Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport general information

Flying from Birmingham Airport? Our guide covers essential passenger information, including check-in times, security procedures, shopping, restaurants, WiFi, accessibility, family facilities and transport options.

Find everything you need to help plan your journey and enjoy a smoother start to your trip.

Birmingham Airport parking

If you're driving to Birmingham Airport, APH offers a choice of parking options to suit different budgets and travel requirements.

Choose from convenient Meet & Greet services, on-airport parking and Park & Ride options, with different transfer times and facilities available.

Family-owned since 1980, APH has more than 45 years' experience helping travellers arrange airport parking.

Explore our Birmingham Airport parking options to compare prices, availability and services before booking.

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Birmingham Airport hotel and parking packages

If you have an early flight from Birmingham Airport, booking an airport hotel and parking package can make your departure more convenient.

Stay overnight near the terminal and leave your vehicle parked for the duration of your trip, depending on the package selected.

APH offers a choice of Birmingham Airport hotel and parking packages, helping you compare accommodation, parking arrangements and transfer options in one booking.

View airport hotels & parking

Birmingham Airport hotels

Birmingham Airport has a range of hotels nearby, offering convenient accommodation for passengers with early departures, late arrivals or onward travel plans.

Options include hotels within walking distance of the terminal and accommodation with airport transfer services.

Compare Birmingham Airport hotels to find accommodation that suits your travel plans and budget.

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All about Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport (BHX) is located approximately eight miles southeast of Birmingham city centre, serving passengers from across the West Midlands and surrounding regions.

The airport operates domestic and international flights, connecting travellers with destinations throughout Europe and beyond.

Birmingham Airport has a main passenger terminal offering a wide range of facilities, including check-in desks, security screening, shops, restaurants, cafés, free WiFi, accessible passenger services and family facilities.

Passengers can also access public transport, car hire, airport hotels and parking options.

Our guide provides useful information about Birmingham Airport's facilities, services and transport connections to help you prepare for your journey.

Getting There

Birmingham Airport is accessible by car, train, bus, coach and taxi, with transport connections serving Birmingham city centre and the wider Midlands.

By car: The airport is located near Junction 6 of the M42, with signposted routes to the terminal, car parks and drop-off areas.

By train: Birmingham International railway station provides connections to Birmingham New Street, Coventry, London and other destinations. The free Air-Rail Link connects the railway station with the airport terminal.

By bus: Local bus and coach services connect Birmingham Airport with surrounding towns and cities. Check current routes and timetables before travelling.

By taxi: Taxis and private hire vehicles provide connections to Birmingham city centre and other destinations.

Allow additional time during busy travel periods and check for roadworks or rail disruption before departure.

Airport Map

Birmingham Airport operates from a main passenger terminal, with facilities including check-in desks, security screening, departure gates, shops, restaurants and accessible passenger services.

Use the official Birmingham Airport terminal map to locate facilities before travelling, including toilets, baby changing areas, food and drink outlets and passenger assistance points.

Check-in information

Check-in times at Birmingham Airport vary depending on your airline, destination and whether you're travelling with checked luggage.

As a general guide, passengers should allow around two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul departures, unless their airline advises otherwise.

Check your airline's recommended arrival time, online check-in arrangements and baggage drop-off deadlines before travelling.

During busy periods, allow additional time for check-in and security, particularly if you're travelling with children or require special assistance.

Destinations

Birmingham Airport offers flights to a wide range of domestic and international destinations, including cities and holiday destinations across Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

Passengers can choose from scheduled and seasonal services, with routes and flight frequencies varying throughout the year.

The airport also provides connections through international hub airports for travellers heading to destinations further afield.

Visit the official Birmingham Airport website to check current destinations, airlines and flight schedules before booking your journey.

Disabled Passenger Details

Birmingham Airport provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities and additional accessibility requirements.

Passengers requiring assistance should contact their airline or travel operator in advance to arrange the support they need. This may include help with check-in, security, moving through the terminal and boarding.

The airport also provides accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities and support for passengers with hidden disabilities.

For more information, visit the official Birmingham Airport Assisted Travel information pages before your journey.

Find details of how Birmingham Airport helps passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism here.

Fast-Track security lane

Birmingham Airport offers an Express Lane service that provides access to a dedicated queue at Zone B Security.

