Getting from Edinburgh to Birmingham International by train

This route links central Edinburgh with one of the Midlands’ most useful interchange stations. It suits business travel, event days at the NEC, and flights from Birmingham Airport. Settle into your seat, connect to the free WiFi, and use the journey time well, with refreshments available from the onboard shop.

Leaving Edinburgh, the view moves from stone terraces and railway cuttings into open countryside, then through rolling fields and bigger towns. Soon after, you’ll find yourself amongst the urban landscape of Birmingham.

You can get from Edinburgh to Birmingham International in as little as 4 hours and 28 minutes. Some trains may have additional stops, so the average journey takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes. So you can travel from one city centre to another quickly and affordably, with tickets from as little as £23.00 if you book in advance.

Find the cheapest train tickets from Edinburgh Waverley to Birmingham International

To make the most of your trip, you don’t want to spend all your budget on getting there. To help you get the most out of your money, we offer a range of cheap train tickets and discounts to railcard holders, senior and group travellers.

Whether you’re travelling in Peak, Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak hours, we will help you find a ticket at the right price at a departure time that suits you.

Plus, if you’re heading away for a short break, we offer a range of 2 For 1 offers to attractions and events, so you can find a deal to make your visit really special.

For regular travellers or commuters, we have a range of season tickets, benefits and reward schemes that can help you save money or even upgrade to First Class.

Travelling in comfort with Avanti

Settle in for a wonderfully comfortable journey from Edinburgh Waverley to Birmingham International, with plenty to enjoy both on board and out of the window. Enjoy the view from our big reclining seats as you’re driven the 249 miles to your destination.

Stay connected on the go with our fast, reliable WiFi, perfect for catching up on emails or the latest headlines. With power sockets at every seat and a choice of snacks and drinks available onboard, you’ll arrive feeling ready for what’s next

Make your journey even more relaxing by booking advance tickets. This way, you’ll get the cheapest ticket with a departure time that’s ideal for you. Or, if you’re making a last-minute trip, you can use our Live Train Status Tracker to check that your train is running on schedule.

Travelling from Edinburgh?

If you arrive early, Edinburgh makes it easy to fill a spare hour with something that feels substantial. The National Museum of Scotland is ideal for a quick visit, with galleries that jump from Scottish history to design, fashion, and science under one roof. It’s central, easy to dip into, and simple to pair with a short walk through the Old Town streets nearby.

For views, Calton Hill is a short climb with a big payoff, with monuments on the summit and wide angles across the city. If you’d rather keep things level, Dean Village and the Water of Leith path offer a quieter wander with stone bridges, riverside walks, and pockets of green that feel a world away from the main streets.

Getting to Edinburgh Waverley is straightforward. It sits between the Old Town and New Town, right by Princes Street, with buses and taxis close by and city-centre walking routes leading straight to the entrances. In the station itself, you’ll have the practical essentials covered too, so you can get set for departure.

Travelling to Birmingham International?

Birmingham International is a useful arrival point if you’re heading straight to a big event. The National Exhibition Centre is next door for trade shows, concerts, and exhibitions, and Resorts World Birmingham adds restaurants, shopping, and a cinema close to the venue cluster. It’s a convenient setup when you’re short on time and want everything in one single, convenient place.

If you’ve got a bit more time, there are good nearby options that are easy to reach. The National Motorcycle Museum is close enough for a short taxi ride and has a huge collection on display. Or, head into Solihull for parks, cafés, and shopping that feel calmer than the city centre.

From Birmingham International Station, onward travel is easy. Taxis and buses are close by, and the free Air-Rail Link connects you to Birmingham International Airport and the NEC. In the station itself, you’ll have the practical essentials covered too, so you can get your bearings and head straight on.

First Class service

If you’d like a more luxurious and relaxing journey from Edinburgh to Birmingham International, you can upgrade to First Class with Avanti West Coast.

When you arrive at Birmingham International, you can use our First Class Lounge for up to one hour after arrival. If you’re travelling back from Birmingham International, you can also use the lounge up to two hours before your departure to Edinburgh. It offers a calmer space with hot and cold refreshments, comfortable seating, and free WiFi before you head onward.

Onboard, First Class includes complimentary snacks and drinks, a wider seat, extra legroom, and a guaranteed table and power socket. It will give you the space to work properly, switch off with a film, or simply enjoy the journey in comfort.

Find out more about First Class upgrades here.