Birmingham Airport.

Airport Name. Birmingham Airport. Also known as Birmingham International Airport.

Airport Outline Details.

Airport Code. BHX

Location.

The airport is located about 8 miles southeast of Birmingham close to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). The airport is situated on the A45 road to Coventry almost adjacent to junction 6 of the M42. There are direct connections from the M1, M5, M6 and M40. The new M6 toll road provides a fast and reasonably priced alternative to the M6 if travelling towards London and the South or the North West of England. The airport is signposted from all motorways. Traffic congestion in this area is notorious; make sure allow sufficient time to get to the airport.

Number of Terminals. 2

Terminal Transfers. The elevated Millennium Link Walkway connects terminals 1 and 2.

Address. Birmingham International Airport Ltd, Airport Way, Birmingham, B26 3QJ, UK
Telephone. (0)870 733 5511
Fax. (0)121 782 8802
Website. http://www.bhx.co.uk

Scheduled Destinations Served From Birmingham Airport.

Aberdeen, Alicante, Almeria, Amritsar, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast ( Aldergrove), Belfast (City), Bergerac, Billund, Bordeaux, Brest, Bussels, Chambery, Cologne, Copenhagen, Cork, Dalaman, New Delhi, Dubai, Dublin, Dubrovnik, Dundee, Dusseldorf, Edinburgh, Faro, Frankfurt, Galway, Geneva, Glasgow, Gothenburg, Guernsey, Hamburg, Hanover, Ibiza, Inverness, Islamabad, Isle of Man, Jersey, Knock, Krakow, La Rochelle, Lanzarote, Larnaca, Lisbon, Ljubljana, Lyon, Malaga, Malta, Marseille, Menorca, Milan (Malpensa), Munich, Murcia, New York (Newark), Newcastle, Nice, Palma Majorca, Paphos, Paris, Prague, Rome, Shannon, Split, Stuttgart, Teneriefe, Toronto (YHM), Toronto (YYZ), Toulouse, Warsaw, Waterford, Zurich,

Airlines Servicing Birmingham Airport.

Airline    Phone No.    Terminal No.

Adria Airways 0207 734 4630    1

Aer Arann 0800 587 2324    1

Aer Lingus 0845 084 4444    1

Air France 0870 142 4343    2

Air Malta 0845 607 3710    1

Air Slovakia 0208 598 1100    1

Air Transat 0121 767 7768     1

Air-India 0208 560 9996     1

bmibaby 0871 224 0224     1

BritishJET.com 0800 091 2222     1

Brussels Airlines 0905 609 5609     2

City Airline 0870 220 6835     1

Continental Airlines 0845 607 6760     1

Cyprus Airways 0208-359-1333     1

Eastern Airways 01652 680 600     2

easyJet 0905 821 0905     1

Emirates 0870 2432222     1

Eurocypria 0208 359 1333     1

Eurojet 0121 782 1700     1

European Air Charter 01202 581111     1

First Choice Airways 0870 757 2757     1

flybe 0871 700 0123     2

Flyglobespan 08705 561 522     1

KLM 08705 074074 2

LTE International 0121 767 7736 1

Lufthansa 08708 377747     1

Monarch Scheduled 08700 405040     1

MyTravel Airways 0870 238 7710     1

Norwegian Air Shuttle 0208 099 7254     1

Pakistan Intnl Airlines 0121 236 3667     1

Ryanair 0871 246 0000     1

SAS 0870 60 727 727     1

SkyEurope Airlines 0905 7222 747     1

SUN-AIR 0870 850 9850     2

Swiss 0845 601 0956     2

Thomas Cook Airlines 0870 750 5711     1

Thomsonfly 0800 107 1517     1

TUIfly (HLX) 0870 606 0519     1

Turkmenistan 0121 558 6363     1

Whoosh 0871 282 6767     2

XL Airways 0121 767 7768     1

Airport Overview.

Airport Security

Security.

Birmingham Airport has very strict and frequently enforced security measures, especially after the terrorist attempts of July 2007 at Glasgow and Heathrow airports.
Take great care to ensure your luggage has been packed by you and fully understand what can and cannot be taken on board the plane as either hand luggage or luggage to be stowed in the hold. If items are confiscated from your hand luggage at security control or check in they won't be returned unless there are exceptional circumstances, nor will there any compensation. In addition you may be arrested or detained and miss your flight

Parking Security.

