Birmingham Airport Mini Guide
The Airport
Birmingham Airport is situated right in the heart of the UK and is accessible to over 35 million people, within a 2 hour drive! The airport is just 7 miles east of the city centre in Bickenhill, which is about 20 minutes by car or 10 minutes by train. It is the 7th busiest airport in the UK.
Getting There
At present, 36 airlines operate at Birmingham Airport, offering domestic flights within the UK, European and international flights. Destinations further afield can be connected via hubs in Europe and the Middle East. Many charter and budget airlines fly into Birmingham with short-to-mid haul routes from popular European resorts. These often change on a seasonal basis. Extension to the main runway to be completed in 2013 will enable it to take larger aircraft from bigger destinations.
Travelling From the Airport
There is a free monorail shuttle service that takes you from the airport terminal to the National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham International train station in 90 seconds. From there you can take a train into the city to Birmingham New Street station, the trains depart every 10 minutes approximately and the journey time is 10 minutes.
There are 2 main bus services into the city, the 900 and the 966. National Express and Megabus provide long distance coach travel from the airport. Both bus and coach services leave from just outside the terminal building. You will find the car hire desks in the arrivals area, where a representative will be waiting to meet you. The journey to the city will take about 23 minutes, via the A45, M42 and A38.
Shopping
There are a variety of shops in the main check-in area and departure lounge including Next and Austin Reed for fashion, Claire’s and Accessorize for those finishing touches to a holiday outfit and Antler if you need extra luggage to pack your shopping in! WHSmith has a good selection of books and magazines for your journey and Boots the chemist is there for the toiletries you forgot to pack and extra sun cream. Both stores have outlets throughout the terminal building.
Eating and Drinking
If you get hungry at the airport, you can get anything from a sandwich to fast food or if you prefer, you can have a meal in a pub style setting at Yates or Wetherspoon. For coffee and a quick panini (or for your in-flight sandwich/salad!) you can try Costa, Pret A Manger or Upper Crust, there are plenty to choose from.
Other Information
In the departures area there is an information desk, should you need any further assistance. For families, there is a children’s play area available in the departures area. There are 2 executive lounges at the terminal, where you can relax in comfort, have a drink and a snack and use the business facilities, all for a small fee. Internet access is also available at business booths situated in the terminal. First Aid is available 24 hours a day. Prayer rooms are also available.
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
OCS can provide assistance through the airport and onto the aircraft for passengers with reduced mobility. People movers, wheelchairs and paging devices are just some of the facilities available. There is an induction loop system for passengers who are hard of hearing and there are staff available who use sign language.