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Birmingham Airport Parking

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Compare Birmingham Airport Parking

As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham Airport is an important flight centre for the midlands and beyond. At such a busy airport, finding the best airport parking package will get your trip off to the best possible start, and doesn’t need to be a confusing process.

Birmingham Airport has a range of airport parking options and packages to suit every budget. Choose from short stay, long stay or even meet and greet parking.

Parking options at Birmingham Airport

At Birmingham Airport, there are seven airport car parks to choose from depending on the length of stay and distance from the terminal. All the airport car parks are on site, but range in transfer time from a couple of minutes up to 15 minutes walk from the check-in area.

Car Parks 1,2 & 3

Car Parks 1, 2 and 3 are covered multi-storey car parks. These options are ideal if being close to the terminal is important, as each is only a one-minute walk from the main entrance.

These car parks are available for short- and long-stay parking and can either be booked in advance or just drive up and park during the day. Multi-story car parking means you keep your car keys while you travel, and it is an excellent option for those who want to park their car undercover and away from the elements.

Car Park 7

A further open-air surfaced car park at Birmingham Airport is away from the leading site. The free shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes and takes around 5-10 minutes to reach the terminal.

Car park 7 is only available by pre-booking, but longer stays can save you money on your airport parking.

Drop Off Area

Birmingham Airport has two options for dropping off passengers. The free drop-off area permits a stay of up to 30 minutes without a charge and is just 400metres from the terminal. There is a dedicated walkway, so finding your way to the airport is easy.

Alternatively, if you want to get as close to the airport as possible, choosing the Premium set-down area means passengers are only a one-minute walk from check-in. The area is barrier-controlled, and charges begin at £3.00 for 15 minutes.

Car Park 4 & 5

For longer stays, car park 4 at Birmingham Airport offers a surface car park a short walk from the terminal. The walk takes approximately 3-5 minutes, but if you’d prefer there is also a free shuttle transfer leaving car park 4 every 15 minutes.

Car park 5 is also on-site, but a slightly longer 5-10 minute walk away, however, the free shuttle bus is also available from here too. Both car parks are accredited with ParkMark, you can be sure that your car will be safe while you’re away.

Valet parking and Meet and Greet

If the idea of transfer shuttles from the car park leaves you cold, Birmingham Airport offers the ultimate in convenience with valet parking. The meet and greet area is located next to Car Park 3.

From here, you simply drop your keys with a chauffeur, who will park your vehicle in one of the airport’s accredited car parks, and bring it back in time for your return.

Birmingham Airport parking benefits at a glance:

  • Close to the main terminal
  • All car parks ParkMark accredited
  • Safe and secure vehicle parking
  • CCTV monitoring
  • Pre-book for a guaranteed parking space
  • Electric car charging points available
  • Accessible parking spaces
  • Keep your keys, or use valet parking
  • Walk to the terminal or free shuttle bus
  • Save money by booking online

Hotel and parking at Birmingham

Birmingham Airport serves passengers from a vast swathe of the midlands, some of whom need to travel long distances just to reach the airport. For those with an early morning start time or a long drive just to get to the airport, choosing an airport hotel for an overnight stay before your flight can take the stress out of travelling.

Instead of worrying about last-minute traffic jams, or getting out of bed in the middle of the night, an airport hotel stay will mean you arrive for your flight after a good night’s sleep, refreshed and ready to go.

Birmingham Airport has three hotels within the airport complex, all within easy reach of the terminal. While the hotels do not have their own separate car parks, deals are available to pre-book hotel and parking stays, using the accredited airport car parks.

Hotels at Birmingham airport include:

  • Ibis – 3-star hotel with an on-site restaurant
  • Novotel – 4-star hotel for business and leisure travellers
  • Hilton Garden Inn – 4-star hotel with room service, fitness centre and business centre

Transfers to and from Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport is easy to reach using all forms of transport.

Close to the major motorway network, and served by good public transport links, arranging your transfer to or from the terminal is a simple process.

By Train

Birmingham Airport is served by Birmingham International rail station. From here, a dedicated monorail service quickly whisks passengers on the short two-minute journey to the terminal.

