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Chester, Cheshire to Birmingham, West Midlands from $30: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Chester, United Kingdom
to
Birmingham, United Kingdom

How to Get from Chester to Birmingham: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$30 by busBest price
104.6 kmDistance
1h 25m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chester to Birmingham with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Average Duration
1h  25m
Estimated price
$34-164
Recommended
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
3h  49m
Estimated price
$30-43
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 104.6 km
Duration: 1h 25m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
n/a
Drive
Average Duration
1h  32m
Estimated price
$26-40
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
2h 
Estimated price
$30-130
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
1h  38m
Estimated price
$32-167

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $22 $25 $32 $26 $25 $26 $22
Train $31 $31 $31 $31 $37 $22 $21

Traveling From Chester to Birmingham

Journeying from Chester to Birmingham offers a fascinating shift from the historic charm of a picturesque walled city to the vibrant energy of a bustling metropolitan hub.

Best Neighbourhoods in Birmingham

Birmingham boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences and attractions.

Jewellery Quarter
• Home to over 100 jewelers and boutiques.
• Features stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture.
Digbeth
• Known for its vibrant street art scene.
• Offers trendy bars and creative spaces.
Harborne
• Renowned for its charming high street shops.
• Features lovely parks for relaxing strolls.

Best Times To Visit Birmingham's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your experience of Birmingham's attractions.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter, more immersive experience.
Cadbury World
Early morning visits on weekdays usually mean fewer children and shorter lines.
Bullring Shopping Centre
Weekday afternoons offer a more relaxed atmosphere compared to weekend crowds.

Birmingham Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Birmingham experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it suitable for visits year-round. However, the frequent rain can affect outdoor plans, so packing layers and a waterproof jacket is wise.

Dining Recommendation

Experience the vibrant flavors of Birmingham at the acclaimed restaurant, The Malay, where you can indulge in dishes like Nasi Lemak that highlight Southeast Asian cuisine with bold spices and fresh local ingredients. This culinary adventure offers a lively atmosphere and unique flavor profiles that contrast beautifully with Chester's traditional English fare.

Chester - Birmingham operators

Explore transport companies operating between Chester and Birmingham, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253
Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from Chester to Stafford

Average Duration
40m
Estimated price
$21-90

Train from Stafford to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
43m
Estimated price
$13-75

Train from Chester to Crewe

Average Duration
20m
Estimated price
$10-70

Train from Crewe to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
1h 3m
Estimated price
$24-100

Train from Chester to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$40-130
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Stafford to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
$29-45

Train from Crewe to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
1h 11m
Estimated price
$40-85
Contact phone
+44 333 311 0039
Website
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/

Train from Stafford to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
39m
Estimated price
0-0

Train from Crewe to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
59m
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
03333 211 202
Website
https://tfw.wales/

Train from Chester to Crewe

Average Duration
22m
Estimated price
$11-22

Train from Crewe to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$22-50

Train from Chester to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$30-75
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Chester Bus Interchange to Pool Meadow Bus Station

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$15-22
Contact phone
08717 81 81 81
Website
https://www.nationalexpress.com/en

Bus from Pool Meadow Bus Station to Birmingham Coach Station

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$15-22
Contact phone
0121 254 7272
Website
http://nxbus.co.uk

