Birmingham International Airport is located at the centre of the national motorway network. The airport is just 8 miles (13km) east of Birmingham City Centre and only one mile away from Junction 6 of the M42 from where there are direct connections to the M1, M5, M6, M6 Toll and M40. The airport is signposted from motorways and major roads.
The new M6 Toll provides a congestion-free alternative to the M6 between junctions 4 and 11. For further information see www.m6toll.co.uk
Birmingham International Airport is located at the centre of the UK’s rail network. The airport rail station “Birmingham International” is linked to the Passenger Terminals by the free, frequent Air-Rail Link. The station lies on the West Coast Mainline with fast and frequent connections to the rest of the UK. Direct services are operated by Virgin Trains and Central Trains.
This free service connects the airport Passenger Terminals with Birmingham International Rail Station between 0515 and 0200. Air-Rail link runs every two minutes and the journey time is less than 2 minutes, making a fast and easy connection from train to plane.
Going to Birmingham City Centre
There are frequent trains running between Birmingham International and Birmingham New Street Station, which is located in the city centre. The journey time is between 10 and 20 minutes. Services are less frequent in the evenings and at weekends; check our online rail guide for a list of service times. From Birmingham New Street there is a wider range of direct services to destinations across the country. Tickets to Birmingham New Street are valid on the trains of all operators.
Taxis to and from Train Stations
If you are travelling to and from the Airport by train and require a taxi from your origin or to your final destination please go to the www.traintaxi.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.traintaxi.co.uk website. This site lists the telephone numbers of taxi and private hire operators serving all train, tram, metro and underground stations in Great Britain. Stations having a taxi rank are also identified. Except at the larger stations, which are clearly identified, it is recommended that taxis are booked in advance.
Central Trains
Provide local services to the airport on behalf of Centro. All tickets on Centro services must be purchased prior to boarding the train. Penalty fares apply if you board a train without a valid ticket. Central Trains also operate a network of local and regional trains centred on Birmingham New Street.
Virgin Trains
Provide direct services to major destinations throughout the UK, including a half-hourly service to London Euston with journey times of approximately 85 minutes. A wider range of direct Virgin services operate from Birmingham New Street. Tickets should be purchased either in advance or from the station ticket office. Please note that only full price single and return tickets are available for purchase on the train.
Chiltern Railways
Provide services from Solihull Railway Station to London Marylebone. These services run via Warwick, Warwick Parkway, Leamington and Banbury. The 966 bus connects the Airport to Solihull Station every 30minutes. Chiltern Railways DO NOT serve Birmingham International Rail Station.
Black cabs provide a 24/7 service from the rank outside the Passenger Terminals. Each taxi carries up to 5 people (a number may carry 6) with luggage, and is able to take wheelchairs.
Fares for journeys in the Birmingham and Solihull metered zone are displayed on the meter and are set by the local authority. Fares are per vehicle but there are small surcharges (10p) for additional passengers and for items of luggage not carried in the seating area. The typical fare to Birmingham City Centre is approximately £16.00. For longer journeys the price should be agreed before the start of the journey – a price guide to major destinations is displayed at the rank.
All black cabs accept major credit cards, provide receipts and are the only taxis licensed to operate without prior booking.
Local buses link the airport to surrounding districts. These services are provided by a number of operators. All buses stop opposite Terminal 2 at the Bus and Coach Terminus. The main services, routes 900 and 966, operate from early in the morning to late at night but there are no overnight services.
900 Airport Link to Birmingham City Centre (Stop K)
via Sheldon, South Yardley, Digbeth. Daily, every 20 minutes during the day. Every 30 minutes at evenings and Sundays.
900 Airport Link to Coventry (Stop L)
via Meriden, Allesley. Daily, every 20 minutes during the day, every 30 minutes doing the evening and Sundays.
966 Airport Link to Solihull Rail Station (Stop L)
via Damsonwood, Lode Heath, Solihull Town Centre. Daily, every 30 minutes.
966 Airport Link to Erdington (Stop M)
via Chelmsley Wood, Castle Bromwich. Daily, every 30 minutes.
38 to Birmingham City Centre (Stop H)
via Sheldon, Olton, Acocks Green, Sparkbrook, Digbeth. Monday to Saturday, every 60 minutes, during the day only.