New Access and Parking Arrangements for drivers at Birmingham Airport.
On the 2nd of August 2007 airport administrators made air terminal parking and access changes to counter security threats such as those in Glasgow and London Heathrow earlier in the year. It is now no longer possible to park, set down or pick up passengers directly outside the airports 2 main terminals. For the foreseeable future, the Airport’s set down roads will remain closed, so Birmingham International Airport has responded to security and passenger requirements to help improve the traffic flow on the approach roads to the Terminals approach roads and enable people to get in and out of the Airport quickly by offering a range of convenient options.
Signs indicating the new access, parking, drop off and set down areas have been put up around around the airport and on its access roads directing passengers to the new Rapid Drop-Off zone, Short-Stay and Long-Stay car parks.
The new ‘Rapid Drop-Off’ parking service close to Terminals One and Two and costing £1 for 20 minutes has been put into service. This ‘Rapid Drop-Off’ facility is aimed at drivers who are literally just dropping passengers off and then leaving the airport immediately. Drivers staying longer than 20 minutes will be charged a hefty £3.00 for each subsequent 15 minutes they stay in the car park, that’s a fairly pricy £10.00 for an hour and 5 minutes, so beware the long farewells!
Drivers with a little more time can opt use the ‘free’ drop-off facilities located in the long-stay car parks which provide up to half an hour’s free parking. There are regular free buses between the ‘free’ drop off and both Terminals.
Short-Stay parking and pick-up facilities are now also located in the Airport’s Multi-Storey car parks and the price has been reduced by to £1 from £1.70 for the first half hour. Thereafter the usual short stay charges apply. This is probably the most convenient and economical way of dropping people off, and picking them up, at the airport as all short stay multi storey’s are just a couple of minutes walk from either terminal.
Disabled drivers and passengers are allowed 30 minutes complimentary parking in the Rapid Drop Off area, but don’t go a minute over. Stays of longer than 30 minutes will be charged at the full rate from the time of entry. To qualify for free parking, drivers should go to the NCP Customer Service Desk in Terminal One before leaving the Airport and show their Blue Badge to get their car park ticket validated. Passengers requiring special assistance should call OCS on 0121 767 7878 who will asses individual circumstances.
Birmingham Airport encourages passengers to visit its website – www.bhx.co.uk – prior to travelling to the Airport to familiarise themselves with these and any new changes to help speed up and simplify their journey through the Airport. Take a look at the parking section of the website for details of any new arrangements and details of long term parking, amongst some of the best value in the country from as little at £2.99 a day.

Hand Baggage.

Enhanced security can take time, so please be patient with any additional personal and luggage searches and please carry only one piece of hand luggage. Taking more than one piece may result in you having to leave one piece behind or consigning the additional baggage to the hold. This will inevitably cause delay to yourself and other passengers. Also be aware of what liquids and medicines can be taken with you as part of your hand luggage, more detail can be found on the airports web site at: www.bhx.co.uk.
Passengers at all airports should allow for increased security. Before departing for the airport please check your flight is on time and confirm what time your airline requires you to check-in.

Check-in Times and Desks.

Terminal 1
Check-In Desks:
On the ground floor in the main concourse.
Departure Lounges:
On the first floor.
Arrivals Concourse:
On the ground floor in the Millennium Link Block.

Terminal 2
Check-In Desks:
On the ground floor in the main concourse.
Departure Lounges:
On the first floor.
Arrivals Concourse:
On the ground floor in the main concourse.
Details of your luggage allowance can be found on your flight ticket, however please contact your airline directly if you are in any doubt.

As a general guideline in these times of enhanced security, plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to scheduled departure for UK domestic flights and up to 3 hours prior to scheduled departure for international flights. If flying with EasyJet or Ryanair check the current position regarding payments for hold luggage. Check-in Desks generally open 3 hours before departure. Passengers should allow plenty of time to complete the check in process and proceed through to the security area. This is particularly relevant to those travelling with children or in large groups. For full details passengers should refer to their ticket, contact the airline that you are travelling with, or the relevant Tour Operator.

