Birmingham Airport
Also known as: Birmingham International Airport, BHX Airport.
Private transfer from BHXSee pricesSee pricesAbout Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the main airport for Birmingham and the West Midlands, in England, United Kingdom. It sits near Bickenhill in Solihull, about 8 miles east-south-east of Birmingham city center, next to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet and TUI all have bases here, flying across Europe and to North Africa, the Canary Islands and, with TUI, the Caribbean and Mexico. Emirates and Qatar Airways connect Birmingham with the Gulf, Turkish Airlines with Istanbul, KLM with Amsterdam and Aer Lingus with Dublin, and Air India flies to Delhi and Amritsar. Dublin, Dubai and Amsterdam are the busiest routes.
All flights use a single terminal, formed in 2011 by joining the airport's two older terminals. A free elevated Air-Rail Link connects the terminal with Birmingham International railway station on the West Coast Main Line.
From the airport, most travelers head into Birmingham city center, to the NEC next door, to Solihull and Coventry, or further across the Midlands to Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Birmingham Airport Ltd
- Runways
One (15/33)
- Passengers per year
About 13.7 million in 2025
- Busiest routes
Dublin, Dubai, Amsterdam, Palma de Mallorca and Alicante (2025)
Arrival tips for Birmingham Airport
All flights arrive at the single terminal. You clear UK passport control first. Many visitors can use the automatic eGates, while others queue at the staffed desks, and queues can build when several holiday flights land together. Most visitors who do not need a visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. After baggage claim, use the green channel if you have nothing to declare or the red channel if you do.
In the arrivals hall, follow the signs for trains, buses or taxis. For trains, take the free Air-Rail Link up to Birmingham International station, where West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry and Transport for Wales run to Birmingham New Street, London Euston and cities across the country. Bus stops are outside the terminal, and black cabs wait at the taxi rank outside arrivals. Pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.
The UK is on GMT in winter and BST (GMT+1) in summer, and uses pounds sterling.
Ground transportation
The train is quickest into central Birmingham; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage or for the countryside around.
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Book a transfer from BHXTrain from Birmingham International
Take the free Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International station, then trains to Birmingham New Street, London Euston, Coventry and beyond.
Black cab from Birmingham Airport
Black cabs wait at the taxi rank outside arrivals. Door to door, though traffic into the city can be heavy at rush hour.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for families, groups and trips to Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon or the Cotswolds.
X1 bus
Runs from outside the terminal to Birmingham city center and Coventry. The cheapest option, but slower than the train.
National Express coach
Long-distance coaches to Birmingham coach station and other cities across the UK.
Terminals
Terminal
One terminal for all flights, formed in 2011 from the two former terminals, linked to Birmingham International station by the Air-Rail Link.
Airlines and destinations
Airport lounges
Emirates Lounge
A business-class lounge on the pier opened in 2009, for eligible Emirates passengers.
Parking
On-airport car parks
Charges apply even for short stays; car parks further from the terminal are cheaper than those close by.
Drop-off car park
A dedicated drop-off car park serves passengers being dropped off or collected by car.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Birmingham Airport from the city center?
Birmingham Airport is about 8 miles east-south-east of Birmingham city center, near Bickenhill in Solihull. The quickest way into town is by train from Birmingham International station to Birmingham New Street, reached on the free Air-Rail Link. The X1 bus and taxis are alternatives.
How do I get from Birmingham Airport to the train station?
Take the free Air-Rail Link, an elevated shuttle that runs from the terminal to Birmingham International station. From there, trains run to Birmingham New Street, London Euston, Coventry and other cities on the West Coast Main Line.
Is Birmingham Airport near the NEC?
Yes. The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) borders the airport on its east side, and Birmingham International station serves both. It is a short transfer from the terminal, which makes the airport handy for exhibitions and concerts at the NEC.
How many terminals does Birmingham Airport have?
Birmingham has one terminal. The airport's two former terminals were joined into a single building in 2011, so every flight now checks in and arrives in the same place.
Which airlines fly from Birmingham Airport?
Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet and TUI have bases at Birmingham, flying mainly to holiday and city destinations in Europe. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Aer Lingus and Air India connect Birmingham with hubs and long-haul destinations.
Do I need an ETA to fly into Birmingham?
Most visitors who do not need a visa for the UK, including travelers from the US and the EU, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they fly to Birmingham or any UK airport. Apply online before your trip. Visitors who need a visa apply for that instead.