Buses are the most convenient way for you to explore around Birmingham. Buses in Birmingham are widely operated by National Express West Midlands and some are provided by Diamond Bus.
Students are advised to download a ticket mobile application called “NXBus mTicket” where all bus fares are lower than when you pay by cash. This is only applicable for National Express West Midlands.
More information regarding bus fares can be found here:
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/tickets-and-passes/day-family-and-group/
It is recommended for you to bring around your valid University Student ID Card to get discounted bus fares in Birmingham for GBP1 (Single Ticket).
Spending on transportation can be costly. Therefore, we suggest for you to purchase season bus tickets specifically for students discounted fares. This information can be further found at:
https://nxbus.co.uk/travelcards/results/west-midlands/
**Please take note that to purchase season tickets, you will be required to give your passport-sized photos to be uploaded online.
bus
Train is the best option if you want to travel around the United Kingdom. Various train services in Birmingham are operated by Virgin Trains, Chiltern Railways, Cross Country, London Northwestern Railway, London Midland etc.
The main railway station in Birmingham is Birmingham New Street. The next closest railway station is Birmingham Moor Street.
Your traveling route can be searched across several train platforms. For easier option, download a mobile application called “Train Line”. Train tickets can be purchased via online or kiosk machine at any railway stations.
To save cost, students can purchase the “16-25 Railcard” and save up to a ⅓ off the train fare. Railcards can be purchased at https://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/. Railcards are available for GBP70 (3 years) and GBP30 (1 year). If you have purchased your 16-25 Railcard, you can download a mobile application called "Railcard" as railcards are required to be shown during your traveling. **Please take note that to purchase 16-25 railcard, you will be required to give your passport-sized photos to be uploaded online.
Another tip is for students who travels to London frequently is for your Oyster card to be connected to your railcard. You simply go to your nearest underground tube in London and ask the underground officer to do this process for you. The underground tube fare will reduce from GBP2.40 to GBP1.50. However, bus fares in London will remain the same.
train