58A to Birmingham City Centre (Stop K)
via Sheldon, South Yardley, Small Heath, Digbeth. Monday to Saturday, two early morning journeys only.
New and revised services operated by Warwickshire County Council "County Links" buses under contract to:
Stagecoach
717 to Nuneaton (Stop M)
via Coleshill, Hams Hall, Shustoke, Arley, Chapel End. Monday to Saturday, every hour during the day only.
777 to Atherstone (Stop M)
via Coleshill, Kingsbury, Baddesley Ensor. Monday to Saturday, every hour during the day only.
Johnsons
757 to Sutton Coldfield (Stop M)
via Coleshill, Water Orton, Curdworth, Minworth. Monday to Saturday, every hour during the day only.
Arriva Midlands
767 to Tamworth (Stop M)
via Coleshill, Hams Hall, Kingsbury, Dosthill. Monday to Saturday, every hour during the day time only
Services 717, 757, 767 and 777 will additionally call at Coleshill Parkway rail station when it opens in spring 2007. This will provide connections with rail services to Leicester, Peterborough and beyond. Further information about the opening date of Coleshill Parkway will be provided when available.
All services also call at Birmingham International Rail Station and Interchange for connections with rail services and to serve the National Exhibition Centre. In addition bus 73 serves Birmingham Business Park and bus 676 serves Marston Green from the Interchange only.
National Express operates long distance coach services linking the Airport to a number of cities and other airports. Passengers are advised to book in advance, however where seats are available tickets can be purchased from the driver.
Digbeth coach station in Birmingham City Centre is the hub of the National Express network with services to most parts of the UK. Digbeth coach station is about 20 minutes away from the Airport and is easy to reach using the 900 bus service. For further information on long distance coach services go to www.nationalexpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationalexpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationalexpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationalexpress.com / or telephone 08705 808080.
National Express Coach Services from Birmingham International Airport:
210
Wolverhampton, Dudley, Birmingham, Birmingham International Airport, Coventry, Banbury, Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport. 12 per day.
305/314
Birmingham, Birmingham International Airport, Coventry, Northampton, Bedford, Cambridge. 3 per day.
422/538
Coventry, Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Stoke on Trent, Manchester Airport, Manchester. 2 per day.
777
Birmingham, Birmingham International Airport, Coventry, Milton Keynes, Luton, Luton Airport, Stansted Airport. 9 per day.
Air-Rail Link provides the free, fast and convenient way to travel between trains arriving at Birmingham International Station and the Airport Passenger Terminals. Air-Rail Link operates every two minutes with a journey time of just 90 seconds.
History
When passenger operations moved to their present site in 1984, a new people mover was provided by West Midlands County Council and a consortium of manufactures to connect the Airport to the adjacent main line railway. MAGLEV, as it became known, was intended as a showpiece for the new technology of magnetic levitation. Unfortunately, further sales did not materialise and the system became increasing unreliable and expensive to maintain. In 1995 it was withdrawn and replaced with a shuttle bus.
However, the airport was committed to provide a replacement and so the search was on for a suitable system. Key considerations were reliability, ability to use the existing MAGLEV structure, and of course, capital and operating costs.
The chosen system, the Doppelmayr Cable Liner Shuttle, was announced in late 2000 and construction started in 2001. Although construction was essentially completed by early 2002, delays to start of construction of the new Interchange at Birmingham International Rail Station meant it was not possible to open the system until March 2003 when the Interchange was completed. The system was originally known as SkyRail but in 2004 it was decided to rename it Air-Rail Link. This gives a clearer indication to passengers what the system is designed to do.
The Air-Rail Link System
Air-Rail Link is a cable drawn system using tried and tested technology developed over many years to move people through mountainous terrain in the Alpine regions of Europe. However, the only system directly comparable with Air-Rail Link is the Mandalay Bay People Mover in Las Vegas opened in 1999. This has achieved a high degree of reliability and other systems of this type are planned. Air-Rail Link is attached to a cable which draws the vehicles along a steel guide way mounted on the existing concrete structure. The system is driverless but monitored from a central control room.
The airport offers a range of car parking operated by NCP, from short stay drop off parking through covered multi-storey parking to long stay surface parking.
