Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city and home to millions of visitors every year  yet Stonehenge is just 2.5 hours away by train and shuttle. Here is exactly how to make the trip.
The Train Journey: Birmingham to Salisbury
CrossCountry trains operate from Birmingham New Street to Salisbury. Services typically route via Cheltenham Spa and Bath Spa, or via Bristol Parkway. Journey times range from 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes depending on the specific service and any connections required.
Check nationalrail.co.uk or the Trainline app for services on your travel date. Book in advance for the best fares  CrossCountry advance tickets from Birmingham to Salisbury start from around £20 each way. On the day fares are significantly more expensive.
The Shuttle: Salisbury to Stonehenge
Once you arrive at Salisbury Train Station, the Salisbury to Stonehenge Shuttle departs from Caboose, a 2 minute walk from the exit  cross the zebra crossing to Caboose at 115 South Western Road. The journey to Stonehenge takes 35 minutes and costs £15 return per person, with six daily departures from 10:15 to 15:15.
Journey Cost Breakdown
| Element | Cost |
|---|---|
| Train Birmingham → Salisbury (advance) | From £20 |
| Salisbury to Stonehenge Shuttle (return) | £15 |
| Stonehenge entrance (adult) | £28–£32 |
| Train Salisbury → Birmingham (advance) | From £20 |
| Total | From £83 per person |
Compare this to organised day tours from Birmingham, which typically cost £80 to £120 per person for the coach alone, without entrance fees or the flexibility to spend as long as you like at the monument.
Step-by-Step on the Day
1. Birmingham New Street. Board your CrossCountry service. The train is comfortable with a buffet car on most services. Birmingham to Salisbury is a cross-country journey through some of England's most attractive countryside  the Cotswolds and Wiltshire downland en route.
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£15 return · Departs opposite Salisbury Train Station · Guaranteed seat
2. Arrive Salisbury. Exit the station main entrance and cross the zebra crossing. Caboose is a 2 minute walk from Salisbury Station. Drop your bags in the free luggage storage, grab a coffee and board your departure.
3. Stonehenge (35 minutes). Arrive at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre car park. Present your pre-booked English Heritage entry ticket, explore the visitor centre exhibition, and take the short shuttle to the stone circle. Allow 2 to 3 hours at the monument.
4. Return. Board your pre-booked return shuttle at your chosen time. The shuttle drops you back at Caboose, collect your luggage, and walk two minutes to the station for your CrossCountry return to Birmingham.
Tips for Birmingham Visitors
Book your CrossCountry train well in advance  popular Saturday and Bank Holiday departures sell out quickly. The 07:30 to 08:00 departure window from Birmingham New Street is the best for catching the 10:15 or 11:15 shuttle.
If you are making a full day of it, consider visiting Salisbury Cathedral (England's tallest spire, Magna Carta) on your return before catching the evening CrossCountry back to Birmingham. The Cathedral is a 15-minute walk from the station.
Ready to visit Stonehenge from Salisbury? The shuttle departs a 2 minute walk from Salisbury Train Station. Just £15 return per person, all in.
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The Salisbury to Stonehenge Shuttle departs six times daily from directly opposite Salisbury Train Station. £15 return per person, reserved seat and luggage storage included.
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