Quick answer
Take the free Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International station (about 2 minutes), then a train to Birmingham New Street (about 10 minutes). The NEC is right beside Birmingham International station. Buses X1 and X12 stop at the terminal for a cheaper, slower ride.
Getting from BHX to Birmingham city centre
| Option | Typical time | Cost | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air-Rail Link + train | About 2 min + about 10 min to New Street | Air-Rail Link free; train fare varies | First floor of the terminal |
| Bus X1 (city centre and Coventry) | Longer than the train; traffic dependent | Cash or contactless on board | Bus stop K at the terminal |
| Bus X12 (city centre and Solihull) | Traffic dependent | Cash or contactless on board | Bus stop L at the terminal |
| Taxi or private hire | Often 20 to 30 min to the centre outside rush hour | Metered or quoted check before you travel | Outside the terminal; pre-book online |
| National Express coach | Varies by route | Book online or with the driver | Directly outside the terminal |
Sources: Airport: Getting here by train (Air-Rail Link, Birmingham International), Airport: By bus or coach, Airport: By private hire and taxis. Taxi times are a typical estimate, not an airport figure.
Train via the Air-Rail Link
The Air-Rail Link is a free cable-hauled shuttle between the first floor of the terminal and the first floor of Birmingham International station. The airport says it runs from 03:30 to 00:30 daily. From the station, direct trains reach New Street in about 10 minutes and London Euston in about 70 minutes with Avanti West Coast. Full details are on the train and Air-Rail Link page.
Buses and coaches
National Express West Midlands and National Express Coventry run the local routes. Routes listed by the airport:
- X1: Birmingham city centre and Coventry, from bus stop K.
- X12: Birmingham city centre and Solihull, from bus stop L.
- 96: Kingstanding and Chelmsley Wood, from bus stop L.
- 17A and 97A: Birmingham city centre to Birmingham International station and the NEC (reach them with the Air-Rail Link).
Pay on board by cash or contactless. Use the Transport for West Midlands journey planner for live times (airport postcode B26 3QJ). Long-distance National Express coaches stop directly outside the terminal, with services to cities across the UK.
Taxis and private hire
The airport points to two booking options: traditional Birmingham black cabs, including wheelchair-accessible cabs, and licensed private hire cars with fixed online quotes. Remember the red routes and drop-off charges if someone is collecting you by car instead.
Pre-book an airport transfer
A transfer booking tool will sit here. For now, compare the train, bus and taxi options above.
To the NEC and Resorts World
The NEC sits beside Birmingham International station, so from the terminal take the free Air-Rail Link and follow the signs from the station. It is a short walk, though the NEC campus is large, so allow extra time for the far halls. Hotels on and near the campus are on hotels near BHX and the NEC.
By car
The airport is about 8 miles east of the city: leave the M42 at junction 6, take the A45 and follow the signs. Sat nav postcode: B26 3QJ. Rush hours (around 07:30 to 09:00 and 16:30 to 18:00) slow the M42 and M6. Then see parking or drop-off rules.
On foot or by bike
A 2 km segregated cycle route runs beside the A45, linking quiet routes to Solihull and Coventry.
Questions travellers ask
Is the Air-Rail Link free?
Yes. The airport describes it as a free, complimentary service between the terminal and Birmingham International station.
How long is the train from Birmingham Airport to New Street?
About 10 minutes on a direct train from Birmingham International, plus about 2 minutes on the Air-Rail Link from the terminal.
Can I walk from Birmingham Airport to the NEC?
Yes, via the free Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International station, which is next to the NEC.
Sources
- Airport: Getting here by train (Air-Rail Link, Birmingham International)
- Airport: By bus or coach
- Airport: By private hire and taxis
- Transport for West Midlands: journey planner
- National Express coaches
- The NEC, Birmingham: visitor information
- Airport: Directions by car or motorcycle
- Airport: By foot or cycle
Last checked 13 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Details at the airport change often; the airport's website and your airline have the final word.