Birmingham Travel & Transport

The transport system in Birmingham offers visitors a number of ways to get around including taking public transport such as buses and trains to using the road with car hire and coaches.

Buses
Birmingham has an extensive bus network providing transport across Birmingham and to the outskirts of the city. Local bus services and timetables are shown at: Network West Midlands. Local Birmingham buses cannot be hailed to be stopped, passengers should use the official bus stops to board or leave the bus.


Trains
Trains in Birmingham serve a number of routes across the centre of Birmingham and the outskirts. There are several mainline rail routes offering local and regional services including services to Manchester, Newcastle, London, Leicester and Nottingham. Train services and timetables are shown at: Network West Midlands. There are regular services to the main hub Birmingham New Street railway station from London Euston station, whilst from London Marylebone station there are services to Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill. The approx journey time from London to Birmingham’s stations is between 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on the service used.

For more information please see National Rail Enquiries


Midland Metro
The West Midlands has a light rail service, the Midland Metro offering services from Birmingham to Wolverhampton via West Bromwich and Wednesbury. The Metro is available from Birmingham Snow Hill and goes to the Jewellery Quarter before going to West Bromwich and Wednesbury.

For more information please see: Midland Metro


Canal
Birmingham is accessible via canal with narrow boats able to travel on the 200 miles of local canals. Travelling via narrow boat gives visitors a different option to see the city offering a step back in time and an altogether more relaxing and serene way of travelling. There are a range of attractions that can be seen from the canalside and riverside cafes to stop off at. Riding in the narrow boats combined with using a bicycle and walking on the towpath to explore the attractions and places of interest make for an interesting and different way to see Birmingham. Please see: Waterscape for more information.


Public Transport Safety Tips
Most journeys on public transport in Birmingham go ahead without incident, in order to minimise the chances of any incidents, passengers may wish to consider the following safety tips:

- Be aware of your belongings at all times.
- Do not leave your bags and belongings unattended at any time.
- Stay alert and aware of your environment and those around you.
- Do not show valuables including money and jewellery in public.
- If you are carrying a bag/handbag, ensure you use a bag that has a strong good quality strap and wear it across your shoulder (not on your shoulder), with the pockets closed facing towards your waist. Carrying the bag on your shoulder makes it much easier for criminals to snatch the bag or cut the strap.
- Be careful and cautious in crowds and beware of pickpockets, do not leave anything valuable showing in public including wallets in back trouser pockets.
- Sit in carriages with other passengers do not sit in carriages with no/fewer passengers.
- Try not to use smaller/isolated stations especially at night.
- When waiting for buses, trains, boats and taxis stand with other passengers in an area that is well lit, do not stand/wait in isolated areas.


Car
There are a number of car hire firms in Birmingham that offer car rental services for both short and longer term car hire offering a range of vehicles from small budget cars to family cars to larger mini-buses and luxury cars. Birmingham does experience traffic congestion along with many other cities, the traffic is usually at its peak during the peak morning and evening rush hours however road incidents and unforeseen circumstances can create traffic congestion at all times.

Birmingham is located at the heart of the UK motorway network making it relatively easy for motorists to get to the city from all major routes. The M5, M6, M40, M42, A34 and A38 are all located close by offering good road connections in and out of Birmingham.

Parking in Birmingham is available in the main car parks including at the Bull Ring, Edgbaston Street and Moor Street car parks. is the Westgate Car Park, there are car parks at Gloucester Green and Worcester Street.

Drivers should note there are parking restrictions in the city and there may be driving restrictions in and around the city centre. Following the rules is advised as any infringement is likely to be met with strict enforcement of fines.


Coach
Birmingham is easily accessible by coach with coach services from a number of UK towns and cities including from London Victoria where there are regular coach services to Birmingham every hour. Both National Express and Megabus offer coach services from London to Birmingham.


Taxi
Taxis can be hailed from the street, the black cabs offer a good option for travellers with luggage and for those travelling late at night. The official taxis are regulated, with the main taxi ranks being located at Birmingham New Street, Digbeth Coach Station and Stephenson Street. TOA Taxis provide taxi services for Birmingham.


Air
Birmingham Airport is located approx 8 miles to the east of Birmingham city centre, with a journey time of 20 minutes by car. The airport is home to more than 50 airlines servicing over 100 destinations with both short haul and long haul flights catered for.




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