Everything you need to know when traveling to and from Birmingham International Airport
Birmingham International Airport is the sixth busiest airport in the UK, handling over 10 million passengers each year. It has just published a master plan for its development through 2030, the first major project being an extension to the main runway to be completed in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games. You can fly to most European cities from Birmingham International, both on regular flights as charters, and the airport also operates flights connecting it to some major transport hubs, including Manchester and Heathrow in the UK and Paris, Madrid and Zurich for flights north. America.
The airport is located just 10km east of Birmingham in Solihull, approximately five minutes from junction 6 of the M42. It is easily accessible by car with the motorway network close by and direct links to the M6, M5, M40, M1 and the new M6 toll road. Birmingham Airport also has excellent public transport links to rail, coach and bus stations.
If you want to rent a car, there are six main car rental companies in the airport complex that have counters on the Millennium Link Walkway that connects both terminals. If you prefer to travel by taxi, there are many Black Cabs at the official taxi rank which is located just outside the passenger terminals. Black Cabs carry up to 5 people with luggage and are the only company at the airport licensed to operate without advance reservations. The journey to Birmingham city center will cost you around GBP 16.
If you prefer to take a private transfer from the airport for guests, clients or yourself or require a meet and greet service, then there are a number of private transfer companies and limousines to choose from at the airport or in its immediate surroundings,
It will take approximately 45 minutes from the landing to reach the arrivals area, where you will find a Spar shop if you need any basic food. An ATM is available and the exchange office is always open during flight hours. If you are departing from Birmingham Airport, there are two check-in areas (with a total of 86 counters) in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, so make sure you know which one your flight is departing from. For both terminals, the check-in counters are on the ground floor of the main concourse and the departure lounges are on the first floor. There are a few shops, restaurants, cafes and bars in this area, but most of them are in the Departures Lounge once you go through passport control and security. The Gallery Bar is a good place to sit and wait, as it has great views of the runway.
Buses leave from Terminal 2 opposite (Bus and Coach Terminus) and there is an excellent bus and coach service from the airport to local areas with National Express operating a service to other parts of the country and other airports. Although there is no train station at the airport, Birmingham International Train Station is only a two-minute ride away on a free shuttle (Air Link) that runs every two minutes. From here there are connections to the National Exhibition Center and New Street Station, which is in the center of Birmingham.
There are several options for car parking at Birmingham International Airport with short-term, multi-storey, long-term and VIP parking. Short-term parking cannot be reserved, but others can. The long-stay car park is the furthest away, but there is a regular shuttle bus service that will drop you off and pick you up at the terminal buildings. It’s also worth checking parking outside the airport, as it can often be much cheaper than parking at the resort.
If you forgot something on the plane, contact the airline or lost property, but if your luggage was lost in transit, you’ll need to contact your airline’s contracted ground handling agents. Luggage storage is also available at Birmingham Airport.
Birmingham Airport Information offers excellent services including children’s facilities, disabled facilities, internet access, currency/bank exchange and veterinary facilities if you are traveling with your pet. You can also get local weather details with a 5 and 10 day forecast for Birmingham Airport.