For our international visitors Birmingham's International Airport is located in the Borough of Solihull to the east of the city and there are several direct arrivals a day from all major UK and European destinations, and more from more distant places such as Delhi, Dubai (twice daily), Islamabad, Luxor, New York and Toronto.. As of 2008, the airport is the sixth busiest by passenger traffic in the United Kingdom.
Once arrived in Birmingham local public transport is by bus, local train and tram. The city's main railway station, Birmingham New Street, is at the centre of the national railway network. Birmingham Snow Hill station, another major railway station in the city centre, is also a terminus for the Midland Metro which operates between the station and Wolverhampton, also serving the nearby towns of Bilston, Wednesbury and West Bromwich. There are plans to extend the Midland Metro route further into Birmingham city centre. Birmingham has a large rail-based park and ride network that feeds the city centre. see Birmingham Rail Stations.
Partly because of its inland central location, Birmingham is a major transport hub on the motorway, rail, and canal networks. The city is served by a number of major motorways and probably the best known motorway junction in the UK: Spaghetti Junction. For visitors from the UK, Birmingham is a great destination for a visit and can be easily reached by bus, train or car.
For the bus users among you the number 11A and 11C outer circle bus routes are the longest urban bus routes in Europe, being 26 miles (42 km) long with 272 bus stops. Bus routes are mainly operated by National Express West Midlands, which accounts for over 80% of all bus journeys in Birmingham, however, there are around 50 other, smaller registered bus companies. The extensive bus network allows passengers to travel to and from various districts of the city, while there are longer bus routes which take passengers to areas further afield such as Wolver Hampton, Dudley, Walsall, West Bromwich, Halesowen, Stourbridge and the Merry Hill Shopping Centre. The only towns in the West Midlands conurbation that currently lack a direct public transport link with Birmingham are Sedgley, Kingswinford, Wednesfield and Willenhall.
If public transport is not for you, you will not be stranded! Why not try some of the following options?
A highly recommended activity is to hop on a bike to explore the extensive canal network, enjoy the country parks, travel to out-of-town attractions, or experience more distant places such as Warwick, Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon. Birmingham City Council produces an excellent cycling and walking map of the area. You can pick one up from any local library, tourist information office, leisure centre or bike shop.
Birmingham City Council produces a map of city centre & car parks (available from tourist information offices). Car hire is possible both in the city centre and at the airport
Birmingham's City Centre is partially pedestrianised, and most things to see and do can be reached on foot. Birmingham walking directions can be planned online with the walkit.com walking route planner.
Whatever means of travel you prefer, Birmingham is an extremely easy place to get to and get around. All you need to worry about is getting to see all the great things the city has to offer during your stay! (see Things to Do)