Bus from Pool Meadow Bus Station to Birmingham Coach Station

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
0-0

Chester to Birmingham: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Chester and Birmingham offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque journey from the historic city of Chester to the vibrant metropolis of Birmingham, covering a driving distance of 81 miles with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes. ⛽️ Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of traveling by car, with prices ranging from £21 to £32 for the journey from Chester to Birmingham, allowing you to explore the charming countryside and bustling urban landscapes along the way.
Average price
£20 - £31
🚂 Experience a smooth and convenient train journey from Chester to Birmingham aboard Avanti West Coast services departing every four hours, directly to Birmingham New Street station. The trip offers a comfortable ride with a travel time of approximately 2 hours. 🌳 Enjoy a scenic route as you travel with CrossCountry trains from Chester to Birmingham, arriving at Birmingham New Street station. The journey takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes, allowing you to relax and take in the countryside views along the way. 🎟️ Prices for a train ticket between Chester and Birmingham range from £27 to £130, providing flexibility to choose the fare that suits your budget and travel preferences. With multiple departures daily, you can plan your trip easily and explore the vibrant city of Birmingham at your convenience.
Departure Point
Chester station
Arrival Point
Birmingham New Street station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: The main operators on your route, Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway, offer distinct onboard services. Avanti West Coast provides a range of catering options in First Class, with complimentary meals and drinks, while their Standard Class offers a cafe bar with snacks and drinks for purchase. West Midlands Railway typically has a trolley service with light snacks and beverages available for purchase on its trains.
• Seating Options: On the Chester to Birmingham route, Avanti West Coast offers three seating classes: Standard Class, First Class, and Standard Premier. In Standard Class, you’ll have reserved seating options, while First Class seats come with additional space and complimentary refreshments. West Midlands Railway has Standard Class seating which is comfortable and reasonably priced, but doesn’t offer the same level of service as the First Class options on Avanti.
• Useful Links: For real-time journey updates and schedules, check the National Rail Enquiries website at nationalrail.co.uk For information on local transport, visit Birmingham City Transport at birmingham.gov.uk Additionally, for maps of the train stations and their facilities, refer to the official station sites: Chester (northernrailway.co.uk) and Birmingham New Street (networkrail.co.uk). Upon arrival at Birmingham New Street, luggage can be stored at the station, and restrooms are available, but showers are not provided.
• Arrival Station Tip: When you arrive at Birmingham New Street, head towards the customer information center for assistance and direction. They also offer luggage storage, allowing you to explore the city unencumbered. To get to the city center quickly, exit the station and walk to the nearby Grand Central shopping center for immediate access to transport. The fastest route to the city center is via the Metro line, which has a stop adjacent to the station; you can catch the Metro to the main areas, or alternatively, you can use local bus routes 50 or 97 which depart from the same vicinity.
💸 The cost of a bus ticket between Chester and Birmingham ranges from £24 to £34, with the total travel time averaging around 3 hours and 49 minutes, including any necessary transfers along the way.
Departure Point
Chester Bus Interchange station
Arrival Point
Birmingham Coach Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be sure to check the latest departure schedules and routes on the FlixBus and National Express websites, as services from Chester to Birmingham involve transferring at Pool Meadow Bus Station, impacting your total travel time.
• When planning your trip, take note that buses from Chester typically run less frequently during off-peak hours, so confirm the schedule ahead to avoid long waits at Chester Bus Interchange.
• Upon arriving at Birmingham Coach Station, be prepared for a busy environment, and take note of the signage directing you to local bus services, taxis, and trains; familiarize yourself with the station map to help navigate easily to your next destination.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chester to Birmingham.

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The distance between Chester and Birmingham in the United Kingdom is approximately 65 miles by road. By train, it typically takes around 1 hour and 24 minutes to travel from Chester to Birmingham. Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, the journey from Chester to Birmingham usually takes about 1 hour and 32 minutes by car. Taking the bus is the longest option, with an average travel time of 2 hours and 55 minutes from Chester to Birmingham.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chester to Birmingham is by bus, with ticket prices ranging from £17 to £27. Although it takes the longest time at 2 hours and 55 minutes, it offers a more affordable option for budget travelers. However, if time is a priority, the quickest way to travel is by train via Stafford. The train journey takes 1 hour and 24 minutes and ticket prices range from £24 to £133, depending on the class and type of ticket chosen.
The prices for traveling from Chester to Birmingham by train range from £25 to £126, depending on factors such as the time of booking and the class of service. On the other hand, the prices for a bus journey from Birmingham to Chester range from £17 to £27. It is advisable to book tickets in advance and compare prices from different providers to get the best deal.
To travel from Chester to Birmingham without using public transportation, you can rent a car and drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 81 miles and it takes around 1 hour and 32 minutes to reach Birmingham by car. The cost of renting a car for this journey can vary between £20 and £31. This option provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore the route and make stops along the way if desired.
The best way to travel from Chester to Birmingham without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes and involves changing trains at Stafford. Train tickets range in price from £24 to £133, depending on the time and class of travel. Taking a train is not only convenient but also allows you to enjoy the scenic views along the route.
Yes, there is a direct link between Chester and Birmingham. You can travel between the two cities by train or bus. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours, and there are several departures throughout the day operated by Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry. The bus journey takes approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, and there is one departure per day operated by National Express.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Birmingham with over 1554 hotels to choose from. Prices start at £31, offering a range of budget and luxury options for travelers. Whether you prefer to stay in the city center or in the outskirts, you will have a variety of hotels to choose from that suit your preferences and budget. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best deals and availability.

Trips to Birmingham