Toy or replica guns (metal, plastic or wood), Catapults, Household cutlery, Knives with blades of any length, Razor blades, Tools, Darts, Scissors, Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons. Check with your airline and the security authorities before entering the security area), Knitting needles, Sporting bats, Billiard, snooker or pool cues, Corkscrews.

The following items may generally be packed in your hand luggage, however if you have any doubts at all contact your airline or the security authorities before entering the security area.

The guidelines for travelling from all UK airports state that passengers may only carry ONE small item of hand luggage, and liquids are only permitted when in containers of 100ml or less. Liquid containers must be placed together in a 20cm x 20cm re-sealable, transparent plastic bag and presented separately at the search point. In addition, all coats and jackets must be removed and any laptop computers presented to security staff separately. 'Liquids' include cosmetics such as mascara, foundation and lip gloss, contact lens solutions, roll-on deodorants and foods such as yoghurts, spreads and pastes. These can still be packed in bags that are checked in, as the new rules only apply to hand luggage. The one piece of hand luggage permitted includes handbags, and bag size should not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. 'Test boxes' which gauge whether a bag meets the new hand baggage regulations are situated around the check in area if passengers are in any doubt.

Airport Facilities.

Airport Facilities - Information Desks.

Facilities at Birmingham Airport.

Birmingham Airport Information Desk. The airport information desk Call (0)870 733 5511 is located in the Millennium Link area. In addition there is also an information point located in the Departures Lounge. British Airways have a dedicated customer service desk Call (0)121 767 7502/3 in Terminal 2. The Visitor Centre in Terminal 1 provides tourist information and a hotel reservation service.

Meeting Points

Terminal 1
On the ground floor in the main concourse, adjacent to Travelex Foreign Exchange.

The majority of services offered are available in both Terminal One and the Eurohub. Please enquire at the information desk for any new or specific facilities.

Airport Facilities – Food and Drink

Food and Drink.

Terminal 1

Public Access Areas
Frankie and Bennys
Italian/New York themed restaurant and bar
Opening Hours: 05.00 to 20.00

Pash
Self Service breakfast, lunch and snacks
Opening Hours: 06.00 to 18.00

Est Presso
Coffee drinks & snacks
Opening Hours: 24 hours

World News Cafe
Serves Coffee, drinks and snacks.
Opening times: 06.00 to 22.00 hours

Telephone: 0121 767 8132

Starbucks
Opening times: 24 hours

Telephone: 0121 782 5571

Wetherspoon The Dragonfly Pub
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
A fantastic new contemporary bar serving beers, wines, spirits, hot drinks plus a full hot food menu
Opening Hours: 03.30 to last flight

Burger King
Opening times: 05:00 to 20:00
Telephone: 0121 767 6879

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
Costa Coffee
Great coffee and snacks

Terminal 2
Public Access Areas

Subway
A delicous range of sandwiches freshly prepared to your tastes as you wait
Opening times:

Restricted Access-Passengers Only

Wetherspoons
Another great new bar at BIA offering a selection of beers, spirits, wine and hot food
Opening times: 04.30 to last flight

Costa Coffee
Quality coffee in many forms and fantastic snacks
Opening times: 04:30 to last flight.
Telephone: 0121 782 4577

Soho Coffee Co
Hot snacks, salads and sandwiches …and of course great coffee.

Airport Facilities – Shopping.

Shopping.

Terminal 1

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

La Senza
Product range: A varied selection of quality lingerie
Opening: 05.00 to 22.00
Contact:

Boots
Product Range: Sandwiches, health and beauty plus travel accessories
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
Product range: An extensive selection of accessories for all your fashion needs
Opening: 05.00 to 20.00

Austin Reed
Product range: Quality clothing for ladies and gentlemen
Opening: 05.00 to 22.00
Contact: 0121 782 7975

WH Smith Stationery
Product range:Offering a wide range of greetings cards, gift wrap and stationery gifts
Opening: 05.00 to 22.00

Whittards/Julian Graves
Product range:Enjoy an extensive range of tea, coffee, snacks and related gifts.

