The Cost of a Trip between Birmingham and Bradford

Travelling between Birmingham and Bradford is a common requirement for many commuters. With distance of around 84 miles, travellers have several options that they can consider, depending on their budget and time. In this article, we will break down the different modes of transport and routes available, and discuss their costs.

By Car

Travelling by car allows the benefit of convenience, comfort, and most importantly, flexibility when travelling from Birmingham to Bradford. There are two main routes you can take: the M1 and A34 route, or the M40 and A34 route. The former is a quicker route as compared to the latter, but it is also subject to congestion during peak hours.

Route 1: M1 and A34

This route involves taking the M6 to junction 4A to join the M1 where you will then take the A34. The total distance is approximately 83.5 miles, and the journey time without traffic is 1 hour and 35 minutes. During peak hours, this journey could last up to 2 hours.

Acording to the UK government, fuel consumption for an average car is 55 miles per gallon (MPG). Assuming an average speed of 60 mph, the expected fuel consumption will therefore be roughly 3 gallons of petrol. The current cost of petrol in Birmingham and Bradford is £1.14 per litre and £1.22 per litre, respectively. Therefore, at least £28 will be required for the trip using this route.

Route 2: M40 and A34

Alternatively, you can travel using the M40 and A34 route. This route is approximately 91.6 miles , and the journey time is 1 hour and 50 minutes. The benefit of choosing this route is that it avoids the congestion of driving on the M1.

Assuming similar conditions as with the previous route, you can estimate the fuel consumption to be around 3.5 gallons of petrol, leading to a total fuel cost of at least £32.

By Train

Trains offer a great deal of comfort for travellers while also being one of the most feasible options when travelling between Birmingham and Bradford. There are two main rail services that can be used, Virgin Trains and CrossCountry Trains. Virgin Trains take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes on average to travel between Birmingham New Street and Bradford Forster Square, with prices ranging from £16 to £34 one way.

On the other hand, CrossCountry trains take a little longer to travel between the two cities, with travel times averaging 2 hours and 10 minutes. A one-way ticket costs approximately between £17-£32 depending on the time of day and how much in advance you book.

By Coach

Finally, travelling by coach is another cost-effective option. This travelling mode is relatively more affordable and provides adequate comfort to make the journey bearable. National Express, which operates coaches between Birmingham Coach Station and Bradford Interchange, provides at least 30 coaches daily on this route. The travel time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a one-way ticket costing between range from £7 to £15 depending on what time of day you travel and how far in advance you book.

Conclusion

Based on the different options and prices outlined in this article, travelling by car is the most convenient option when travelling between Birmingham and Bradford, particularly if you have a specific destination in mind. However, for those who do not own a car or driving is inconvenient, train or coach travel can be an excellent alternative. By travelling via a train, you can travel quickly and efficiently, while coaches offer a cheaper alternative with relatively comfortable seating. Regardless of which option you choose, the journey should be an enjoyable one, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.