How to get to Crufts Dog Show 2025
Crufts is held annually in Birmingham city centre, which means getting there on an Avanti West Coast train is easy.
If you’re getting to Crufts Dog Show by train, take a service from your local station to Birmingham International Station. You can travel from destinations like London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and be there in no time.
The station and the National Exhibition Centre are both part of a nearby complex, so you won’t have far to walk after leaving 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.
You can also drive to Crufts, as the NEC is served by the M6 and the M42 motorways. There are plenty of facilities for car parking, and shuttle buses running between the car parks to the entrance for Crufts.
What to do at Crufts
Crufts Dog Show 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, and watch 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. Options include Subway, The Cornish Bakery, and Bagel Factory.
About Crufts
Crufts is the largest international dog show. It features thousands of dogs competing for titles in showmanship, agility, heelwork, and other events. The show runs for four days, highlighting different events on each day.
It was founded in 1891 and was named after its founder, Charles Cruft. For the first 100 years, it 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.
Ways to save on your train ticket to Crufts Dog Show 2025
Avanti West Coast 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 services, so you can upgrade and relax. The sooner you book, the more you can save.
Railcards can also help you save up to a third of your train ticket costs. Purchase your digital railcard to make savings right away. There are lots of card options available, so choosing the right one for you is easy.
Purchasing Off-Peak Tickets can also help you save by offering discounted prices for travelling at times many others are not. Aside from saving money, choosing off-peak tickets can make it more convenient to find seats or travel without worry.
Family Train Tickets are a great way to bring everyone to Crufts Dog Show 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 Train Tickets for your little ones.
Get the app
Make your trip to Crufts 2025 even easier when you download the Avanti West Coast app. Find, book and track your train travel in one convenient place, in just a few simple taps.
Download the app now to start making savings, as you’re guaranteed to find the best fares when you book directly with us.
