Durham, Durham to Birmingham, West Midlands from $30: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Onboard services for the journey from Durham to Birmingham typically include light catering options. Depending on the operator, you may find a trolley service offering snacks, sandwiches, and hot beverages. For example, CrossCountry trains often provide a selection of meals and drinks available for purchase, making it a convenient option for your journey.

• The main operators for your route are CrossCountry and LNER (London North Eastern Railway). CrossCountry offers standard class and first class seating, with first class seats providing more spacious and comfortable seating along with complimentary refreshments. LNER predominantly offers first class and standard class, where the standard class seats have ample legroom, but first class users will get a more premium experience. You can find more at their respective websites: CrossCountry and LNER.

• Upon arriving at Birmingham New Street station, you should expect a bustling environment with various points of interest. There are luggage storage services available at the station for a small fee, as well as restrooms located throughout the concourse. Unfortunately, showers are not provided. To navigate around, be sure to check the station map, which is available on the Birmingham New Street station webpage. For getting to the city center, the quickest option is to take the metro or tram services; the tram service stops right outside the station and can swiftly take you to the city center (look for the tram to 'Centenary Square' or 'Hagley Road').