How to Book Train Travel From London to Birmingham

Travel from London into England's second largest city, Birmingham, is extraordinarily easy, since Birmingham is a major travel hub to all northern destinations in the United Kingdom. Take one of the many express trains to get to Birmingham in just over two hours, and book your travel online for the ultimate in convenience. Read on to learn how to book train travel from London to Birmingham.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport
• Computer With Internet Access

Book Train Travel From London to Birmingham

1. Visit the Web sites of the major rail carriers that handle travel from London to Birmingham, such as Chiltern Railways or Virgin Trains, to check timetables and services. You can also book train travel from London to Birmingham by calling Rail Europe at (888) 382-RAIL or by visiting the link below.
2. Book your travel online out of London's Marylebone Station once you have decided on your route.
3. Have a local travel agent handle all the arrangements for you if you're concerned about the details.
4. Buy your tickets at Marylebone Station if you have any last-minute changes. You can use the manned ticket counters as well as the automated machines to purchase your tickets.

Relax on Your Trip to Birmingham

5. Choose one of the many available express trains which offers non-stop travel to Birmingham if you're short on time.
6. Indulge in a first-class ticket if you need to plan for an important business meeting, since there aren't as many power outlets available in the second-class carriages.
7. Arrive in Birmingham New Street Station in the center of the city if you need to get to the business district or make a rail connection to reach other points in England. New Street Station is the busiest train station in the United Kingdom outside of London.
8. Consider de-boarding at the Birmingham Snow Hill station, which is smaller and less hectic than New Street.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider purchasing a rail pass if you plan on using Birmingham as a connection to other locations in the northern United Kingdom. These passes allow unlimited train travel for fixed amounts of time.
• Store the majority of your luggage in one of the lockers at the train station to avoid lugging your belongings all over town.
• Beware of pickpockets, who tend to frequent the more crowded commuter routes, such as London to Birmingham.
• You should always book your train travel well in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak periods, holidays or with a large group.