Save up to 50% by Pre-Booking
The NCP Booking Service for long stay surface and multi-storey parking offers added convenience and substantial discounts on normal rates, Terms and conditions apply and spaces are subject to availability. Please allow 48 hours for online credit card bookings. Postal applications are NOT accepted. The booking office is open: Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 1000-1600. For further information or to confirm this information call the NCP Airport Parking Service on 0870 606 7050.
Car Parking
PARKING AT BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FROM ONLY L2.99 PER DAY. PRE- BOOK AND SAVE UP TO 60% ON NORMAL RATES
NEWS FLASH- We advise our customers that from early December 2006 the entrance and exit for Long Stay Car Park 1 will be relocated to Bird Island. This is the round about before the current entrance and exit point to LSCP1. We apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause but the alterations are necessary due the construction of additional aircraft stands which will enable us to enhance the services available from Birmingham International Airport.
Booking Service
The NCP On Line Booking Service for Long Stay Surface and Multi-Storey parking offers added convenience, confirms your space and provides substantial discounts on normal rates. Terms and conditions apply, spaces subject to availability. Alternatively you can book by phone on 0870 606 7050. The Booking Office is open; Mon-Fri; 0900-1900: Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays: 1000-1600. There is a L2.50 phone booking fee. Post applications are not accepted. Whether booking On Line or by phone please make your reservation 48 hours before your date of travel.
For further information, or to confirm this information call the Birmingham International Airport Information Service on: 08707 335511
Free cycle parking is available in the corner of the short stay car park nearest T1 arrivals area. For longer stays secure cycle storage is available at T1 Left Luggage for a nominal daily charge. Groups of cyclists are advised to call 0121 767 7987 to check for space availability.
Birmingham International Airport is working with local authorities and sustainable transport charity Sustrans to develop safer and more pleasant routes for cyclists to the Airport. A two mile long segregated route is now available over the A45 and continuing to the south, linking with quiet routes to Solihull and Coventry.
For further information go to www.sustrans.co.uk for the most comprehensive information on cycle routes in the UK including online mapping.
When arriving at Birmingham International Airport passengers can enjoy a choice of six hire car companies. Cars can be pre booked by using the contact numbers below which ensures, subject to availability, that a vehicle is ready and waiting for you upon arrival. The car hire booking desks are all conveniently located in the Millennium Link Building which can be reached easily from both Terminals 1 and 2. If you have not pre booked a vehicle you simply turn up at the desk of your choice to arrange the rental there and then. A rental service is provided 24 hours a day by at least one of our partner companies.
The car hire pick up and return area is a short walk from the terminals or can be reached by the Long Stay Car Park 1 courtesy bus which can be boarded directly outside the Terminals.
If you are flying from Birmingham International Airport and wish to hire a car at your destination airport you can also use the services provided by our car hire partners.
Phone Numbers and opening hours:
Avis: 0870 608 6310 trades 24 hours Budget: 0800 181 181 trades 06.30 to 22.30 Enterprise: 0121 782 9030 trades 06.00 to 23.00 Europcar: 0121 782 6507 trades 24 hours Hertz: 0870 846 0008 trades 06.30 to 23.00 (Sat/Sun 07.00 to 22.00) National: 0121 782 5481trades 06.30 to 23.00
The airport information desk (tel: (0)870 733 5511) is located in the Millennium Link. Information points is situated in the Departures Lounge. British Airways provides a customer service desks (tel: (0)121 767 7502/3) in Terminal 2. Reservation and information service is provided by The Visitor Centre in Terminal 1.
Any items of lost property found on the airport site or within the terminal buildings are held by a company called OCS. They are located on the first floor of Terminal 1, adjacent to Boots and can be contacted directly on 0121 767 7987 (06:00 – 22:00). Outside these hours there is an answer phone service.
Items which are lost on board aircraft are held by your Airline’s handling agent.
Our aim is to make obtaining your currency requirements as easy as possible. Our Foreign Exchange partners have desks available in the main concourses before you check in, airside once you have entered the departure lounges and for arriving international passengers in baggage reclaim. If you haven’t ordered your currency in advance all you will need is your passport plus a method of payment. Currencies are available for all direct destinations from Birmingham International Airport unless legislation restricts their sale. Alternatively you can order your currency in advance and simply collect it when you arrive at Birmingham International Airport. Both our Foreign Exchange Partners offer this service which can be accessed by clicking on the appropriate icon for your flights terminal.