Terminal 1
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
Product range: Sandwiches, health and beauty plus travel accessories
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: A full range of exclusive Designer, specialist and great value sunglasses for your holiday needs
Opening: 05.00 to 20.00
Contact: 0121 782 4542

World News Opening: 04.00 to last flight
Contact: 0121 767 7891

Claires Accessories
Opening: 05.00 to 20.00
Contact: 0121 782 4483

WH Smith Books
Opening: 04.00 to last flight

Soft Shoe Co
An extensive range of mens and ladies footwear ideal for your holiday
Contact: 0121 782 5757

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

Austin Reed
Product range: Quality clothing
Opening: 05.00 to last flight
Contact: 0121 782 7696

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

Airport Facilities – Money.

Money.

Bureaux de change and ATMs are available in both terminals. Postal facilities are available in Terminal 1
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)
Information: 2 units in the public areas of T2
Telephone: 0121 782 4010

Restricted access-passengers only

Currency Express
Opening Times:
05.00 to 20.00
This unit is in the departure lounge
Telephone: 0121 782 4010

Airport Facilities – Telecoms

Communications.

Telephones.

Are located throughout the airport and offer both coin and credit card payment facilities.

Credit card-operated Fax machines are available in the Business Booths located in the Departure Lounge.

Limited postal facilities are located on the ground floor in the main concourse.

Airport Facilities – Business.

Business Facilities. There are a number of business booths available in the Terminal 1 Departures lounge, offering credit-card operated telephones, e-mail, modem and fax facilities. Free workstations are provided.

AirSpace provides meeting rooms accommodating from four to 40 delegates. Flipcharts, computer terminals and overhead projection units are available. Call. (0)121 767 8063.

Airport Facilities – Car Parking

Birmingham Airport Parking Facilities.

All on airport parking at Birmingham Airport is operated by NCP. There are long and short stay parking facilities. Some services such as long stay and multi storey parking can be booked in advance with credit card payment. Call NCP for details on 0870 606 7050 or visit the website: http://www.ncp.co.uk Opening Hours, Mon-Fri 9:00am to 7:00pm, Sundays and public holidays: 10 am to 4;00 pm.

Short-term parking is located conveniently close to all terminals. Tariffs are reasonable for very short stays, 1 hour aprox £1.70 and 2 hours aprox £7.00 from there prices rise dramatically to a staggering £ 60.00 for 24 hours. Long stay on airport parking charges is more expensive if not pre booked. Pre booking can reduce rates by up to 40% details from NCP, on (0)8707 335511 or visit the website http://www.ncp.co.uk Non-Booked rates start at about £10.00 for the first 24 hours and than about £8.00 per day thereafter.

NB. Don’t forget to pay at the parking pay stations before going back to your car. If you are going to be away for any length of time write down the level and location of your car if you are using a multi story car park and keep it safe with your parking ticket. If you are using the open long stay car park jot down the number or letter of the row or zone you have parked in.

Airport Facilities – Facilities for the Disabled

Facilities for the disabled at Birmingham Airport.

We believe Birmingham International Airport has some of the best disability facilities of any UK airport. The airport authorities, the airlines and their handling agents offer an ever-improving range of facilities designed to ensure the disabled traveller's journey is as trouble free and comfortable as possible.
Disabled passengers making travel arrangements should contact the airline they are flying with either directly or through your travel agent so that maximum assistance can be given. It is essential these arrangements be made as far in advance as possible especially if you have walking difficulties, require wheelchair assistance or have special dietary requirements.

Wheelchairs.

Within the Terminal Buildings all disabled passenger facilities are easily accessible on both the ground floor and first floor by using the sign posted lifts. Wheelchairs are available on request. Should you require wheelchair assistance and have not notified your airline in advance contact the Information Desk on 08707 335511 (24 hours) or the Customer Services Department on 0121 767 7154, office hours only.

Disabled Toilet Facilities.

Toilets for disabled travellers are plentiful and located throughout both terminal buildings. In addition there is a Disabled toilet facility in the Multi-Storey car park .The keys can be collected from the multi storey car park control centre.

Airline Access for Disabled passengers.

All airlines make their own arrangements for the care of disabled travellers including those with wheelchairs and assistance will be given in getting passengers to and from the aircraft using either your wheelchair or a purpose built lift vehicle.

Assistance for passengers with hearing difficulties.