A number of rail operators including Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Railways and Cross Country run direct transfers to major destinations including London, Manchester and Milton Keynes.

Direct trains also connect with the city centre station Birmingham New Street. The journey to the city centre takes just ten minutes.

By Taxi

Travelling by taxi to or from Birmingham Airport is a convenient and relaxing way to start or end your trip.

There is a taxi rank located outside the terminal if you want to pick up a black cab, or you may book a private hire cab with the airport’s official private hire company, Arrow Cars.

By Bus

Regular bus services connect the airport with Birmingham city centre, along with coaches from national operators National Express and Megabus.

The X1, X12 and 75/75A buses run frequently between the city centre, Coventry and Solihull to the airport terminal or International Interchange station.

These services are operated by Network West Midlands, and payment is made on the bus.

Car Hire

Hiring a car is a great way to get around after arriving at Birmingham Airport. As a major flight hub, there are plenty of car hire firms to choose from located in the terminal, so you can find the best deal on your car hire.

In the arrivals hall in the terminal, there are desks for seven well-known car hire firms, including:

  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Europcar
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
  • Sixt
  • Firefly

Birmingham Airport Overview

Birmingham Airport, or BHX, is an important flight centre, serving the east and west midlands, Wales and parts of the west country. As the seventh busiest airport in the UK, it serves over 12 million passengers per year and operates flights to all major European destinations as well as North America, the Middle East and India.

Originally known as Elmdon Airport, the airport is located near Solihull, around 8 miles from the centre of Birmingham. Opened in 1939, it was used during the second world war as an RAF base, before continuing to expand and grow into the major transport hub of today.

Birmingham Airport used to have two separate terminals, which in 2011 were merged into one as the airport continued to grow.

Location of Birmingham Airport

The airport is about 8 miles east of Birmingham city centre and is well placed to serve the 35 million people who live within a two-hour drive of the complex.

The closest motorway is the M42, from where the airport is clearly signposted from all directions via the A45. SatNav users should follow the airport postcode B26 3QJ

Which terminal do I need at Birmingham Airport?

While Birmingham Airport did use to have Terminals 1 & 2, after a programme of expansion the two separate terminal buildings have been merged into one, large terminal.

From here, over 50 airlines operate flights all over the world.

Travelling with children at Birmingham Airport

Thousands of families pass through Birmingham Airport each year, and the airport is family-friendly. Travelling with small children can be more difficult than as a solo passenger, and the airport is well equipped to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.

There are baby change facilities located throughout the terminal both land and airside, and most of the cafes and restaurants offer food suitable for children.

Baby food, nappies, wipes and other essentials can be purchased in the departure lounge in case you forget something vital, along with magazines, colouring books and games to keep children entertained on long flights.

Birmingham Airport has a dedicated SkyZone area. Free to use, the interactive play area uses virtual reality and aims to keep children (and adults!) entertained while you wait for your flight. It can be found close to Gate 55 in the departures area.

It can take longer than usual to get through check-in and find your way to your flight if you have small children in tow.

Birmingham offers an express lane at security, which will allow you to skip the queues if you’re short on time. The Express Lane can be booked in advance, or simply pay on the day using the machines at the entrance to the security hall.

Facilities at Birmingham Airport

There is plenty to do at Birmingham Airport whilst waiting for your flight. As the airport serves every kind of passenger and trip, from business to leisure, short-haul to long-haul, the airport is well-positioned to provide every kind of service passengers could possibly need.

The busy terminal hosts a wide range of shops, restaurants and bars offering a selection of hot and cold snacks, coffees, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

To get your trip off to a luxurious start you can sip a glass of champagne while you wait for your flight, or simply browse the many well-known high street brand shops and pick up a magazine, book or last-minute toiletries.

