West Midlands Railway trains, routes and tickets
West Midlands Railway serves Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, with routes connecting towns and cities including Worcester, Hereford, Shrewsbury, Lichfield and Stratford-upon-Avon. It is the regional passenger brand associated with the same operation as London Northwestern Railway. Its network is useful for both local journeys and connections into longer-distance trains.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
About the operator
West Midlands Railway is a current passenger brand on routes previously associated with London Midland. London Northwestern Railway remains a related current brand, particularly for the West Coast corridor towards London, rather than a historical predecessor.
The operation transferred into public ownership on 1 February 2026. The two passenger brands continue. Passengers continue to use the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway names to identify the relevant routes and check the station, timetable and fare information for their trip.
Routes and principal stations
Birmingham and the Cross-City route
The Cross-City network links Birmingham New Street with destinations towards Lichfield, Redditch and Bromsgrove. Check the southern branch and the train’s calling points, particularly when travelling to an intermediate local station.
Snow Hill lines and Worcestershire
Routes through Birmingham Snow Hill and Moor Street connect with the Black Country, Worcestershire and the Stratford-upon-Avon area. These Birmingham stations are separate from New Street and may require a walking transfer for an onward intercity train.
Wider regional connections
The wider network serves places including Wolverhampton, Telford, Shrewsbury and Hereford. Use the current timetable for a direct train or an interchange, and check the operator where several companies share a corridor.
Planning your journey
Choose the Birmingham station appropriate to the route. New Street is different from Moor Street and Snow Hill; a connection between them needs time for the walking route and any access requirements. A search for a broad city destination can hide that practical difference.
For an event, hospital or university visit, check the final walk and the last suitable return train. University (Birmingham) station serves the campus and hospital area, while a destination described only as a town centre may be closer to another station.
West Midlands Railway does not offer seat reservations on its train services. Allow for busier local trains at commuting times and around major events, and keep luggage manageable for a service where a particular seat is not allocated.
Review the current timetable and engineering notices before using a branch or a weekend connection. A replacement bus can leave from a different location and may require additional assistance arrangements.
Tickets and journey choices
Check the permitted trains, geographical area and time limits of local or regional tickets. A rail-only fare does not automatically include a bus or Metro journey, while a combined local product has its own conditions. On shared routes, an operator-restricted ticket is not automatically valid on CrossCountry, Avanti, Chiltern or another company.
Accessibility and assistance
West Midlands Railway’s Passenger Assist service can help plan journeys, advise on facilities and provide support with boarding or changing platforms. Check the specific station and train, and include a cross-city station transfer or replacement bus when discussing assistance. Support can also be requested on the day, with staff or help points used to explain what is needed.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.