Getting Here:

Birmingham, being conveniently located centrally inland, 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 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 one or two from more distant places such as Delhi, Dubai (twice daily), Islamabad, Luxor, New York and Toronto.

Having arrived in Birmingham Airport, the excellent public transport the city has to offer is at your disposal to get you around during the duration of your stay, here is a brief outline of each technique available:

By Bus; All areas of Birmingham are well-served by bus routes, operated almost exclusively by National Express West Midlands. The Traveline Midlands Journey Planner is a great guide for planning your bus route. Single fares are currently £1.70 for on NEWM services, you can buy an all-day pass, or 'Daysaver' for £3.30 or an evening (after 6PM) pass for £2.20.There are frequent services in and out of the city centre from most locations.

By Taxi: Birmingham has an abundance of taxi ranks all over the city, the best-served being New Street Station. Both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles are easy to find. You may pre-book your taxi online for ease of mind and convenience at such websites as  www.taxisbirmingham.net/. 

By Train: There is an extensive overland rail network serving most of Birmingham and the West Midlands area, operated mainly by London Midland. Route maps and timetables are available from libraries, tourist information offices, railway stations and the Traveline Midlands Journey Planner

By Tram: Birmingham has a single metro line, running between Snow Hill Station and Wolverhampton, timetable and fare information is listed on the Midland Metro website.

By water bus: A great way to see the city at low cost are the water buses and taxis which operate out of the canal offices in Gas Street Basin (underneath Broad Street). They also provide fantastic tours of the area.

By Bicycle: 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.

By Car: 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.

By Motorcycle: Motorcycles and mopeds are becoming increasingly popular in Birmingham as a way of avoiding rush hour traffic jams, and usually enjoy free parking in city centre car parks.

On Foot: 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.