enjoy plenty of amenities on board, including free WiFi, comfortable seating and luggage storage on most services.

Once you get off at Birmingham New Street station, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the city centre. From here, you can easily reach Birmingham’s most famous landmarks, including Cadbury World, the ThinkTank and the Bullring Shopping Centre. If you need more inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Birmingham.

Want to book cheap train tickets? Make sure you travel at Off-Peak times, as tickets are normally cheaper during quieter travel times on weekdays and weekends compared to Peak times. Also, if you travel by train quite frequently, why not buy a Railcard? You’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Glasgow to Birmingham with us today. For more information, keep reading for more money-saving tips and FAQs or check the timetable above for live train times.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Glasgow to Birmingham? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Glasgow to Birmingham take?

The average journey time by train between Glasgow and Birmingham is 4 hours and 50 minutes, with around 17 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Glasgow and Birmingham by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Glasgow to Birmingham is 4 hours and 6 minutes.

How much does the train from Glasgow to Birmingham cost?

Train ticket prices from Glasgow to Birmingham can start from as little as £22 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Glasgow to Birmingham?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Glasgow to Birmingham without having to change trains. There are 17 direct trains from Glasgow to Birmingham each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Glasgow to Birmingham leave?

The first train from Glasgow to Birmingham leaves at 04:06. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Glasgow to Birmingham leave?

The last train from Glasgow to Birmingham leaves at 18:40. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Glasgow and Birmingham by train?

Trains travelling from Glasgow to Birmingham cover a distance of around 252 miles (406 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Birmingham to Glasgow.

Cheap train tickets from Glasgow to Birmingham

Train tickets from Glasgow to Birmingham start at £22 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Glasgow to Birmingham is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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