A TextPhone system is installed in the Terminal 1 Airport Information Desk to help the deaf and those with hearing difficulties with telephone information. The TextPhone number: 0121-767-8084. The Information Desk has staff that can use sign language. There are a number of Induction Loops around the terminals to amplify announcements for those passengers wearing hearing aids.

Disabled Car Parking Facilities.

If you are an able bodied driver intending to drop off and accompany disabled departing passengers into the terminal you can use one of six dedicated set down spaces with a waiting limit of 30 minutes, cars using these spaces should display their Orange badges. For security reasons the Blue Badge scheme does not operate within the airport except in some authorised areas. Should these dedicated spaces be full or you wish to stay for a longer period the short stay car park which is very close to the terminal building should be used for periods of two hours or less. For longer periods, there are spaces in the Multi-Storey car parks. Drivers/Passengers requiring assistance should press the 'Assist' button situated at the entrance and exit to the car parks. There are no parking charge concessions for disabled travellers. For further information and special assistance call: National Car Parks: 00-44-(0)8707 335511

More information for disabled travellers can be found on these two websites: http://www.dft.gov.uk and http://www.flying-with-disability.org

Airport Facilities – Other Facilities

Other Facilities Available at Birmingham Airport.

Arrivals Information.

For information on arriving flights see the Live Arrivals page on BBC1 and 2 Ceefax on page 449 or ITV Teletext on page 192, or call 08707 335511

Check-In Desks.

On the ground floor in the main concourse.

Departure Lounges.

On the first floor.

Arrivals Area.

On the ground floor in the Millennium Link Block.

Airline Ticket Desks.

A number of scheduled airlines have ticket and enquiry desks located on the ground floor of the main concourse.

Baggage Trolleys.

Are available at the main entrance to the terminal and in the Baggage Reclaim area.

Rendezvous and Meeting Point.

This is situated on the lower floor in the main concourse, next to the Travelex Bureau de Change.

Smoking Areas.

Birmingham International Airport was the first major smoke free airport in England on September 30th 2006, 9 months before the July 2007 ban on smoking in public places. There are designated, signposted covered areas provided on both Terminal frontages for those wishing to smoke.

Left Luggage.

There is a left luggage facility located on the first floor, next door to the Boots Chemists shop. The facility also offers key holding and a luggage delivery service. Opening Times. 1 Apr-31 Oct: 24 hours, 1 Nov-31 Mar: 0500-2100

Medical Facilities. Birmingham Airport has a 24-hour first Aid and general medical service.

Photo Booth. For that last minute ID photo there is a photo booth located in the main concourse on the ground floor

Religious Facilities.

Airport Prayer Room

Located in the Millennium Link Building between T1 and T2
Sunday Service 09:30 every week. The style of service depends on the tradition of the worship leader, but everyone is welcome to any service.
Prayer resources for each major faith are provided within the cupboards, e.g. prayer mats, bibles etc.
The Christian cupboard contains the reserve sacrement.
Wudu / Washing Facilities
Are available in T1 located within the toilet facilities on the Main Concourse
The Airport prayer room is supported by the multi Faith Chaplaincy team
Email: barbara.hayes@bhx.co.uk or office hours mobile: 07787 761727

Baby Changing Rooms. Available 24 hours and situated on the ground floor and in the Departure Lounge.

Nappy Changing Rooms:

Terminal 1
Available at all times and situated on the first floor near Burger King and also in the Departure Lounge.

Terminal 2
Available at all times and located in the departure lounge and adjacent to Arrivals on the ground floor.
.
Transport - Getting to and from the Airport.

Getting to and from Birmingham International Airport.

By Rail

Strategically located Birmingham Airport is linked by the SkyRail facility giving direct access to the West Coast Main Line serving destinations from London to Scotland via the Midlands and the North West of England. Frequent cross-country, Inter City and local regional services also operate from the airport station. Journey times, (aprox), to central Birmingham take about 15 minutes, London 90 minutes, Manchester 1 hour 20 minutes, Glasgow 3hours 20 minutes and Plymouth 3 hours 50 minutes.

SkyRail

The SkyRail connects Birmingham International Rail Station & Interchange to the Airport Passenger Terminals. SkyRail operates about every 2 minutes when the rail station is open with a journey time of about 2 minutes. Essentially an elevated monorail system SkyRail speeds passengers effortlessly and comfortably from the rail network to the terminal.