The service can be pre-booked online through Birmingham Airport's official website, subject to availability. Limited on-the-day purchases may also be available.

Prices vary, so check the airport's website for current charges and available booking times.

Express Lane passengers must still complete standard airport security checks and should allow sufficient time before departure.

Shopping

Birmingham Airport offers a wide selection of shops where passengers can purchase travel essentials, gifts, fashion, beauty products and duty-free items.

Retailers include World Duty Free, Boots, WHSmith, InMotion, JD Sports and M&S Simply Food, with stores located before and after security.

Whether you're looking for last-minute travel essentials or something to take on your journey, check the airport's official shopping directory for the latest store locations and opening hours.

Where to Eat

Birmingham Airport offers a variety of cafés, restaurants and takeaway options for passengers looking for food and drink before their flight.

Popular choices include Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger, Caffè Nero, McDonald's and wagamama, offering everything from coffee and light snacks to sit-down meals.

Food and drink outlets are located in different areas of the terminal, with options available before and after security.

Opening hours may vary depending on the outlet and flight schedules, so check the official Birmingham Airport food and drink directory before travelling.

Read our guide for all tastes here

Area for Kids

Birmingham Airport provides facilities to help families travelling with babies and young children.

Baby changing facilities are available within the terminal, while several restaurants offer family-friendly food options.

If you're travelling with young children, allow additional time for check-in and security, particularly when carrying pushchairs, baby food or extra hand luggage.

Dedicated children's play facilities may change, so check Birmingham Airport's latest family travel information before departure.

Wi-Fi access

Birmingham Airport provides free WiFi throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to check flight details, access travel documents and stay connected before departure.

Free WiFi is available in 30-minute sessions, with passengers required to log in to connect.

Follow the airport's on-screen connection instructions when selecting the available WiFi network on your device, find out how to connect here.  

Mobile Devices

If you need to charge your phone or other electronic devices before your flight, check the charging facilities available within Birmingham Airport's terminal.

Charging points and access arrangements may vary by location, so consider bringing a suitable charging cable and portable power bank.

Passengers can also purchase mobile accessories and travel electronics from selected airport retailers, including InMotion.

Remember to check your airline's rules for carrying power banks and spare lithium batteries in hand luggage.

Luggage Trolleys

Luggage trolleys are available at Birmingham Airport to help passengers transport their bags between the terminal, car parks and other designated areas.

Trolleys can be collected from vending points around the airport.

Check Birmingham Airport's official baggage trolley information for collection locations and any applicable charges before travelling, click here.  

Luggage Lockers

Passengers needing to store luggage at Birmingham Airport can use the left luggage services offered by Luggage Point.

The service provides short-term and longer-term baggage storage options, helping passengers who need to leave bags securely before or after their flight.

Luggage Point also offers baggage wrapping, weighing and other passenger services.

Visit the official Luggage Point website to check current opening hours, storage prices and booking arrangements.

Pharmacies

Birmingham Airport has a Well Pharmacy located within the WHSmith store after security, offering a selection of healthcare products and travel essentials.

Boots is also available at the airport for toiletries and other travel-related purchases.

Passengers requiring prescription medication or specific medical supplies should check availability before travelling and carry essential medication in their hand luggage, subject to airline and security requirements.

Showers

Public shower facilities are not generally available within Birmingham Airport's main terminal.

Passengers requiring shower facilities before or after their flight may wish to check nearby airport hotels for available services and access arrangements.

Chapel

Birmingham Airport provides two multi-faith prayer rooms for passengers and visitors.

One is located on the ground floor of the terminal before security, with nearby Wudu facilities. A second prayer room is available on the International Pier after security.

The prayer rooms offer quiet spaces for reflection and worship, with facilities available for people of different faiths.

Opening hours and organised prayer arrangements may vary, so check the airport's official information before travelling.

Viewing Areas

Birmingham Airport has a dedicated aircraft viewing area in Car Park 5, offering visitors a place to watch aircraft taking off and landing.

The viewing area is free to access and includes seating and picnic benches, with views across the airfield.

It is open 24 hours a day, although standard car parking charges apply if you leave your vehicle in Car Park 5.

Sheldon Country Park also offers an alternative location for aircraft enthusiasts, with views of arriving and departing aircraft.