Facilities available at Birmingham Airport include:

  • Shops
  • Bars
  • Restaurants
  • Business Lounges
  • Passenger lounges
  • Trolleys
  • Drinking fountains
  • Toilets
  • Accessible toilets
  • Baby changing areas
  • Currency exchange
  • Multi-faith prayer room
  • Information point
  • Interactive children’s play area
  • Lost property
  • Smoking area
  • Meeting rooms
  • Express lane security
  • Fast track arrivals
  • Special assistance
  • Aircraft viewing area
  • Long stay parking
  • Short stay parking
  • Valet parking
  • Car hire

What to do at Birmingham Airport

Your airport experience does not have to be a dull one! There are plenty of choices when it comes to keeping yourself entertained at Birmingham Airport.

Relax in a lounge

Booking an airport lounge is a great way to start off your holiday in style. The lounges at Birmingham Airport offer travellers a peaceful and relaxing space to use while waiting for their flight.

Typically offering a range of complimentary hot and cold snacks, teas, coffees, and alcoholic beverages, booking a lounge means you’ll be away from all the hustle and bustle of the busy terminal.

Birmingham has four lounges to choose from:

  • Aspire
  • Emirates
  • No. 1
  • Clubrooms

Lounges are a great choice for business travellers, as most will offer fast and free Wi-Fi and charging points for phones or laptops.

Get a glass of fizz

Start your holiday as you mean to go on in the elegant surroundings of Bottega Prosecco Bar. Serving a selection of fine wines, prosecco and delicious cured meats, cheeses and snacks from the Venezia DOC region of Italy, it’s a great way to treat yourself as you make your way through the terminal to your flight.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast

For those early morning flights, you might have left home long before normal breakfast time, so why not get your day off to the right start with a hearty breakfast in one of the restaurants or cafes in the departure lounge?

Frankie and Benny’s offers an extensive choice of breakfasts, including gluten-free options and children’s menus, so there’s sure to be something to take your fancy. Whether it’s the full English or a stack of blueberry pancakes, you definitely don’t need to go hungry.

Spot some planes

For anyone enthusiastic about aircraft, Birmingham Airport has a dedicated plane viewing area. Located next to the perimeter fence by car park 5, the viewing area offers a fantastic view of the runway, so you can spot your favourite planes landing and taking off for as long as you like. It’s equipped with picnic tables, so you can take as long as you like.

Shop until you drop

There’s no need to worry if you’ve forgotten any of your travel essentials, as Birmingham Airport’s departure lounge is packed with everything you could possibly need. Perhaps you need to pick up some sun cream for your beach getaway, or maybe treat yourself to a new set of headphones so you can watch a movie whilst on your flight.

Pick up this year’s bestselling book to read as you wait, or simply browse the latest fashions and shoes in luxury boutiques.

What to see near the Airport

As a major city, there are so many attractions in Birmingham for every possible taste. The airport is well connected by public transport to the city centre, so you’re bound to find plenty to do within easy reach of the terminal.

Get scientific in the ThinkTank Museum

Located in the heart of the city centre, Birmingham’s ThinkTank Museum draws visitors from all over the country. Built as part of the Millennium Point development, the ThinkTank is an award-winning science museum, and a fantastic day out for families.

With hundreds of interactive displays and exhibits, you can get hands-on in the science garden, take in a show in the planetarium or learn about the history of the steam engine and discover how to make a talking robot.

Visit a real chocolate factory

The world-famous Cadbury’s Chocolate was founded in Birmingham, and to this day the chocolate factory in Bourneville attracts millions of visitors a year.

It’s approximately half an hour’s drive from the airport to visit Cadbury World, where you can learn about the history of chocolate, see how it is made, visit interactive displays and of course sample a few of your favourite sweet treats.

Rev up at the National Motorcycle museum

For petrolheads, a visit to the National Motorcycle Museum is a must. As the largest motorcycle museum in the world, here you’ll find over a thousand examples of British engineering, from restored classics to modern-day machines.

Located at Junction 6 of the M42 motorway, the museum is very close to Birmingham Airport and easy to access by car.

Stroll around the canals

Birmingham is a city famous for its canal network. As a once-vital part of the city’s industrial heritage, the canals were used for transporting goods in Victorian times, and it’s said that the Birmingham Canal Network has more miles of canals than Venice.

Visit the restored Gas Street Basin area, which is well known for its vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment or simply stroll or rent a bike to explore the hidden areas of the city on the canal towpath.

