Trains to Crufts

Crufts is a British institution when it comes to dog excellence. This international dog show is held annually in Birmingham and is a key event for dog lovers all around the world. It’s even shown on British national television, but as with most events of its kind, it’s much better to be there in person. Avanti West Coast trains make it easy for you to get to Crufts ready for a weekend of dog shows.

How to get to Crufts by train

If you’re getting to Crufts by train, take an Avanti West Coast train from your local station to Birmingham International Railway Station. The station and the venue, the National Exhibition Centre, are both part of a large complex in Solihull, so you won’t have far to walk once you leave the train. Arrive at the station and head to the covered passageway, which will lead you straight to the NEC which is well-signposted in the station.

What to do at Crufts

Crufts is a huge event, and there are plenty of things to see and do. Enjoy the main show, shop for canine toys and accessories, or meet other dog lovers. You can see all the shows, performances, and dog displays in the main arena, and see which dogs take home the titles.

Check out the Good Citizen Dog Scheme. The programme is open to any dog, and it helps owners learn more about responsible ownership and training dogs to be the best they can be. See beautiful, well-trained pups putting their best paw forward during event days which feature a particular breed, so you can hopefully see your favourite steal the show.

When you need a break from all the action, there are plenty of trade stands on site. Buy gifts for your human and furry friends from over 500 vendors. Shop for dog food, trinkets or books all about dogs. You can also take a break from everything dog-related and enjoy food and drinks at restaurants and takeaways in the NEC, including Subway, The Oak Kitchen, and EvViva.

Getting to Crufts

Crufts is held annually in Birmingham city centre which means getting there on an Avanti West Coast train is easy. We run trains every hour from London Euston to Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International.

Travel from London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and be at Crufts in no time.

Getting to Birmingham >

Birmingham International at a glance

Accessible Booking Office Counter
Accessible Public Telephones
Accessible Taxis
Accessible Ticket Machines
Bus Services
Car Park
Customer Help Points
Customer Service
Cycle Storage Availability
Cycle Storage Sheltered
Impaired Mobility Set Down
Induction Loop
Left Luggage
Lost Property
National Key Toilets
Penalty Fares
Prepurchase Collection
Rail Replacement Services
Ramp For Train Access
Staff Help Available
Staffing Level
Step Free Access
Taxi Rank
Ticket Machine
Ticket Office
Toilets
Wheelchairs Available
WiFi

Birmingham International Station

Accessibility and mobility access
- Accessible Ticket Machines
  Yes
- Customer Help Points
  
  Audio announcements are broadcast throughout the station giving information about train running, platforms, security and safety announcements.
  Customer information screens are provided on the station concourse, displaying train running information, and on each platform showing the next train and service information.
- Height Adjusted Ticket Office Counter
  Yes
- Impaired Mobility Set Down
  Yes
- Induction Loop
  Yes
- National Key Toilets
  
  The accessible toilets are located on the Concourse. There is a Changing Places toilet on the station concourse, accessed using a RADAR key
- Ramp For Train Access
  Yes
- Staff Help Available
  
  Sunday – 07:30 to 02:00
  Monday to Friday – 05:30 to 02:00
  Saturday – 05:30 to 02:00
  
  The Passenger Assistance meeting point is past the ticket gates on the concourse. Please talk to a member of staff either in person or via the help point. Staff assistance is available at all times during the stations opening hours for boarding and alighting. Turn up and go is available although booking recommended.
- Step Free Access
  
  Category A - This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform
- Wheelchairs Available
  Yes
Buying / collecting tickets
- Penalty Fares
  VT
- Prepurchase Collection
  Yes
- Smartcard notes
  
  Validators on gates only. Ticket machines and booking office for pre purchased collection and only ticket machines for purchase
- Smartcards issued at this station
  No
- Smartcard tickets
  
  Load smartcard at Ticket Office
  
  Load smartcard at Ticket Machine
- Smartcard validators
  Yes
- Staffing Level
  Fulltime
- Ticket Machine
  Yes
- Ticket Office
  
  Monday to Friday – 05:40 to 21:00
  Saturday – 06:15 to 21:00
  Sunday – 08:15 to 21:00
  
  Ticket Machines can be found in the main Booking Hall area.
Getting to / from the station
- Car Park
  
