Catching the train makes the trip from Birmingham to the beautiful city of Chester easy. Known for its Roman walls and boutique shopping streets, Chester is the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend away.

Our Birmingham to Chester trains have air conditioning, charging points and free onboard Wi-Fi, so you can relax and enjoy a comfortable ride, watching a beautiful landscape go by.

With money-saving special offers on tickets including popular Off-peak bargains, Advance tickets and our Group deals, you can travel for less.

 

Key details: Trains from Birmingham to Chester

  • Duration: Around 90 mins (1 change) or up to 2 hours direct
  • Direct trains available? Yes
  • First train: 05:15 | Last train: 22:00
  • Frequency: Around 20 trains per day
  • Top stops: Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, Wrexham General
  • Departure station: Birmingham New Street
  • Arrival station: Chester
  • Amenities: Spacious seating, free onboard Wi-Fi
  • Ticket savings: Buy Advance tickets, use a Railcard or travel Off-peak for the best value

 

  • Free Wi-Fi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • Charging points
    Charging points
  • Direct
    Direct
Live departures and arrivals

 

FAQs about Birmingham to Chester trains

How long is the train from Birmingham to Chester?

The journey takes around 90 minutes (including one change), or just under 2 hours direct.

Are there direct trains from Birmingham to Chester?

Yes, we run direct trains from Birmingham New Street to Chester several times a day. They typically travel via Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury and Wrexham General.

Use our journey planner to find direct services and buy the best available fares.

How frequent are trains from Birmingham to Chester?

Trains run around 20 times a day, providing plenty of options throughout the day to suit your schedule.

When is the first train from Birmingham to Chester?

The first train departs at approximately 05:15. Please check the timings for your chosen day using our journey planner.

When is the last train from Birmingham to Chester?

The last train departs around 22:00. Please check the timings for your chosen day using our journey planner.

What’s the best time to travel from Birmingham to Chester?

Try after 9:30 on weekdays or during off-peak hours for cheaper fares and quieter trains. Weekend Advance tickets also offer great value, especially if you buy early.

Why travel by train from Birmingham to Chester?

Chester is a historic city bursting with character, culture and attractions like:

  • Historical sights - discover the city’s rich heritage, from its Roman origins to the well-preserved Saxon walls that still surround the centre.
  • Chester Zoo - just a short bus ride from the station, visit over 500 incredible species at one of the UK’s largest zoos.
  • Eastgate Clock - admire the UK’s most photographed clock after Big Ben, built to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.
  • Chester Castle & Military Museum - step into over 900 years of history, from Norman defences to army exhibits.

See our guide to visiting Chester for more ideas.

 

Birmingham to Chester train times

Trains from Birmingham New Street to Chester run frequently throughout the day. Use our journey planner or app to check live train times and buy early for the best fares.

 

Top tips for buying your Birmingham to Chester train tickets

  • Advance tickets*: Buy early for the best value fares. These tickets are limited in availability and may sell out quickly.
  • Railcards: Take advantage of Railcard discounts to save up to a third on your next trip.
  • Anytime tickets: Our most flexible tickets allow you to travel any time of the day, any day of the week.

Why not use our app? It allows you to see all our budget-friendly travel deals in one easy-to-access place.

*Advance tickets are our best value fares and Railcard discounts can be used when buying them. We can't guarantee the availability of Advance tickets as they’re limited in number and only on sale up to 18:00 before the day you travel. We’d recommend you buy early to avoid disappointment.