Rail links to Birmingham City Centre.

During peak daytime periods there are trains at approximately every 10 minutes between Birmingham International Interchange and Birmingham New Street station and vice versa, New Street station is subterranean and is located in the heart of the city centre adjacent to the newly developed Bull Ring shopping complex. Journey time is approximately 10 to15 minutes depending on service. During weekends, evenings and public holidays services are less frequent. Service tend to stop at around 11:30 pm and restart at about 6:00 am Tickets to Birmingham New Street can be bought at Birmingham International Interchange are valid on all trains. Tickets can be bought on the train but special offers and discounted travel is generally not available.

Virgin Trains.

Virgin Trains provide direct services to major destinations throughout the UK including a half-hourly service to London Euston with journey times of approximately 90 minutes. The recently introduced ‘Pendolino’s’ (Tilting Trains) have cut the London journey time down to about 60 minutes but not all these services call at Birmingham International Rail Station. Manchester takes about 65 minutes on the new trains and about 80 minutes on the conventional trains. The Virgin network is the most comprehensive in the UK covering most major cities from the North of Scotland to the far South West of England. Many destinations can be reached directly from Birmingham International Rail Station.

Central Trains.

Central Trains operate within the immediate locality of Birmingham and the Midlands. At rush hour and peak periods these trains can be small and overcrowded, however they generally offer fast and reasonably priced travel to many smaller destinations within a 50-mile radius of the airport. Tickets for Central Trains and Centro suburban services must be bought before travel commences. Full details of all their services can be obtained by calling 0870 6082608.

Silverlink Train Services.

Silverlink offer direct services to London Euston. These trains stop and many intermediate stations and consequently the journey times are longer than the fast direct services offered by Virgin Trains. However they offer excellent connections to passengers living throughout London, the South East and the Home Counties. Fastest journey time to London is approximately 2 hours.

For timetable and fare information call the Network Rail Information Line on: 08457 48 49 50. This service can be slow. Travellers are advised to make all rail journey arrangements well in advance of travel, as cheaper fares are often available.

By Road to Birmingham International Airport.

Driving.

The airport is situated on the A45 road to Coventry almost adjacent to junction 6 of the M42. There are direct connections from the M1, M5, M6 and M40. The new M6 toll road provides a fast and reasonably priced alternative to the M6 if travelling towards London and the South or the North West of England. The airport is signposted from all motorways. Traffic congestion in this area is notorious; make sure allow sufficient time to get to the airport.

Taxi. Black cabs (The same as the typical London cab) carry up to five people with luggage although additional charges apply for the number of passengers carried, the amount of luggage and the time of day. Call. (0) 121 782 3744 for full details. Journey takes typically 20 to 30 minutes but can take considerably longer during peak periods. Fares are metered on all official taxis and the average fare to Birmingham city centre hotels and convention centres is approximately £18.00. It is recommended that travellers do not use taxis without meters.

Bus. Local buses link the airport to the city centre and much of the suburban West Midlands region. All local buses stop outside the terminals. Fares and timetables are to complex to note here and for full timetable and fare information travellers should call Traveline on (0)870 608 2608, or visit these excellent websites for further details: HYPERLINK "http://www.centro.org.uk" www.centro.org.uk or HYPERLINK "http://www.travelwm.co.uk" www.travelwm.co.uk

Long Distance Coach Services. National Express operates long-distance coach services, linking the airport to Birmingham and a number of other cities. A more comprehensive network of national destinations is available from the Birmingham city centre coach station in Digbeth. National Express also operates Flight link, which connects Birmingham Airport with other major UK airports. Call Flightlink on (0)8705 757 747 For National Express Call. (0)8705 808 080, or visit their website: HYPERLINK "http://www.nationalexpress.com" www.nationalexpress.com )

The recent flooding in parts of the English Midlands has given Birmingham Airport a boost in passenger traffic: for millions of people in areas such as Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and the East Midlands, who bore the brunt of the bad weather Birmingham is their local airport. Figures for July show a rise in passengers numbers up 0.8% over the same period last year, and whilst that dosn't sound like a very high figure, any rise in the busy summer months is significant.  read more »