  Station Car Park - 2124 spaces
  Accessible spaces: 24
  
  Monday to Sunday – 24 hours
  
  Car Parking Charges
  Daily ticket: £12.50
  Monthly ticket: £132.00
  Three Monthly ticket: £374.00
  Annual ticket: £1,200.00
  Saturday ticket: £9.50
  Sunday ticket: £9.50
  
  Note:
  For information on how to get to the car park, plus work out the cost of your stay, visit the Avanti West Coast website.
  Different rates apply to non rail users, please speak to a member of staff.
  Long stay (5 days or more) on both Weekdays and Weekends: £20 per day (for each day including days 1 to 5)
  
  Url: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
- Cycle Storage Availability
  
  Storage Space: 45
  Storage Shelter: Yes
  Cctv: true
  Note:
  4 x hoops under NEC link by bus stands (2 x cycles per hoop = 8 spaces)
  10 stands in shelter short stay car park
  Cycling compound with 27 spaces available at the front of the station
  
  Type: Compounds
  Type: Stands
  Type: Racks
  Storage location:
  18 cycle stands plus a cycling compound with 27 spaces available at the front of the station (please see staff for more information)
- Onward Travel
  
  Information to plan your onward journey is available in a printable format here
- Rail Replacement Services
  
  Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station opposite the entrance to the long stay car park.
- Taxi Rank
  
  Outside the station entrance
Station Facilities
- Customer Service
  
  Except Christmas Day & Boxing Day
- Lost Property
  
  Operator Name: Avanti West Coast Lost Property
  Url: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
- Refreshment Facilities
  Yes
- Toilets
  
  The accessible toilets are located on the Concourse. There is a Changing Places toilet on the station concourse, accessed using a RADAR key
- Waiting Room
  
  Seating available on all platforms. Waiting rooms available on all platforms apart from Platform 1.
- WiFi
  
  Find WiFi Hotspots around Birmingham International station

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Travelling by train to Crufts

Plan in advance

For latest timetable information click here.

Timetable information >

Enjoy onboard refreshments

From the Cafe treats to the First Class experience

Onboard treats >

A greener way to travel

1 Train removes 500 cars from the road. Learn more about our sustainability initiatives.

Discover greener travel >

Plan your journey to Birmingham and check train times before you travel.

Check train times

About Crufts

Here are a couple of amazing facts about Crufts that we thought you might enjoy reading whilst on your train journey.

Crufts is the largest international dog show, with up to 18,000 dogs competing for titles in showmanship, agility, heelwork, and other titles. The show runs for four days, highlighting different events on each day.
It was founded in 1891, and for the first 100 years was held at various locations around London, only pausing during the two World Wars. The event grew and grew, and in its 100th year, 1991, it moved to the NEC just outside Birmingham, where it has been held since.

Please note that only assistance dogs and dogs invited by The Kennel Club are allowed inside the show.

Bring your dog with you

If you qualify to take your dog to Crufts, you can bring him or her along on an Avanti West Coast train. You can bring up to two domestic pets at no additional charge, or book more pets for only £5 per pet. Assistance animals also travel free of charge.

If you are bringing your dog to Crufts, make sure your pet is comfortable taking the train. Factors that can stress your dog out or complicate your travels are how crowded the train is, when you are travelling, and how long the commute is without breaks. Make sure you take the time to consider when you are travelling and the best route for you to get to Crufts.

Ways to save on your train ticket to Crufts

Avanti makes getting to and from Crufts affordable with savings on your train ticket. An easy way is to book your ticket in advance and save money. Advance tickets are available for Standard, Standard Premium, and First Class rides, so you can upgrade and relax in luxury at discounted prices. The sooner you book, the more you can save.

Railcards can also help you save up to a third off your train ticket costs. Purchase your digital railcard to take a ride straight away.

Purchasing off-peak and early-bird tickets can also help you save by offering discounted prices for riding at times many others are not. Aside from saving money, choosing off-peak tickets can make it more convenient to find seats or ride without worry.

Family savings are a great way to bring everyone to Crufts on a budget. Families of two to five people can save up to 60% when purchasing tickets in advance. Family tickets are also flexible, so even if there is a change of plans, you can still take advantage of savings for your trip to Crufts. You can also use child tickets for your little ones. Child tickets are available for children between five and 15% and are 50% lower than adult fares.