Terminal 1
Public Access Areas:
Travelex
Opening Times:
05.00 to 21.00 (Ground Floor Check-in), 05.00 to 20.00 (First Floor), 06.00 to 22.00 (Arrivals)
Information: 3 units sited around T1 and available to passengers at various points on their journey to or from their plane
Telephone: 0121 254 4620
Restricted access-passengers only:
Travelex
Opening Times:
04.30 to 21.00 or last flight (Departure Lounge), 07.00 to 20.00 (Baggage Hall)
Information: The early opening unit is in the departure lounge whilst the second airside unit is in the baggage hall for arriving passengers
Telephone: 0121 254 4620
Terminal 2
Public access areas:
Currency Express
Opening Times: 04.30 to 20.00(1st Floor) & 5.00 to 20.00(Check-in & Arrivals)
We have a left luggage department which is located on the first floor of Terminal 1 and adjacent to Boots. This service is operated by a company called OCS who can be contacted directly on 0121 767 7987.
Birmingham International Airport became the first major smoke free airport in England on September 30th 2006. For those wishing to smoke, there are designated covered areas provided on both Terminal frontages
Public Access Areas- Before security, available to pasengers and general public
Spar Convenience Store
Opening: 24 hours, Contact: 0121 782 4400
World News (3 stores)
Opening: 05.00 to 20.00(Check in & First floor).The Arrivals store is open 24 hours per day, Contact: 0121 767 8119
Serendipity Games
2 units providing amusements, games & rides // Opening: 05.00 to 21.00(Arrivals & First floor) // Contact: 07974 654018
Cotton Traders
Product range: An extensive range of leisure and sports clothing ideal for holiday wear. // Opening: 05.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 0121 782 4800
Impulse
Product range: A varied range of CD’s DVD’s and games to provide entertainment on your trip // Opening: 05.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 0121 780 4920
Boots
Opening: 04.00 to 22.00 // Contact: 0121 782 1953
Book Bound
Product range: Looking for a good read on your flight? // Opening: 05.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 0121 767 8152/8157
Antler
Product range: Baggage and travel accessories // Opening: 05.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 0121 780 4755
The Soft Shoe Company
Product range: Fashionable and functional footwear for all // Opening: 05.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 0121 782 5757
Ladbrokes
Opening: 06.00 to 20.00
Accessorize
Opening: 05.00 to 20.00
Restricted Access – Passengers Only:
Alpha Airport Shopping (Tax and Duty Free)
Product range: A comprehensive range of luxury goods at tax free prices plus duty free pricing for all eligible passengers // Opening: 04.00 to last flight // Contact: 0121 767 8163
Tie Rack and Rolling Luggage
Opening: 05.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 0121 782 2546
Serendipity Games
Product range: provides amusements, games & rides // Opening: 05.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 07974 654018
Boots
Opening: 04.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 0121 782 6879
Dixons
Product range: Tax free prices on computers, photographic, accessories and games consoles // Opening: 05.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 0121 780 4749
Sunglass Hut
Product range: Your holiday optical needs // Opening: 05.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 0121 782 4542
WH Smith
Opening: 04.00 to last flight // Contact: 0121 767 7891
Claires Accessories
Opening: 05.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 0121 782 4483
Cash machines are available in both public and restricted access areas in T1
Terminal 2
Public Access Areas
World News
Opening: 04.30 to 20.00, Contact: 0121 767 8152
Restricted Access-Passengers Only
Alpha Airport Shopping (Tax and Duty Free)
Product range: A comprehensive range of luxury goods at tax free prices plus duty free pricing for all eligible passengers // Opening: 04.30 to last flight // Contact: 0121 767 8163
World News
Product range:Magazines, papers and books // Opening: 04.30 to last flight // Contact: 0121 767 8152
Photo-Optix
Product range: Cameras, accessories & film // Opening: 05.00 to 20.00 // Contact: 0121 782 4469
Serendipity Games
Product range: Amusements, games & rides // Opening: 04.30 to 20.00 // Contact: 07974 654018
Cash machines are available in both public and restricted access areas in T2
Opening times: 04:00 to 21:00 // Telephone: 0121 767 9190/7873
Burger King
