Getting to Birmingham (England): By train

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Birmingham is a major hub of Britain's rail network. The main station is New Street, with Snow Hill and Moor Street carrying significantly fewer services, but include superior service from London Marylebone station. New Street also has faster, but more expensive, services to London Euston. New Street and Moor Street are a 5 minute walk apart, and Snow Hill is around 10 minutes walk from each.

Allow plenty of time to find your train at New Street station as it is huge and very confusing, and as it is currently undergoing modernisation the layout is constantly changing. Most platforms (tracks) are divided into sections (e.g. Platform 4A, 4B and 4C) and it's not uncommon for two trains bound for different destinations to depart from the same track, so make sure you wait in the right area and board the right train! New Street Station is notorious for last-minute platform changes so it's advisable to wait close to the stairs and keep close attention to the information screens and PA announcements as you may need to make a quick dash to the opposite side of the station with only 3 minutes until departure!

All areas of Britain are well-served, with half-hourly services (M-Sa daytime) from Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Oxford, Sheffield and stations in between. Timetables can be checked at National Rail Enquiries www.nationalrail.co.uk (+44 8457 48 49 50) and booked on-line or over the phone through the train operator.

• www.nationalrail.co.uk