Birmingham Airport
BHXThe Midlands' busiest airport, connecting the region to over 140 destinations worldwide.
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the UK's seventh-busiest airport, handling around 13 million passengers a year from its single terminal in Solihull, just eight miles from Birmingham city centre. It serves a broad mix of short-haul leisure routes, long-haul services to North America, the Middle East, and South Asia, and is a key gateway for the 10 million people living within an hour's drive. A direct rail link to Birmingham International station makes it one of the most straightforward UK airports to reach by public transport.
The Terminal
Birmingham operates a single integrated terminal, which keeps the airport compact and easy to navigate. Check-in, security, and departures are all on one site — there is no inter-terminal transfer to worry about.
Check-in & Departures
The terminal has two check-in zones — Zone A and Zone B — allocated by airline. Most carriers also offer online check-in and bag-drop, which significantly cuts queue times. Departures are split across two piers (the main pier and the Pier A extension) once you are through security.
Arrivals
Arrivals are on the ground floor of the terminal. The baggage reclaim hall is compact and well signposted. Car hire desks, taxi ranks, and the covered walkway to Birmingham International rail station are all within a short walk of the arrivals exit.
Airlines serving Birmingham
Getting to Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport has one of the best rail connections of any UK regional airport. The train is almost always the fastest and most stress-free option from the city and beyond.
Train — Birmingham International
Birmingham International station is directly connected to the terminal by a free Air-Rail Link monorail that runs every two minutes and takes under two minutes. From the station, trains run to Birmingham New Street in around 10 minutes, and to London Euston in approximately 65–80 minutes. Cross Country services also connect to Coventry, Leicester, and the North.
10 min to New Street · 65–80 min to Euston · Free monorail link
National Express Coach
National Express operates services from Birmingham city centre and from destinations across the Midlands, including Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Leicester. Coaches drop off and pick up at the terminal forecourt. A cheaper option than the train for those travelling from further afield.
From Birmingham city centre ~30 min · Advance fares from ~£5
Driving & Drop-off
The airport sits just off the M42 (Junction 6), making it easily accessible from across the Midlands and beyond. A short-stay drop-off zone is available at the terminal forecourt — charges apply after a short free window, so have a plan before you arrive. The A45 provides an alternative approach from Birmingham city centre.
M42 J6 · Drop-off charges apply · A45 from city centre
Parking at Birmingham Airport
Birmingham offers a range of parking options from terminal-adjacent short stay to budget long-stay parks with shuttle buses. Pre-booking is strongly recommended — walk-up prices are significantly higher.
Short Stay
Located directly opposite the terminal — ideal for drop-offs and pick-ups or short trips. The most expensive option but the most convenient. A free 10-minute grace period applies for drop-offs.
Long Stay & Express
Several long-stay car parks are a short shuttle bus ride from the terminal. Express Drop-Off is a mid-range option with a faster shuttle. Pre-book online for the best rates — prices can be 50% lower than walk-up.
Meet & Greet
Drive to the terminal, hand your keys to a valet, and collect your car on return. The most seamless option for families or those with a lot of luggage. Book well in advance as slots fill quickly.
Facilities & Lounges
Birmingham's terminal has been significantly upgraded in recent years and offers a solid range of dining, retail, and passenger services both landside and airside.
Airport Lounges
The Aspire Lounge and the No1 Lounge are both available airside and open to any passenger regardless of airline or travel class. Access can be purchased online in advance at a lower rate than on the day. Priority Pass and Lounge Key are accepted. Emirates operates its own dedicated lounge for business and first class passengers.
Dining & Bars
Airside dining includes Wetherspoons, Pret a Manger, Wagamama, and a selection of grab-and-go outlets. Landside options are more limited, so it is worth eating or grabbing a coffee once you are through security. The terminal extension has added several newer food and drink units in recent years.
Shopping
World Duty Free is the main retail anchor airside, alongside Boots, WHSmith, and a range of fashion and accessories stores. The retail offer is more compact than at the larger London airports but covers the essentials comfortably.
Families & Accessibility
Dedicated family security lanes are available. Baby changing facilities and a children's play area are located airside. Passengers requiring mobility assistance should pre-notify their airline — the airport's assistance team operates from a dedicated desk in the terminal.
Tips for Travelling Through Birmingham
The Air-Rail Link monorail to Birmingham International station is free and runs every two minutes — it is by far the easiest way to reach the terminal. If you are coming from London, book your train to Birmingham International rather than New Street to avoid an extra connection.
Security queues at Birmingham can be lengthy during peak morning departures (5am–8am) and on Friday afternoons. Arrive at least two hours before a short-haul flight. The airport publishes live security wait times on its website and app — worth checking the night before.
Pre-book parking as early as possible. Prices at Birmingham rise steeply as your travel date approaches — booking several weeks in advance can save 40–50% compared to walk-up rates. Always book directly through the official Birmingham Airport website for the best prices.
Check in online and use bag-drop rather than full check-in desks wherever possible. This can save a significant amount of time, particularly with Ryanair and Jet2 which are the airport's two busiest carriers.
If you are considering lounge access, book the Aspire or No1 Lounge online at least 24 hours before departure. Walk-in prices are noticeably higher, and during busy periods the lounges can reach capacity and turn passengers away.
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