Opening times: 06:00 to 20:00 // Telephone: 0121 767 7811
Gallery Bar
Serves a choice of hot and cold food including carvery. Add a drink of your chosing and enjoy panoramic views of the runway. // Opening times: 05:00 to 20:00 // Telephone: 0121 767 7942
Millies Cookies
Opening times: 05:00 to 20:00 // Telephone: 0121 767 8756
Restricted Access-Passengers Only
Yates Bar
from 23rd May a new bar for our T1 passengers to enjoy // Opening Hours: 03.30 to last flight
Burger King
Opening times: 05:00 to 20:00 // Telephone: 0121 767 6879
Starbucks
Opening times: 04:30 to last flight. // Telephone: 0121 782 2199
Costa Coffee
Opening times: 04:30 to last flight. // Telephone: 0121 767 7940
Bar 08
Fine wines, champagnes, premium beers and coffee plus exclusive food. // Opening times: 04:00 to last flight // Telephone: 0121 767 9197
Deli Sandwich Bar
Opening times: 04:00 to 20:00 // Telephone: 0121 767 8198
Terminal 2
Public Access Areas
Millies Cookies
Opening times: 05:00 to 20:00
Restricted Access-Passengers Only
Bar des Voyageurs
Choice of draft beers, wines and spirits // Opening times: 04:30 to last flight
Costa Coffee
Opening times: 04:30 to last flight. // Telephone: 0121 782 4577
Birmingham International Airport, the airlines and their handling agents offer a range of facilities designed to make the disabled traveller's journey as comfortable and trouble free as possible. These guidelines are designed to help the disabled traveller make the most effective use of these services.
When making flight arrangements, so that the maximum assistance can be given, always tell the airline either directly or through your travel agent if you may have difficulty in walking, require a wheelchair or have special dietary requirements. They will then be able to make special arrangements to help you at the Airport and/or during the flight.
Terminal Buildings:
All passenger facilities are easily accessible on the ground floor and first floors by using the signposted lifts. Wheelchairs are available on request.
Assistance:
If you require wheelchair assistance from check in please ensure that you advise your airline or travel agent when making your booking. If you require additional wheelchair assistance prior to check in please also advise the Airport by calling the Birmingham International Airport Information Service on 08707 335511 (24 hours) or the Customer Services Department on 0121 767 7154 (office hours).
TextPhone (hearing for the deaf):
To help the deaf and hard of hearing with telephone information, a TextPhone system is installed at the Terminal 1 Airport Information Desk. Special TextPhone number: 0121-767-8084 We have staff available on the Information Desk who can use sign language.
Deaf Alerters; a radio based fire alarm warning system for deaf and hard of hearing people, is available at the information desk.
nduction Loop System:
To amplify announcements for passengers wearing hearing aids.
Passenger Embarkation/Disembarkation:
Airlines make their own arrangements for the care of disabled travellers and assistance will be given in getting to and from the aircraft using either a wheelchair or the purpose- built lift vehicle.
Car Parking for Disabled Passengers
If you intend your stay to be less than two hours, spaces are available in the Short Stay car park close to the terminal building. For longer periods, there are spaces in the Multi-Storey car parks. Should you require assistance please press the 'Assist' button situated at the entrance/exit to car parks. Please note that car parking is charged at the normal commercial rates. For details call Birmingham International Airport Information Service on 00-44-(0)8707 335511.
For Security reasons, disabled drivers are advised that the Blue Badge scheme does not operate within the airport except in authorised areas. To assist persons with a disability there are three designated spaces on the set down road. Waiting in these areas is limited to 30 minutes and vehicles must not be left unattended.
Toilet Facilities:
Toilets for disabled travellers are provided throughout both terminal buildings.
The Novotel offers quality 3 star service to its guests and is the only hotel on site at Birmingham International Airport. It is situated immediately adjacent to T1 and only a short walk from T2 and nearby multi-storey car parks.
The Crowne Plaza NEC (tel: (0)121 781 4000) and Hilton Birmingham Metropole (tel: (0)121 780 4242) are in close to the airport, both hotels provide airport shuttle service.