The Midlands England, UK Travel Guide
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the main international airport, approximately 8 miles (13 km) southeast of Birmingham city center. It handles a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Flight prices to Birmingham generally increase during summer (June-August) and around Christmas/New Year. Shoulder seasons (April-May, Sept-Oct) often provide better value.
Explore flight deals from Dollar Flight Club to save money.
Use Skyscanner for comprehensive airfare comparisons.
Train, bus, taxi, or ride-share connect BHX to downtown.
Birmingham New Street Station is a major railway hub. Avanti West Coast to London Euston. CrossCountry to Bristol, Edinburgh. West Midlands Railway for local services. Book in advance for cheaper fares.
Birmingham Coach Station (Digbeth) is the main hub. National Express provides extensive UK routes. Megabus offers intercity services. Coaches are slower than trains but often more affordable.
Drive on the left. Valid home license usually suffices; AN international driving priving is recommended. Petrol/Diesel widely available. Congestion likely. Parking expensive in city center. Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges apply to older vehicles.
Birmingham is an inland city, so direct sea or river arrival is not typical. If you arrive in the UK by ferry (e.g., from Europe via Dover, Hull, or Newcastle, or from Ireland via Liverpool or Holyhead), you will need onward land travel.
Birmingham possesses an extensive canal network. These waterways are mainly for leisure boats and pleasure cruises, not a main mode of arrival for general travel or commuting.
No particular exit fees or taxes are charged directly to passengers when departing from UK airports or ports. Air Passenger Duty, a tax on air travel, is included in your flight ticket price.
For leaving from Birmingham New Street Station or Birmingham Coach Station, arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Birmingham features an integrated public transport network, making getting around the city easy. Public transit includes the West Midlands Metro (tram), National Express West Midlands buses, and local train services (West Midlands Railway).
Contactless payment is the easiest way to pay for bus and tram fares. Use a contactless bank card or mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay). The system applies daily caps.
Black Cabs can be hailed or found at ranks. Private Hire Vehicles (minicabs) must be pre-booked. Uber and Bolt are widely available.
Major companies like Avis, Budget, Hertz have offices at BHX and in the city. Drive on the left. IDP recommended for non-UK licenses.
City center is pedestrian-friendly. Canal towpaths offer scenic, car-free walking. West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme for bicycle rentals.
Birmingham provides hop-on hop-off bus tours, which offer a convenient way to see major attractions. These services allow you to get off at various points of interest, explore, and then re-board a later bus.
Public transport, especially buses and trams, is for the most part accessible for travelers with mobility challenges, featuring floors that are low down and ramps. Many major attractions are designed for accessibility.
Birmingham does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique transport systems found in some mountainous or specialized urban environments.
Specialty vehicle selections like tuk-tuks or jeepneys are not relevant for Birmingham.
Less common for tourists and typically require specific licenses and experience. Not a main recommended mode for general sightseeing.
