Trains to Crufts

A great day out for every dog lover.

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.

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Birmingham International at a glance

  • 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
  • This station does not offer

    Accessible Public Telephones, Accessible Taxis

  • Buying / collecting tickets
  • Getting to / from the station
  • Station Facilities