Enjoy the arts

Whether you are into theatre, classical music, rock concerts or ballet, Birmingham city centre has plenty to keep you occupied. The Arena is a large venue hosting internationally renowned musical events like Alicia Keys, Harry Styles, and Celine Dion.

You could also visit the Symphony Hall for a classical concert, or catch a show at the Hippodrome. For sports fans, Edgebaston is world-famous for cricket and is only a half-hour drive from the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find the cheapest parking at Birmingham Airport?

There are many different parking options at Birmingham Airport, and the total cost of your parking package will depend on the length of your stay, and which type of car park you use.

The best deals on Birmingham Airport parking are usually found by booking in advance. Generally, the closer you park to the terminal, the more expensive the car park, although this may not always be the case.

The best way to get the best deal is to shop around and compare the different rates to see which is best for you.

Can I park my motorbike at Birmingham Airport?

There is a dedicated motorbike parking area at Birmingham Airport. It is located in Car Park 2 and is clearly signposted. Be aware that if you park your motorcycle in a standard car parking space, you may be charged the full car parking rate.

What time should I check in for my flight?

Arriving late for your flight makes travelling a very stressful experience. Most airlines recommend you check in at least two hours before your scheduled departure time, and this may rise to four hours for long-haul flights so it is worth checking before you set off for the airport.

You’ll need to allow time to check in any hold baggage, proceed through security (which may have queues at busy times) and make your way to the departure gate.

How much does Express security cost at Birmingham Airport?

Express Security passes allow passengers to pass through security checks more quickly, beating any queues in standard lanes at busy times. You can either pre-book Express Security online, by filling out an online form here for £3.75 per person. If you choose to use Express Security on your day of travel, it will cost £5.

Is special assistance available at Birmingham Airport?

Yes, there are various types of assistance available if you are travelling to or from Birmingham airport. It is recommended that you alert the airline you are travelling with at least two days in advance if you will require assistance in the terminal.

Are baggage trolleys available at BHX?

Trolleys are available for passengers to use at Birmingham Airport, so you won’t have to struggle from the car park to check in whilst overloaded. The trolleys cost £1 and are coin-operated to unlock at vending points located in the car parks and arrivals halls. The trolley vending points also accept credit and debit cards.

Can I collect travel money at Birmingham Airport?

There is a Travelex bureau located in the main terminal. You can pre-order your holiday currency and pick it up in the airport, or simply use the ATMs located around the airport to draw out Euros.

What help is available for autistic passengers?

Travelling can be challenging for autistic passengers and their carers. Birmingham Airport has produced a video series aimed to prepare people with autism and other hidden disabilities for their experience in the terminal. The resources can be downloaded here.

How much does a lounge cost at Birmingham Airport?

Booking a lounge can be a great way to relax before your flight. Birmingham Airport has four lounges, some of which are open to passengers regardless of which airline you are flying with.

Prices for the Aspire Lounge start from £24.99 for an adult, and include food and drink, newspapers and other useful services like phone charge points and Wi-Fi.

Where is the best place to pick up passengers at Birmingham Airport?

The best place to wait to pick up passengers from the terminal is car parks 1, 2 & 3. These are multi-storey car parks a short walk from the arrivals hall. Rates start at £5.70 for an hour.

There is a drop-off lane directly outside the terminal, but charges for this are at a premium, so you could face a hefty bill if your passengers are later than expected!

Can I charge my electric car at Birmingham Airport?

Electric car charging points are available in the premium set-down parking area close to the terminal. Electric Car owners can benefit from the discounted rate of £2 for the first hour (as charging usually takes 20 minutes) by validating their parking at the Customer Service cabin. You must be registered with Ecotricity to use this benefit.

I have an early flight, can I stay at the airport overnight?

There are three hotels located near the main terminal complex. Booking a hotel the night before you travel is a great way to make sure you arrive at the airport for an early flight in plenty of time, without the stress of travelling overnight to worry about.

The airport hotels offer a good range of facilities like on-site restaurants, Wi-Fi and room service depending on your budget.