Birmingham

The airport is 13 km from the centre.

• Train (Birmingham International → New Street)simplest20 min·2,50 € 1 September 2026

  every 5-15 min from approx. 6:05 (Sun. 8:45) until 23:15

  £2.50 on express service (Avanti only) or £3.60 for a ticket valid on all services. Preceded by the free Air-Rail Link (under 2 min, every 2 min, 5:15-2:00) between the terminal and Birmingham International station.

• Bus 90025 min·2,20 € 1 September 2026

  every 20-30 min from ~4:50 (Sun. 7:00) to midnight; hourly night service with bus 97A

  May take longer during peak periods. Ticket not valid for transfers.

• National Express (coach)price not stated

  every 30 min in the early morning

  Useful for early morning flights as trains do not start as early. Fare varies depending on booking.

• Taxi25 min·22 € 1 September 2026

  About 20-30 min depending on traffic; the train remains more direct and faster during peak hours.

Why that one: Direct journey, fast (10-20 min) and frequent, preceded by a free shuttle from the terminal; significantly cheaper than a taxi.

bus · train · tram · taxi · bicycle · electric scooter · boat

Single ticket

3 € 1 September 2026

Day pass

5,20 € 1 September 2026

Bus fares: single ticket £3 (all operators), day ticket £5.20/person, Group Daysaver £9.20 for up to 5 people. The tram (West Midlands Metro) costs about £2 for a single, £3.50 for a return and £4.50 for a day pass. The local train costs between £3 and £8 for a local return.

The sources consulted say nothing about tourist passes. Rather than guess, we say nothing.

No tourist pass specific to Birmingham is mentioned in the sources.

Cheap meal

2 € 1 September 2026

The only meal price mentioned is a chicken burger at £2 (April 2021) at The Chicken Hut. The restaurant Purnell's (1 Michelin star) is listed from £100+.

Currency

pound sterling (£, GBP)

Languages

English

Tipping

In restaurants, if service is not included, a tip of 10 to 12.5% is customary (country source).

Tap water

Tap water is drinkable in almost the entire country; quality varies in isolated mountain areas (country source, not specific to Birmingham).

Emergencies

999 ou 112 ; 101 pour la police en cas non urgent ; 111 pour le NHS (source pays)

• Confusing New Street Station

  The station is huge and confusing: platforms are divided into sections (4A, 4B, 4C...) and two trains to different destinations may depart from the same platform. Last-minute platform changes are frequent; it is best to stay near the information screens and stairs.

• Clean Air Zone

  A daily charge applies to polluting vehicles driving in the city centre (inside the A4540 ring road): £8 for pre-2006 petrol cars and pre-2015 diesel cars, £50 for trucks and coaches.

• Congestion charge

  A charge of £8 per day applies to vehicles driving inside the A4540 Middleway ring road, except low-emission vehicles.

• Digbeth at night

  The coach station (Birmingham Coach Station) is about a 10-minute walk from the centre via Digbeth High Street, an area considered unpleasant at night or with a lot of luggage; it is better to take a bus or a taxi in that case.

• 'Stress test' scam (Scientology)

  Be wary of people offering a free 'stress test', particularly on New Street near the junction with Ethel Street: they are attempting to recruit for the Church of Scientology.

• Fine for travelling without a valid ticket

  Fare evasion is common on trains but checks exist (barriers at New Street, Snow Hill, Moor Street, Five Ways, University). The on-the-spot fine is £100 (up to £1000 announced but rarely applied).

• Aston Villa / Birmingham City football matches

  It is advisable to avoid the city centre during these derbies due to violent rivalries between supporters.

• Parking in Digbeth

  The cheapest parking in the city (about £1/hour to £4/day) is found in Digbeth, but these spots have a bad reputation for vehicle parts theft; best used during busy hours.